THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 

 
 1^ 
 
 V '
 
 yh^iyi^ 

 
 A HISTORY 
 
 SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 
 ST. GABRIEL STREET, MONTREAL. 
 
 REV. ROBERT CAMPBELL, M.A., 
 Thk Last Pastor. 
 
 MONTREAL : 
 
 W. DRYSDALE & CO., PUBLISHERS, 
 
 1887.
 
 Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year 1887, by 
 W. Dbysdale & Co., in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. 
 
 (lAZKTTE Printing Company, Montrkau
 
 M7S;3c 
 
 V 
 
 TO 
 
 OF THE 
 
 several generations of christians, formerly worshipping in the 
 St. Gabriel Street Church, but who, having accomplished 
 
 THEIR warfare, ARE NOW AT REST; 
 
 AND, ESPECIALLY, 
 
 TO THOSE WHO WERE MEMBERS OP THE CONGREGATION UNDER THE AUTHOR's 
 
 MINISTRY IN THE OLD CHURCH, DURING THE LAST TWENTY YEARS 
 
 OF THE CENTURY EMBRACED IN THIS HISTORY, 
 
 IN RECOGNITION 
 
 OF THEIR UNIFORM KINDNESS, FORBEARANCE AND LOYALTY, THIS VOLUME 
 IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 
 
 G60G08
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 This memorial volume has swelled to dimensions far 
 beyond the original intentions of the author. So far as 
 paper and printer's ink are concerned, at least, subscribers 
 get a great deal more for their money than was promised 
 them. The plan of the work, which was to discuss 
 such public questions as the Church in St. G-abriel Street 
 had special connection with, and to give an account of 
 the persons who filled office in the congregation, has been 
 adhered to ; but the details have covered more space 
 than was apprehended. On taking counsel with friends, 
 whose judgment I deemed reliable, I was led to believe 
 that sketches of those who had taken a leading part in 
 the church, for a hundred years, would add to the interest 
 and value of the publication. These biographical notices 
 have mainly contributed to the increased bulk of the 
 volume. 
 
 It may well be thought surprising that the records of 
 so humble an edifice should furnish materials for a book 
 of 800 pages ; but the variety of incidents centering in 
 the quaint little church was quite remarkable, and the 
 number of persons of note who had a more or less inti- 
 mate relation to it, was very great. In the old world, a 
 structure only a hundred years old would have no special 
 reverence paid it ; but with the rapid developments
 
 u 
 
 which our city and couutry have witnessed, a century 
 counts for much ; and most readers will probably admit 
 that it would be a pity that the events recorded and the 
 persons described in these pages, should have been alto- 
 gether forgotten. 
 
 I do not expect every reader to peruse the entire volume. 
 Some will value it on account of the original documents 
 bearing on the history of the country which it contains, 
 and which jt was thought desirable to make public. Others 
 will pass these parts by without ever glancing at them. 
 To Montreal readers, generally, the brief sketches of former 
 well-known citizens, herein presented, will probably be 
 the most attractive feature of the book ; but even in this 
 part of it, persons outside the city may take an interest, 
 as many of those whose careers are sketched, belonged to 
 Canada at large, as well as to Montreal. I cannot pretend 
 to faultless accuracy in these brief narratives. It would 
 be scarcely possible to have avoided mistakes in giving 
 details of the lives of several hundred persons ; but I can 
 at least claim to have left unused no sources of informa- 
 tion regarding them that I knew to be within my reach, 
 and I hope that these biographies will be found, in the 
 main, reliable. My function has been to ascertain facts, 
 to show their mutual relations, and interpret them aright 
 if possible. I am not to be held responsible for the facts 
 themselves, but only for the manner of narrating them. 
 Many things happened in connection with the old church 
 which one could wish had never come to pass ; but they 
 were not to be undone by being suppressed. It is the 
 business of the historian not to describe events as they
 
 Ill 
 
 ought to have been, but as they were. In this spirit, I 
 have done my work. I have spoken of men and things 
 as I understand them to have been — nothing extenuated, 
 nor aught set down in malice. 
 
 The engravings in this volume, of which there are 
 two more than were promised to suscribers, are the 
 handywork of G-eorge H. Matthews, of the Boston Wood 
 Engraving Company, and have been pronounced good 
 by competent judges. It is to be regretted, in the cause 
 of superior art, that Mr. Matthews, after giving Montreal 
 a trial for a year, did not find patronage sufficient to 
 encourage him to remain with us, and so has returned to 
 Boston. 
 
 There have been many excellent men and women con- 
 nected with the St. G-abriel Street Church besides those 
 herein mentioned, — persons probably as worthy of havino* 
 been held in grateful remembrance. But the subjects of 
 these sketches were not, for the most part, of my choosing. 
 The ministers, as the chief centres of the life of the church 
 during their several pastorates, have, of course, most space 
 ^given to them. Then, as it was my plan to describe the 
 oflB.ce-bearers, the elders, the members of the temporal 
 committee, the deacons, and the trustees, were already 
 selected to my hand. They had commended themselves 
 to their fellows in the church in the several generations, 
 for their zeal and supposed ability to promote the inter- 
 ests of the congregation. Besides them, a few individuals 
 whose outstanding qualities, or conspicuous careers, gave 
 them a claim to notice which will not be challenged, have 
 been assigned a place in this volume.
 
 IV 
 
 I had occasion to notice generous and public-spirited 
 acts on the part of former citizens. Since those remarks 
 were written, the whole world has been called on to 
 admire the splendid gift to the city, in commemoration 
 of the Queen's Jubilee, of Sir G-eorge Stephen and Sir 
 Donald A. Smith, of $1,000,000 for Hospital purposes. 
 
 I have to express my acknowledgments to many friends 
 who have encouraged me in this undertaking. To all the 
 subscribers I owe thanks, as they have so far guaranteed 
 the expenses involved in the publication. I have been spe- 
 cially indebted to the Hon. Justice Cross, the Hon. Alex- 
 ander Morris, the Rev. Dr. Snodgrass, and Mr. T. S. Brown, 
 Mr. Jas. Tasker, to the proprietors of the Montreal Gazette, 
 Montreal Herald, and Montreal Witness, to the librarians of 
 the Parliamentary Library at Ottawa, of McGrill College, 
 and of the Fraser Institute, to " Hochelaga Depicta," and 
 " Ville Marie," by Alfred Sandham, published by George 
 Bishop & Co., to the Rector of Christ Church, to the min- 
 isters of the several Presbyterian Churches of the city, — 
 and to numerous other persons who have kindly fur- 
 nished particulars regarding their ancestors and relatives. 
 
 I trust this volume may be deemed worthy of a place 
 on the shelves of citizens generally, irrespective of creed, 
 as containing information regarding the century, 1786 to 
 1886, that they would all wish to possess and preserve. It 
 is only in a loose sense that the narrative can be called a 
 " history." It would more accurately be designated a col- 
 lection of raw materials, some of which may be useful to 
 the historian ; but such as it is, it is offered for the candid 
 perusal of the public. The first issue of the volume is
 
 limited to subscribers, but arrangements have been made 
 to supply additional copies to new subscribers, whose 
 names will be duly embraced in a future issue, if it shall 
 be demanded. And now I take farewell of my readers. 
 If they experience half the pleasure in glancing over 
 these pages, that I have had in writing them, my labour 
 of love will not have been in vain. 
 
 St. G-abriel Manse, 
 Montreal, July 15th, 1881.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Montreal Cradled in Religion — Cartier, Champlain and Maisonneuve 
 Religious Men — The Early Jesuit Fathers — The Huguenots in 
 Canada — Company of Hundred Associates — The St. Sulpicians... 1 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Montreal, not only beautiful and well situated from a Military Point 
 of View, but also commands the Trade of the northern portion of 
 the Continent — Ontario's desire to possess the Island of Montreal 
 — Earliest Trade, that in Peltries : its influence — Formation of 
 North-west Company — Relations between Commerce and Religion 
 — Connection of the Army with the First Establishment of the 
 Scotch Church in Montreal — The old 78th Regiment, a link be- 
 tween " Prince Charlie " and the Scotch Church in Montreal 13 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Connection of the Church with the American War of Independence — 
 Rev. John Bethune, the Founder of the Scotch Congregation in 
 Montreal — The old 84th Regiment, or " Highland Emigrants " — 
 The U. E. Loyahsts — Mr. Bethune settles in AVilliamstown, so 
 called after Sir William Johnson — His Character and Work — 
 Father of the Late Dean and of the Late Bishop of Toronto .... 25 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Social, Civil and Commercial Condition of things in Montreal a Cen- 
 tury ago — Presbyterian Church has kept pace with the Growth of 
 the City — The Scotch in Montreal, before 1786, worshipped with 
 the English Cluirch Congregation — Rev. John Young, a Scotch 
 Licentiate, with American Ordination — Settled in Montreal in 
 1791, as "Stated Supply" — A Link between the Congregation 
 and the Presbyterian Church of the United States — Mr. Young's 
 Weakness and Misfortunes 39
 
 Vlll 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Rev. John Young's Gifts and liis success in strengthening the Presby- 
 terian cause in Montreal — The social life of the time in the city — 
 Anomalous position for Minister and Congregation, he never 
 having been inducted — Discontent with his ministry — Mr. 
 Young's resignation and departure — His subsequent honorable 
 career — The ' Recollet Church ' — Hospitality of the Recollet 
 Fathers towards the Scotch in giving the use of their Church — 
 The St. Gabriel Street Church built in 1792 — The Protestant 
 Church at Berthier— Original Trust Deed of St. Gabriel Street 
 Church — The old Church and the Champ de Mars 55 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Ten Trustees of St. Gabriel Street Church — Adam Scott, William 
 Stewart, Duncan Fisher, William England, Alexander Fisher, 
 William Hunter, Thomas Cakes, John Empey, and John Russel 
 — The Original Subscription List for the erection of the Church 
 — Remarks on the same 69 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Notices of the leading subscribers to the Church Building Fund — The 
 Fur ]\Ierchants — Alexander Henry, Forsyth-Richardson & Co., 
 Sir John Johnson, James McGill, Andrew Todd, Joseph Frobisher, 
 George McBeath, Francis Winter, James Dunlop, John Gregory, 
 Wm. Murray, John Lilly, Auldjo & Maitlaud, James Woolrich, 
 and the Employees of the Company, Sir Alexander MacKenzie, 
 Nicholas Montour, Robert Grant, Peter Pangman, William Mc- 
 Gillivray, Simon Eraser, Cuthbort Grant, Angus Shaw, Roderick 
 McKenzie, Robert Thompson, William Thorburn, James Finlay, 
 David Grant, Alex. Eraser and Peter Grant 84 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The remaining subscribers to the Building Fund — Benaiah Gibb, 
 Richard Dobie, James Logan, William Forbes, James Cowie, John 
 and James McDowall, James Strother, Thomas Busby, Hon. John 
 Molson, Ricliard Brooke, John Finlayson, Simon Clarke, Donald 
 McKercher, John McArthur, John Fisher. John Hunter, William 
 Russel, George Stansfield, Jacob Marston, Alexander Simpson, 
 Thomas Sullivan, John Neagles, John J. Deihl, Andrew Winkle- 
 foss, Alexander Robertson, Jonathen A. Gray, John Gray, Dr. 
 Blake, Samuel Adams, David Smith, and Joseph Howard 113
 
 IX 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Subscribers to the Debt in 1800— William Logan, Joseph Provan, John 
 Stephenson, Philip Ross, William Demont, John Lockhart Wise- 
 man, James Birss, Wilham Ireland, William Manson, Thomas A. 
 Turner, John Blackwood, John Ferguson, William Martin, Robert 
 Aird, John Aird, R. McClement, James Smith, Richard Warflfe, 
 Captain Chisholm, Thomas Porteous, Nicol Fletcher, John Mittle- 
 berger, John McCord, David Ross, Peter McFarlane and James 
 Henderson 130 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Rev. James Somerville's Birth, Education and Licensure — Comes to 
 Canada — Chosen successor lo Mr. Young — His Literary and 
 Scientific Tastes — His Marriage — Originates Natural History- 
 Society and Montreal General Hospital — His Benefactions and 
 Death 150 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Rev. J. Somerville recommended by Rev. Dr. Spark — First trouble 
 over the Possession of the Keys of the Church— Mr. Somerville's 
 Letter on the situation — His Ordination and Induction — The 
 Second Presbytery of Montreal— Rev. Robert Forrest and Rev. 
 Robert Esson, Secession Ministers from Scotland — Erection of 
 St. Peter Street Church — Mr. Esson's Address on the occasion — 
 The Difficulty about getting Registers by all except ministers of 
 the Churches of Rome and of England — The Character of the 
 Adherents of St. Gabriel Street and St. Peter Street Churches 
 respectively 168 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Right Rev. John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto— A Candidate for St. 
 Gabriel Street Church in 1802— His Letter of Application— His 
 birth, education and position in Scotland — His relations to the 
 Presbyterian Church— His subsequent career in Canada 183 
 
 CHAPTER XIIL 
 
 Friendly relations between the English and Scotch Churches in Mon- 
 treal—Rev. D. C. Delisle, the first Protestant Clergyman in the 
 City— Succeeded by Rev. James Tunstall, and he by Rev. Jehosha- 
 phat Mountain, D.D.— Mediaeval Claims of Church of England
 
 PAGE 
 
 resisted by the Church of Scotland— Christ Church Congregation 
 worship in St. Gabriel Street Church from 1803 to 1814 — Opening 
 of the first Christ Church...." 201 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The Business of the Church transacted by the Elders — The Rules and 
 Regulations, framed in 1804, gave proprietors of pews supreme 
 control — A Committee constituted the Executive of the Congrega- 
 tion, with large powers — Those Rules and Regulations denounced 
 after 1844, as Erastian by Mr. Esson — Revised and altered essen- 
 tially in 1845— The last By-Laws, drawn up in 1807 215 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The new names that appear on the subscription list to Mr. Somerville 
 in 1803 — James Grant, Isaac Todd, John Shuter, Archibald Mc- 
 Millan, George Piatt, John McKinstry, James Kyle, Jacob Hall, 
 William Skakel, George Skakel, Alexander Skakel, William Gra- 
 ham, John McKindlay, John Porteous, William Porteous, Andrew 
 Porteous, Finlay Fisher, James Smith, John Ogilvy, Wm.Stewart, 
 Andrew Patterson, Jasper Tough, James Laing, Alex. Allison, 
 Alex: Davidson, John Reid, Hon. Judge Reid, Simon McTavish, 
 Thos. Blackwood, Wm. Hallowell, John Catanach. and F. Guner- 
 man, Thomas Thain 230 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The New Englanders connected with St. Gabriel Street Church, — The 
 Baggs, Elijah Brown, James Chapman, James Charlton — The 
 DeWitts, Horatio Gates, Bezaliel Gray, Thomas Fingland,Laban 
 Folger. Jonathan Hagar, The Halls, Thomas Harris, Jonathan 
 Hart, Samuel Hedge, Joshua Henshaw, Horace Hibbard, The 
 Lymans, Uriah Mitcham, Nahum Mower, Simon Myers, Zenas 
 Nash, David Nelson, Moses Northropp, J. W. Northup, Jonathan 
 Parkins, Cornelius Peck, Nathan Pierce, Abner Rico, ]M. Savage, 
 Isaac Shay, Robert Street, Nathan Strong, Zabdiel Thayer, Simon 
 Thomson, Benjamin Throop, Daniel E. Tylee, The Wadsworths, 
 The Waits, The Whitneys and Josiah Winants — Tlie War of 
 1812 affects them — Items connected witli the victory of Waterloo, 
 1815 — Baptism of negro slaves and Scotch Indian half-breeds. 
 Other members l)elonging to this period, — George Gillespie, Robt 
 Gillespie, The Armours, John Fleming, James Ellice Campbell,
 
 XI 
 
 PAGE 
 
 William Blackwood, Hugh Brodie, Lieutenant-Colonel William 
 Mackay, Archibald Norman McLeod, John iMcDonald and James 
 Brown 251 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Eev. Henry Esson, M.A.,— His birth, Education, and call to Montreal 
 —His high culture and social quahties— His early theological 
 views— His connection with education and the Clergy Reserves 
 question— His marriage — His ideas about an Established Church 
 — The change in his notions of preaching the Gospel— Joins the 
 disruption movement in Canada — Appointed Professor in Knox 
 College— His Death— Dr. Willis' estimate of his character and 
 work > • 276 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Lord Selkirk, Sir Gordon Drummond, Lord Dalhousie, Rev. Dr. TJrqu- 
 hart, Thomas Torrance, John Torrance, Hon. Justice Torrance, 
 Rev. E. F. Torrance, George Garden, Andrew White, James RoUo, 
 Rev.- Dr. Wilkes, Hon. Thomas Mackay, Hon. James Ferrier, 
 Rev. Dr. Douglas 297 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Re-adjustment of the relations of the Pastors, Messrs. Somerville and 
 Esson, to the Congregation, in 1822— Rev. Edward Black called 
 and settled— Financial condition of the Church from 1835 to 1829 
 embarrassing— The unfounded rumours regarding Mr. Esson's 
 character — The Congregation divided, and result disastrous— Dr. 
 Hamilton's account of the scene at the Church door, March 6th, 
 1831— Names of the adherents of Mr. Black and Mr. Esson re- 
 spectively — Matters at issue settled by arbitration — The good that 
 came out of the evil 33c 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The circumstances leading to the establishment of St. Paul's Church 
 —The award of the clerical arbitrators— The Synod's action 
 thereon — Delay in accepting it — Award of the lay arbitrators — 
 St. Paul's Congregation organized — Meet in the Baptist Church 
 — Build St. Paul's — Kindly relations resumed between the two 
 Ministers and their Congregations 351
 
 Xll 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Henrj' ^IcKenzie — Norman Bethune — James Carsne! — John Brown, 
 Dr. William Bobertson — Hon. Georjj:e Moffatt — A. L. MacNider, 
 Dr. Stephenson — Archibald Humo — William Scott — Hon. Peter 
 McGill — John Smith — Sir Hugh Allan — Alex. Glass — Joseph Ross 
 — James Potts — Charles Bowman — Kenneth Dowie — Doufiald 
 Stewart — William Kerr — John Redpath — John Simpson — Robert 
 Simpson — John McKenzie — Hon. L. Gugy — Archibald Ferguson. 366 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 The Clergy Reserves Controversy — Policy of the Crown to Establish 
 the Church of England in Canada — The Oxford Movement 
 favoured the idea — Dr. Strachan's Ecclesiastical Charts — Claims 
 of Niagara and Quebec congregations first put forward — Mr 
 Esson, the great Champion of the Cimrch of Scotland's rights — 
 J. C. Grant's Mission — Dr. Lee's "Queries " — Answers obtained — 
 Church of Scotland General Assembly's Action on the subject — 
 Upper Canada Legislature upholds Presbyterian Claims — At- 
 tempts to control education in Lower Canada by Church of 
 England resisted by Mr. Esson — Church of Scotland's rights 
 granted in 1840 398 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Hon. James Leslie — Campbell Sweeney, Robert Sweeney, Campbell 
 Sweeney, Jr. — Dr. Caldwell — D. P. Ross— William Peddie — Colin 
 McDougall — John Jamieson — Charles Tait — Francis Hunter, Sr. 
 Francis Hunter, Jr. — J. C. Grant — James Scott — James Logan — 
 William Suter — Roderick MacKenzie— Kenneth Walker— Thomas 
 Ross — James Court — Benjamin Workman — Alexander Workman 
 — WilHam Workman — Thomas Workman — John Dougall — Geo. 
 Johnston — Arcliibald Ferguson 421 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 The Free Church Controversy — Resolutions of the Synod in 1841, 1842 
 and 1843 — Meant to avert a disruption here — Inlhioiices lirought 
 to l)ear in the meantime — Points of Agreement in 1844 — Final 
 catastrophe — A divided Church — Mr. Eseon's Address to his Con- 
 gregation — Resolutions of Congregation and Session — Protest 
 Served by Minority 453
 
 Xlll 
 CHAPTER XXY. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The leaders in the congregation on the side of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada, — Hon. A. Ferrie, Wm. Murray, Rev. Dr. 
 Donald Fraser and Alexander Fraser,Wm. Gunn, Robert Smith, 
 Alexander Urquhart, James Turner, Andrew Wilson, Archibald 
 Macfarlane, W. C. Cormack, James Macfarlane, Robert Dalgleish, 
 Wm. Hutchison, David Rea, Andrew Simpson, John Sutherland, 
 George INIiddlemiss and Charles Mearns — The 27 protesters on 
 behalf of the kirk, — Andrew Shaw, John C. Lilly, Robert Esdaile, 
 James Tyre, Wm. Laverock, Donald Ross, Walter M. Peddie, 
 Ferdinand MacCulloch, Wm. Muir, Wm. Skakel, Daniel Gorrie, 
 Town Major Macdonald, Daniel Fisher, Robert Macfarlane, Alex. 
 Ferguson, Wm. McCulloch and John Blackwood 474 
 
 CHAPTER XXVL 
 
 The Free Church Committee, members for a time of St. Gabriel Street 
 Church — They organize Cot^ Street Church — Archibald McGoun 
 — The MacKay Brothers — The Free Church Deputies, Revs. W.C 
 Burns, J. McNaughton, and J. Bonar, preach in St. Gabriel Street 
 — Rev. W. Leishman called and Ordained in St. Gabriel Street 
 Church — His ministry brief and one of trials — The U. P. Congre- 
 gation worship in St. Gabriel Street — Rev. Dr. Taylor — Warden 
 King — Rev. Dr. Gray — Robert Davie — G. A. Pyper — David Wylie 
 and William Rowau - 512 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIL 
 
 Rev. William Rintoul, M. A. —Sketch of his career — His illness and 
 Death — Rev. Dr. Burns' Tribute to his memory — Rev. William 
 Reid, D. D., of Toronto — Rev. George Smellie, D. D., of Fergus — 
 Rev. David Inglis, D.D., LL.D. — His work in Montreal — His sub- 
 sequent career 531 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Eev. J. Crombie, M.A. — Rev. A. F. Kemp,LL.D., settled as Pastor— His 
 birth and training — His ministry in Montreal — Subsequent career 
 —John McCallum— Dr. McLagan— Wm. McBean— Edw. Moore 
 — Donald McLean — Angus Mcintosh— H. B. Picken— Geo. Selkirk 
 — Robert Gardner — Andrew Mitchell — Archibald Moir — Hector 
 Munro— Dr. W, P. Smith— William D. McLaren^Petor Dods— 
 Archd. Swan— Alex. McGibbon— Jas. Brown— Matthew Hutchi-
 
 XIV 
 
 TAGB 
 
 6011 — David Rodger — George Cruikshank — James Scultliorp— 
 William Brown — W. F. Lighthall — George Irving — -James 
 Robertson 551 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 The Free Church movement in Canada ended in a secession, not a 
 disruption — The cautiousness of the Churclies avoiding litigation 
 — The defects in St. Gabriel Street Church Title Deed — Its Forms 
 claim to belong to the Church of Scotland — Petition to Lord Dal- 
 housie in 1825 — The Synod formed at the instance of St. Gabriel 
 Street congregation which, if so, in fact, became incorporated in 
 it — The legal questions involved — Those free to enter into a com- 
 pact, not always free to go out of it — The Lawsuits — The Cobourg 
 Case — The St. John's, Leith, Case — The Compromise — The action 
 of the St. Gabriel Street congregation — Action of the Presbytery 
 in connection with the Church of Scotland — Knox Church quit 
 the old edifice, and the Church of Scotland is re-instated — The 
 question of Session Records and Registers 575 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 The names by which the Church has been known — The congrega- 
 tion re-organized — Petition to Canada Presbyterian Clmrch of 48 
 members and four adherents — They fall in with the reorganized 
 congregation — List of families thus remaining — Rev. Robert 
 Campbell, A.M., D.D., inducted— First Board of Trustees— The 
 Registers and Records — Alexander Bertram — Jamos Duncan — 
 Henry Lunan — James Lillie — Charles Es])lin — W. L. Haldimand 
 — William Patton — Andrew B. Stewart — First elected Kirk- 
 session — Douglas Brymner — List of Trustees since 18G7 — Andrew 
 McNeice — David Strachan — John Whitlaw — Alexander Sdater — 
 Rev. Alex. Campbell, B. A 601 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 The relation of St. Gabriel Church to the Union question — The Con- 
 test in the Quebec Legislature over the Union Bill — The Privy 
 Council's Judgment on Temporalities Act, and subsequent Legis- 
 lation — Commutation of Ministers' Claims on the Clergy Reserves 
 — List of commuters — Correspondence with the Government — 
 William Darling — Bishop Strachan's parting ehot — The quam es- 
 tablished position of Roman Catholic Church in Quebec Province 640
 
 XV 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIL 
 
 Centennial Celebration, March, 1886 — Sermons in St. Gabriel Church 
 by Principal Grant and Dr. Wilkes, March 7th — Reunions in St. 
 Gabriel Church — Conversazione in Presbyterian College — Ad- 
 dresses at the Great Anniversary meeting, March 12th, 1886, in 
 Knox Church — Sermons by Dr. Reid, Archdeacon Evans, and Dr. 
 Douglas, in St. Gabriel Church, March 14th, 1886 683 
 
 CHAPTER XXXni. 
 
 Other Presbyterian Churches in Montreal, in 1886 — Knox — St. An- 
 drew's — American — St. Paul's — Erskine — Crescent Street — St. 
 Matthew's— Calvin — St. Mark's — Chalmers'— Stanley Street- 
 Taylor— Melville— St. John's— The Saviour's 743 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Farewell to Old St. Gabriel's— The New St. Gabriel's 781
 
 NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS TO THE " HISTORY OF THE SCOTCH 
 CHURCH, ST. GABRIEL STREET, MONTREAL," 
 
 By Rev. Robert Campbell, M.A., D.D. 
 
 cor 
 
 Aitken, Jlrs. John . . Montreal 
 
 Alexander, Charles. " 
 Allan, Alexander.. " .... 
 
 Angus, R. B " 
 
 Armour, John Hamilton, O 
 
 Arnott, William Montreal 
 
 Achison, William.. .Cornwall, O 
 
 Baillie, A Montreal — 
 
 ^ Li^brin-: .^"^'^'H Toronto . - . , 
 
 Bain, James R Montreal 
 
 Bain, Rev. W., D.D..Kingston 
 
 Barclay, Rev. Jas . ..Montreal . . . . 
 
 Barker. Charles " ■ . . . 
 
 Bastian, W. L " 
 
 Beckingham, John. " 
 
 Beers, Dr. W. G.... 
 
 Bellhouse, J. G 
 
 Bennett, Rev. J., ) ., , 
 j)-£) C -A-lmonte. ... 
 
 Berriman, John Montreal 
 
 Bertram, William.. " 
 
 Bertram, Isa L " 
 
 Bethune, Strachan . . " 
 
 Bethune, Norman . . " 
 
 Bickerstaff,M.S.... 
 
 Bissett, Mrs. A " 
 
 Bissett, James Lachine 
 
 Blair, Mrs. John Montreal 
 
 Bonner, John " .... 
 
 Boodle, R. W. Mont- 
 Book Club 
 
 Brodie, Robert " 
 
 Brodie, William .... Quebec 
 
 Brophy , Robert Montreal 
 
 Brown, David " 
 
 Brown, Thos.S 
 
 Brown, R. G 
 
 Brown, James " 
 
 Bruce, Mrs. David. . " .... 
 9 
 
 COPIES 
 
 Burnet, Rev. J. S. . .Martintown.. 
 Burnett, James Montreal 
 
 ^"™j^-^«^;;^;^;'} Halifax.... 
 
 Byrd, Charles Montreal. . . . 
 
 Caldwell, -M ary Montreal 
 
 Cameron, Rev. D. G..Dungannon.. 
 
 Campbell, Rev. A. { "^ ^.^^.T^^'.' } 
 
 Campbell, Dr. F. W. .Montreal 
 
 Campbell, R E Cornwall 
 
 Cantlie, James Montreal 
 
 Carmichael, Rev. J. . Laskey 
 
 Carmjchael, Rev. I ^^^.^j^i^^ 
 
 Clarke, A. C Montreal 
 
 Cleghorn, W " .... 
 
 Clelland, William.. 
 
 Clitf, John 
 
 Cook, Rev. J.. D.D . . Quebec 
 
 Cooper, Mrs. Jas Montreal 
 
 Cormack, Rev. Jas . . Lachine 
 
 Coull, Rev. Geo Montreal 
 
 Crossby, P. A " 
 
 Cruikshank, Rev. "( u 
 
 w.R ; 
 
 Cruikshank, Geo... " 
 
 Cruikshank, W. G. . " .... 
 
 Cunningham, D " 
 
 Cunningham, Sarah. " 
 
 Cunningham, D. L.. " 
 
 Cushing, Chas., N. P. " 
 
 Darling, Mrs. W., Sr.Montreal 
 
 Darling, William ... '• 
 
 Darling, Andrew ... " . . - . 
 Davidson, W. C... 
 
 Davidson, George . . Kingston 
 
 Dawes, T. A Lachine 
 
 Denny, A Cornwall 
 
 Dewey, Rev. F. M. .Montreal
 
 XVlll 
 
 COPIES 
 
 Dick, John Quebec . . 
 
 Dingwall, Jame^< Cornwall. 
 
 Donaghue, Robert. . Montreal . 
 Donaghue, John. . .. " 
 Drummond, Geo. A. " 
 Drummond, Daniel . Petite C6te 
 Duclos, Rev. F. G-. .Bryson. . . 
 Duncan, Daviil L. . .Montreal. 
 Duncan, J, McD., \ rp^,^„.^ 
 Knox College.. H^^^^to-- 
 
 Dunlop, G. C Montreal ■ 
 
 Dunlop, John " 
 
 Ennis, J. H Montreal . 
 
 Esdaile, R. M 
 
 Esplin, George " 
 
 Esson, Mrs. Prof. . .Toronto . . 
 Evans, Ven. Arch . . Montreal . 
 Ewing, William.... " 
 Ewing, William, Jr. 
 Ewing, A. S 
 
 Farquhar, J. M Montreal . 
 
 Ferguson, F. J " 
 
 Finnie, J. T., M.D.. 
 Fisher, Arthur, M.D. 
 
 Fleck, A. W Ottawa . . . 
 
 Forbes, Geo. C Montreal . 
 
 Forbes, Mrs. R " 
 
 Forsythe, Robert. .. " 
 
 Foulds, A. R Martintow 
 
 Foulis, "William .... Montreal 
 Fraser, James " 
 
 Gabler, INIrs. Theo .. Montreal . 
 
 Gault, James R " 
 
 Gihb.Alex 
 
 Gordon, James Ottawa . • 
 
 Graham, Thomas . . . Montreal . 
 
 Grant, Angus " 
 
 Grant, W. H 
 
 Grant, V. R. Prin. . . Kingston 
 
 Greene, E. K Montreal . 
 
 Groenshields, E. B.. " 
 Greenshielils, Sam. . " 
 Greensiiields, E. M. 
 Grifhn, Martin J-, ) Ottawa . . 
 
 Parlia't Library 
 
 Haldiinand, W. L. . . Montreal . 
 
 Hamilton, A " 
 
 Harper, James Cornwall 
 
 Hart, Col Montreal . 
 
 COPIES 
 
 Winnipeg . . . 
 
 Montreal 
 
 Petite Cote . . 
 
 Drumm'd- ) 
 
 ville .... I 
 
 Quebec 
 
 Montreal 
 
 Longue P'nte 
 Montreal 
 
 Kingston . . 
 Montreal — 
 
 Hart, Rev. Prof.... 
 Henderson, John. . . 
 Henderson, James . 
 
 Heritage, Mrs. B. | 
 
 Herring, Mrs. W 
 
 Higgins, Jno. Geo.. 
 Hodge, Matthew... 
 Hodgson, Jonathan 
 Hogg, Mrs. Walter.. 
 Hood, Mrs. David . 
 Hood, Hugh W.... 
 
 Hood, John 
 
 Houston, Rev. Sam. 
 
 Hunter, John 
 
 Hutchison, John. . . 
 Hutchison, J 
 
 Jack, Rev. T. Chal- 1 Maitland, ) 
 
 mers j N.S j 
 
 Jeffrey, A Longue P'nte 
 
 Johnson, W. W Montreal 
 
 Johnston, James ... " 
 
 Johnston, Christina. " .... 
 Jordan, Rev. Louis H., B.D 
 
 Kemp,S.A.,M.D. {^^I^^^";. } 
 
 Kerr, Robert Montreal .... 
 
 Kerr, Robert " .... 
 
 Kincaid, Mrs " 
 
 Kinghorn, G. M " 
 
 Kydd, Samuel L " .... 
 
 Laidlaw, Rev. R. J . 
 Laing, Rev. Robert. 
 
 Lanili, .lohn 
 
 Laniont, Kbv. H., \ 
 
 D.I) j 
 
 Lanskail, A. D 
 
 Laurie. David 
 
 Learmont, J. B 
 
 Leitch, James 
 
 I.,ewi8, John 
 
 Ixnvis, John 
 
 Liddc.ll,J. W 
 
 Lighthall. W. F.... 
 Linilsay, W. Taylor. 
 
 I^inton, Win 
 
 Lochead, Kov. J. S. 
 Loudon, Ja!<. A. — 
 
 Ijoughead, John 
 
 Love, Rev. A. T — 
 Low, John 
 
 Hamilton 
 Halifax... 
 Ottawa . . 
 
 Marsden . 
 
 Montreal . 
 Montreal. 
 
 Cornwall . 
 
 Montreal. 
 
 (( 
 
 Cornwall . 
 Montreal. 
 
 Parkhill . 
 Cornwall . 
 Montreal. 
 Quebec . . 
 Quebec . .
 
 XIX 
 
 Lunan, Mrs. Hy Montreal. 
 
 Lynch, Mrs. Geo- J. " 
 
 MacBean,Dr. D. B. A. " 
 Macdonald Rightist . 
 
 Hon. Sir Jno. A. / 
 M^cdonald, ^ Hon. | Montreal 
 
 Macdonald, A. C. ) « 
 
 de L6ry J 
 
 Macdonald, Mrs. Dr. " 
 Macdonnell, Rev. | rj,^^^^^^ ^ 
 
 ^Re^'^^AT^?':.... }Brockvill. 
 MacGillivray, G. H..Williamst'wn 
 Mack, AVm., M.P.P..Cornwall . 
 
 Mackay, Hugh Montreal. 
 
 Mackenzie, Hector. " 
 Mackie, Rev. John . Kingston 
 Mg-Lennan, RB., | Cornwall 
 
 MacNish, Rev. N., \ « 
 
 LL.D / 
 
 Macpherson, Alex. .Montreal. 
 
 Macpherson, Alex . . " 
 
 Macpherson, R. D . . " 
 MacTavish, P. M... 
 
 Malcolm, A. R " 
 
 Marsh, John " 
 
 Mattice, C. J Cornwall. 
 
 McAllister, And .... Montreal. 
 
 Mc Arthur, Colin " 
 
 McArthur, James . . Martintown 
 McCabe, T., Patent 1 >^, . „ 
 
 Office j-uuawa. 
 
 McCallum, R. N Montreal 
 
 McCord, David R... 
 
 McCurdy, Rev. E. A..New Glasgow 
 
 McDonald, Alex . . .Montreal. 
 
 McFee, Coll " 
 
 McGibbon, Alex. . .Regina... 
 Mcintosh, Thomas. . Montreal . 
 Mcintosh, H. E. . . . 
 Mclntyre, D. G. \ r'-.„„„„ii 
 
 (Sheriff) I Cornwall 
 
 Mclntyre, John " 
 
 McKay, Thomas . . . Montreal . 
 McKeracher, 
 
 Rev. C- W 
 
 ....} 
 
 Howick. 
 
 :} 
 
 McLaren, Wm. D . Montreal 
 McLean, Rev. D. J . Amprior 
 McLean, Rev. Alex.. Hopewell 
 McLellan, Hon. A.W.Ottawa . 
 McLennan, Ewen. . . Montreal 
 McLennan, Far- ") Charlotten- 
 
 quhar D / burg, O. 
 
 McLennan, D. F.. . Williamst'wn 1 
 
 McMillan, E. D Montreal 1 
 
 McNaughton, Arch. " .... 1 
 
 McNaughton, Mrs. \ « , 
 
 A. E / •"• ^ 
 
 McNaughton, A . . . . Cornwall • • • . 1 
 
 McQueen, Miss Montreal 1 
 
 McQueen, John F.. " .... 1 
 
 McRae, F. A " .... 1 
 
 McWilliam, Wm. . .Quebec 1 
 
 Meldrum, James . . . Montreal 1 
 
 Michaud, James H. " 1 
 
 Molson, J. H. R.... " .... 1 
 
 Mooney, J. H " .... 1 
 
 Moore, William " 1 
 
 Moore, James " 1 
 
 Morris, John L " 1 
 
 Morris, Hon. A Toronto 1 
 
 Morrison, D Cornwall .... 1 
 
 Morton, Henry Montreal 1 
 
 %^^t'K«7; J; S-'} Kingston... 1 
 
 Mow att, W. W Montreal .... 1 
 
 Muir, Rev. J. B Huntingdon . 3 
 
 Muir, Mrs. Wm .... Montreal .... 1 
 
 Munro, Hector. • .. " .... 1 
 
 Murphy, John " 1 
 
 ]\Iurray, Alex " 6 
 
 Murray, IT, Esson.. " .... 1 
 
 Murray, Miss " 1 
 
 Murray, James " 1 
 
 Nelson, Alex Montreal 1 
 
 Nelson, Alex '' .... 1 
 
 Newman, L. H " .... 1 
 
 Ogilvie, Hon. A. W. .Montreal 1 
 
 Ogilvie, W. W " .... 1 
 
 Orkney, Miss " .... 1 
 
 Osborne, James. . . . Hamilton, O. 1 
 
 Osborne, Mrs. Wm. " ". 1 
 
 Paterson, A. T Montreal 
 
 Patterson, J. M " 
 
 Patterson, A. W. . . . " 
 Patterson, Rev. Jas. " 
 Patton, William....
 
 XX 
 
 Peck, Thomas " 
 
 Perkins, Mrs " 
 
 Phillips, Mrs. Geo.. " 
 
 Picken, J.B 
 
 Pilkinjrton, ]Miss jChelten- 
 A., The Grove, > ham, 
 Douro Road... J Enjrland 
 Porteous, Rev. Geo. . Toledo 
 PorteoTis, Arch. C. . .Cornwall 
 Pringle, .ludge A. F. " 
 
 Prinjrle, R. A 
 
 Pringle, George " 
 
 Ramsay, R. A Montreal 
 
 Ramsay, Mrs. Hew.. " 
 
 Queen's University. Kingston 
 
 Reed. William Montreal 
 
 Reid, Rev. W., D.I)..Toronto.. 
 Ridiardson, Mrs . . . Montreal 
 
 Riddell, A. F 
 
 Rintoul, \V. H 
 
 Robertson, James . . " 
 Robertson, Andrew. " 
 Robertson, John A. " 
 
 Robertson, J " 
 
 Robertson, R. F " 
 
 Robertson, Dmican.Lachine. 
 Roddick, T. G., M.D. " 
 
 Ross, P. S 
 
 Ross, Geo., M.D.... 
 
 Ross, Rev. Prof Kingston 
 
 Sclater, William — Montreal 
 
 Scott, Thos. A 
 
 Scrimger, Rev. Prof. " 
 
 Shaw, R " 
 
 Shaw, Jas. G 
 
 Shepard,Mrs. T.... 
 Sleeth, David, Jr.. . " 
 Smith, Rev. J. K., 1 p, i- 
 
 D.D / ^ait.... 
 
 Somerville, (.'. D. . . . Montreal 
 
 COPIES 
 
 .... .3 
 
 COPIES 
 
 Stephen, Sir G., Bart 
 Stewart, McLeod. . .Ottawa.. 
 Stewart, Robert, Jr. Montreal 
 Stewart, Thomas ... " 
 
 Stewart, John " 
 
 Stewart, James " 
 
 Stevenson, Mrs. Jas. " 
 Stevenson, A. W . . . " 
 
 Stow, Mrs Parkdale 
 
 Strachan, Jessie L. .Montreal 
 
 Stuart, John A 
 
 Stuart, E. J " 
 
 Sutherland, J. Burt. " 
 
 Tasker, James Montreal 
 
 Taylor, John M.... 
 Tavlor, Albert E.... 
 
 Taylor, C 
 
 Tempest, J. W 
 
 Teskey, Joseph " 
 
 Thorn, James " 
 
 Thom, P. V 
 
 Thomson, Malcolm. " 
 Tyre, R. W Montreal 
 
 Warden, Rev. R. H.Montreal 
 Watson, Rev. Jas. . .Huntingdon 
 
 Watt, Arch Montreal 
 
 Weir, Robert 
 
 Wells, Samuel W... 
 Wesl. Theul. Coll., ) 
 
 per Rev. Prof. } 
 
 W. I. Shaw.... j 
 
 Wheeler, Dr 
 
 Williamson Rev. ) Kingston. 
 
 James, LL.I). . . J ^ 
 
 Wilson, .1. C Montreal . 
 
 Wilson, R. C 
 
 Workman, Alex Ottawa . • 
 
 r QuebecHouse 
 Young, Mrs- D. D. \ Tamborne, 
 
 i Hants,Eng. 1
 
 ST. GABRIEL STREET CHURCH.
 
 A HISTORY 
 
 OP THE 
 
 Scotch Presbyterian Church, 
 
 ST. GABRIEL STREET, MONTREAL. 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 Montreal Cradled in Religion — Cartier, Champlain and Maisonnbtjve 
 Religious INIen — The Early Jesuit Fathers — The Huguenots in 
 Canada — Company op Hundred Associates — The St. Sulpicians. 
 
 Dans leurs excursions, tou chant presque les poles, 
 Nos peres, & travers fleuves, monts et marais, 
 Avec leurs vieux fusils geles sur leurs epaules, 
 Passaient, semant partout le germe du progres. 
 
 Sur le flanc des rochers, ou du fond des forets 
 Leur baguette faisait surgir des metropoles. ... 
 C'est par eux, Montreal, que tu nous apparais, 
 , D^sormais le front ceint d'un bandeau de coupoles. 
 
 Salut, pages ou I'art a, d'un savant pinceau, 
 
 Su, presque pas a pas, retracer le berceau 
 
 D'un grand centre aujourd'hui peuple de fortes races ! 
 
 Est que chacun, devant ce passe disparu, 
 
 Se dire, en contemplant le chemin i^arcouru, 
 
 Nos ai'eux 6taient grands : sachons suivre leurs traces ! 
 
 Sonnet by Louis Frichette in " Le vieux Montreal" published by H. Beau- 
 grand, Esq., in 1884. 
 
 Montreal may be said to have been cradled in religion. 
 When Maisonneuve first visited the portion of the is- 
 land in which the city stands, we are told, he made his
 
 way through the thick woods that grew then around the 
 hase and along the sides of the mountain, until he reached 
 the summit, and there, in the presence of the friendly- 
 Indians, erected a cross, and by this symbolic act, formally 
 took possession of the district in the name of Jesus Christ. 
 Earlier still, Jacques Cartier had, in his own sailor fashion, 
 striven to sow the seeds of Christian truth among the 
 savages. His commission from Francis I. set forth the 
 objects of his enterprise to be Discovery, Settlement, and 
 the Conversion of the Indians, " men without knowledge 
 of God or use of reason." The first Indian chief he met in 
 the woods at Hochelaga was induced to kiss the cross 
 which Cartier carried ; and of the same revered symbol 
 he made frequent use in his dealings with the natives. 
 And we read in the recently published collection of 
 m.anuscripts relating to New France, that on 3rd May, 
 1536, — the same day that Cartier set sail for St. Malo with 
 Donnacona and other Indian captives — he set up, with 
 great ceremony, a cross thirty-five feet high, on which 
 was fastened the royal escutcheon bearing, in Roman 
 letters, these words : — " Franciscus Primus Dei G-ratia 
 Francorum Rex Regnat." He thus claimed Canada for 
 France and Christ. 
 
 For more than a hundred years afterwards, little or 
 nothing was done to redeem the pledge thus given by the 
 gallant French navigator. Meantime, changes of vast 
 moment were coming about in Europe, and extraordinary 
 activity began to prevail in both civil and ecclesiastical 
 affairs. Religion revived in the Church of Rome, after 
 the Protestant secessions took place in the sixteenth cen- 
 tury ; and under the impulse which it received from the 
 devotion and zeal of Fran9ois Xavier and the other early 
 Jesuit missionaries, and especially from the Council of 
 Trent, it sought to lengthen its cords and strengthen 
 its stakes, by seeking to establish itself among the heathen
 
 3 
 
 nations to which it could gain access. Eeligious consid- 
 erations were a large factor in the motives of those who 
 resolved to build a town at the foot of Mount Royal. 
 Previous attempts to establish a French settlement on 
 this spot had failed, although Champlain and others had 
 xecognized how advantageous the situation was from both 
 a commercial and a military point of view. The ardent 
 desire of the Jesuit missionaries to convert the heathen 
 succeeded, where the pursuit of gain on the part of traders 
 and the motive furnished by the perception of soldiers of 
 the importance of the place from strategic considerations, 
 failed. After all is said, facts show that men may be 
 more profoundly moved by religious enthusiasm than by 
 any other force that can be brought to bear upon them. 
 
 It was on the 18th of May, 1642, that Christian civiliza- 
 tion gained its first substantial footing on the island of 
 Montreal. At the time when Charles I. was engaged in 
 the political struggle with the Commons of England, a 
 few months before the arbitrament of the sword was 
 called in to decide the constitutional questions at issue, 
 Paul de Chomedy, Sieur de Maisonneuve, as representing 
 the Fifty Associates to whom the King of France granted 
 the island for the purposes of colonization, laid the 
 foundations of Montreal. The event is thus graphically 
 described by Parkman : — 
 
 " Maisonneuve sprang ashore and fell on his knees. 
 His followers imitated his example ; and all joined their 
 voices in enthusiastic songs of thanksgiving. Tents, 
 baggage, arms and stores, were landed. An altar was 
 raised on a pleasant spot near the land ; and Mademoiselle 
 Mance, with Madame de la Peltrie, aided by her servant 
 Charlotte Barre, decorated it with a taste which was the 
 admiration of the beholders. Now all the company 
 gathered before the shrine. Here stood Yimont in the 
 rich vestments of his office. Here were the two ladies
 
 with their servant ; Montmagny, no very willing specta- 
 tor ; and Maisonneuve, a warlike figure, erect and tall, 
 his men clustering around him. They kneeled in rever- 
 ent silence as the Host was raised aloft ; and when the 
 rite was over, the priest turned and addressed them — 
 ' You are a grain of mustard seed, that shall rise and 
 grow till its branches overshadow the earth. You are 
 few, but the work is the work of Grod. His smile is on 
 you, and your children shall fill the land.' " 
 
 No fair-minded Protestant will withold the tribute of 
 admiration from the Jesuit Fathers who, with cross in 
 hand, traversed the forests of Canada, bearing the cross in 
 a still higher sense, undergoing as many perils and hard- 
 ships as those which the Apostle Paul himself enumer- 
 ates, all that they might bring the savage aborigines to 
 embrace the faith of their Church. G-ranted that they 
 were chargeable with the faults usually ascribed to their 
 order, and that they were intolerant of any rivals in the 
 New World, even from among the other clergy of the 
 Church of Rome, still their zeal and courage and enter- 
 prise, the self-denial they practised, and the trials they 
 endured, in the prosecution of their sacred calling, are 
 worthy of all praise. To their enthusiasm it was due 
 that the French colony was planted on this spot; and 
 their characteristic devotion to the Virgin was displayed 
 in the name selected for the new town — Ville-Marie. 
 
 Judging from the number and grandeur of the churches 
 which adorn the city, one may conclude that the senti- 
 ment in which Montreal was founded still maintains its 
 hold upon the community. It is pre-eminently a city of 
 churches. Strangers are always struck with this marked 
 feature in its architectural aspect ; and the American 
 humorist, " Mark Twain," was perhaps justified in drawing 
 attention to the large group of ecclesiastical buildings 
 that surrounds the Windsor Hotel, when he said, in a
 
 speech at a public dinner, that he never was in a city 
 before where one could not throw a brickbat without 
 breaking a church window. " Our Laureate," Louis 
 Frechette, gracefully speaks of the steeples of the city as 
 *' un bandeau de coupoles " — a chaplet of cupolas encir- 
 cling the city's brow. 
 
 Not that all the pioneers of Christian civilization in 
 Canada of French origin, whom Frechette so justly cele- 
 brates as ^^ grands dieux,'" great ancestors — whose foot- 
 steps their posterity should delight to trace — were Jesuits 
 or inspired by Jesuit teachers. As we shall see, the 
 Recollets and Sulpician Fathers were also early in the 
 field, and contributed their fair share to the cherished 
 memories of those brave days of old. Besides, a few of 
 the enterprising and high-spirited Huguenots — De Monts, 
 the De Caens, the De La Tours, the Kirkes, Chauvin, Bernon 
 and other French Protestants — " helped to raise our cities 
 on the sides of rocks, or, as if with magic wand, to cause 
 them to spring forth from the depths of the forest, and, 
 otherwise, to sow the seeds of progress." But the senti- 
 ment that impelled most of the distinguished sons of 
 France who at this early period aided in the colonization 
 of Canada, was no doubt correctly voiced by Champlain, 
 the bravest, most energetic and constant of them all in 
 his faith in the future of our country, and a devout 
 Roman Catholic, when he declared "that the salvation of 
 one soul was of more value than the conquest of an 
 empire." 
 
 The religious character of Montreal may be said to have 
 been completed and rendered permanent, so far as human 
 arrangement can make anything permanent, by the ces- 
 sion of the whole island to the Sulpicians of Paris in 
 1644. The " Company of One Hundred Associates," an 
 organization formed under the advice and patronage of 
 Cardinal Richelieu, prime minister of Louis XIIL, had not
 
 6 
 
 made good what was expected of it in the way of 
 promoting the interests of the colony. Although the 
 Cardinal's " Company " embraced several clergymen, and 
 undertook to establish three priests in every settlement^ 
 and to set apart glebes for maintaining the " Catholic 
 Church in New France," the traders in the Association 
 failed to second the designs of the priests, to make the 
 promotion of religion its first object ; and the efforts of 
 the clergy were still further thwarted by the breaking 
 out of war between France and England, and the taking 
 of Quebec by Sir David Kirke in 1629. It was after the 
 restoration of Canada to France, which took place in 
 1632, that the new company, numbering fifty persons, to 
 promote the views of which Maisonneuve crossed the 
 sea, was organized. This association was imbued with 
 more decided religious feelings than the "Company" 
 which preceded it had been. Its members all belonged 
 to the higher class of French families, and were animated 
 with a lofty zeal for the salvation of the native tribes, as 
 well as for the extension of the Roman Catholic Church. 
 
 But more than high motives and consuming zeal was 
 required for permanent success in such an undertaking. 
 Men and means were needed ; and, above all, matured 
 plans, patiently wrought out, and backed up by a society 
 in which there was a continuance of zeal and order. 
 These requirements were met in the Fathers of St. Sul- 
 pice, who have continued to this day to be the lords of 
 the soil, and have displayed much worldly wisdom, as 
 well as hospitality of mind, towards all and sundry that 
 have settled on the island, so long as their seigniorial 
 rights were acknowledged and their dues were received. 
 
 In the year 165*7, the Abbe Quelus, with other deputies 
 from the parent Seminary at Paris, arrived in Montreal 
 with a view to taking over the island, the ownership of 
 which the order had acquired, and founding a branck
 
 seminary in the colony. The Sulpicians acted on the 
 sound principle, which the Protestant churches have been 
 slow to recognize, that missionary work in any country 
 can be carried on most successfully by agents trained on 
 the spot. 
 
 The domain which was placed at their disposal for 
 educational purjDOses amounted to 250,191 acres. The 
 Sulpicians were then a comparatively new society in the 
 Roman Catholic Church. The order was founded by Jean 
 Jacques Olier, who was born at Paris in 1608, and died 
 the year the branch seminary was planted in Mon+real. 
 He went through a course of study at the College of the 
 Sorbonne, attending the lectures of St Vincent de Paul 
 there, intercourse with whom gave the direction to his 
 life which it afterwards took. He resolved to throw him- 
 self into the work of training an order of priests whom he 
 hoped to inspire, at once with a love of study, and with 
 a consuming desire for the salvation of the souls com- 
 mitted to their care. His earliest essay in this direction was 
 made in 1641, at Vaugerard, a Faubourg of Paris, where 
 he was first settled as a cure. In 1642, he was appointed 
 to the Church of St. Sulpice in Paris, and in 1645 he 
 founded a seminary on a larger scale than that which he 
 had previously set up at Vaugerard, and called it after 
 the parish of which he was cure. Sulpitius, the Saint to 
 whom both the parish and the seminary were dedicated, 
 and whose fdte is held on the I7th of January, was an 
 eminent bishop of Bourges, in the seventh century, chap- 
 lain to Clotaire II., and was praised for his distinguished 
 piety and zeal by Bossuet and Fenelon. Branches of the 
 seminary were established at Nantes, Vivieres, au Puyen, 
 Velay, and Clermont en Auvergne, as well as at Montreal, 
 for the education of ecclesiastics. Under the wise and 
 easy superintendence of Abbe Olier, the seminary grew 
 rapidly in influence and iisefulness. His administration
 
 8 
 
 of his own parish was a model for the young priests receiv- 
 ing training under his care. He laboured hard to reform 
 the morals of the people, provided institutions for the 
 relief of the sick and needy, and asylums for orphans, as 
 well as schools for the children of the parish. And it may 
 be said that the good Abbe's hopes have been in a large 
 measure realized, in the history of the Seminary which he 
 founded. For two hundred and for^-five years, it has in- 
 dustriously striven to train a high-toned clergy for France 
 and Canada. It has always been a fair exponent of the 
 spirit prevailing in the Church in those two countries. 
 Reflecting the views of the Archbishop of Paris, for the 
 time being, and of the higher clergy, the parent seminary 
 has been, by turns, Ultramontane, Molinist, and G-allican. 
 It was suppressed in 1^92, at the same time as all the other 
 religious communities in France. In 1802, the original 
 structure was thrown down by the revolutionists ; while 
 the Church of St. Sulpice near by was turned into a Temple 
 of Victory, in which the orgies of the new religion were 
 carried on, and Bonaparte, on one occasion, held a banquet. 
 For eighteen years, the Seminary occupied temporary quar- 
 ters, and in 1820, commodious buildings, in which the 
 institution still prosecutes its work in Paris, were erected. 
 It is of importance to all the citizens of Montreal to have 
 some knowledge of the great corporation that exercises 
 feudal lordship over them. At the head of the Seminary 
 in this city always have been placed gentlemen of far- 
 seeing intelligence and high business capacity, who have 
 contributed to make it the mighty power it is in the Do- 
 minion. I speak of them, of course, only in their civil 
 relations. In those relations their policy has been uniformly 
 liberal and enlightened. They have made no difference 
 between Frenchmen and Englishmen, Catholic and Protes- 
 tant. Their business has been to build up a large and pros- 
 perous city at the foot of Mount Eoyal, and they have
 
 9 
 
 welcomed men of every nation and creed who desired to 
 share in the enterprize of making Montreal rich and great, 
 by becoming rich and great themselves. 
 
 Like the parent institution in Paris, the branch here has 
 also had its seasons of trial. In 1661, the King of France 
 had issued letters patent on behalf of the Seminary, and 
 gave orders that tithes of all lands on the Island of Mon- 
 treal should be paid to the corporation. The tithe was fixed 
 at "one-thirteenth of the natural and artificial labour 
 of the people." When, on the eighth day of September, 
 1760, the Marquis de Yaudreuil, representing France, sur- 
 rendered Montreal to G-eneral Amherst, acting for Grreat 
 Britain, he stipulated that the interests of the Seminary, 
 among other institutions, should not suffer by the change 
 in the ownership of Canada. 
 
 Article xxxii of the conditions of capitulation provided 
 that the communities of nuns should be preserved in their 
 constitution and privileges, and be exempted from lodging 
 any military, and guarded from trouble in their religious 
 exercises, as well as from intrusion into their monasteries. 
 Article xxxiii reads thus : — " The preceding article shall 
 likewise be executed with regard to communities of Jesuits 
 and Recollets, and of the house of the priests of St. Sul- 
 pice at Montreal. This last, and the Jesuits, shall preserve 
 their right to nominate to certain curacies and missions as 
 heretofore." The answer returned by Greneral Amherst 
 was : — " Eefused, till the King's pleasure be known." 
 Article xxxiv was as follows : — " All the communities and 
 all the priests shall preserve their movables, the property 
 and revenues of their seigniories, and other estates which 
 they possess in the colony, of what nature soever they 
 may be. And the same estates shall be preserved in their 
 privileges, rights, honours, and exemptions." This was 
 granted by the British representative. 
 
 Article xxxv also related to the rights of the religious
 
 10 
 
 communities already established in the city : — " If the 
 canons, priests, missionaries, the priests of the ceremony 
 of the foreign missions, and of St. Sulpice, as well as the 
 Jesuits and Recollets, choose to go to France, passage 
 shall be granted them in His Britannic Majesty's ships ; 
 and they shall all have leave to sell, in whole, or in part, 
 the estates and movables which they possess in the colo- 
 nies, either to the French or to the English, without the 
 least hindrance or obstacle from the British Grovernment. 
 They may take with them, or send to France, the produce 
 of whatever nature soever it be, of the said goods sold, 
 paying the freight as mentioned in the 26th Article. And 
 such of the said priests as choose to go this year, shall be 
 victualed during the passage, at the expense of his Bri- 
 tannic Majesty, and shall take with them their baggage." 
 To this the British G-eneral replied : " They shall be 
 masters to dispose of their estates, and send the produce 
 thereof, as well as their persons, and all that belongs to 
 them, to France." 
 
 From the last article, it may be inferred that the affairs 
 of the Seminary had at this moment reached a crisis, and 
 that there was great uncertainty as to whether it would 
 not abandon Canada altogether. The priests did not know 
 what attitude their Protestant conquerors would assume 
 towards them and their institutions. However, they re- 
 solved to await the rev^elatious of the future. Their fears, 
 if they ever had any, soon gave place to hope and confi- 
 dence. The treaty of Paris, concluded on the 10th day of 
 February, 1763, confirmed the concessions Avhich Amherst 
 had made in the name of his Sovereign. The Seminary 
 held its ground, with the result which we behold to-day : 
 it is generally regarded as the wealthiest and most influ- 
 ential corporation in the Dominion. 
 
 But besides the work of training priests in the Grand 
 Seminaire, the Society has done its share of lay education
 
 11 
 
 as well. In 1773, the Sulpician Fathers founded the Petit 
 Seminaire, which originally stood in what is now Jacques 
 Cartier Square, and was known as St. Eaphael's College. 
 In 1806, it was removed to the premises which it vacated 
 about twenty-five years ago, bounded by "William Street 
 and College Street, the latter street being named after it- 
 Its title was then changed to the " College of Montreal," 
 that by which it is now designated, in its extensive and 
 commodious buildings on the south-east side of Mount 
 Royal. Both the classical and theological departments are 
 accommodated in this large establishment. 
 
 The Seminary of St. Sulpice established also, in 1*789, 
 and still maintains, at a large annual expense, some excel- 
 lent primary schools in the city and parish of Montreal. 
 
 The Treaty of Paris left doubts as to the legal status of 
 the Seminary, with regard to its Seigniorial rights in the 
 soil. These doubts continued to be entertained for eighty 
 years after the conquest. In 1827, there was some un- 
 easiness in Montreal ecclesiastical circles, occasioned by 
 rumours that the Grovernment intended to possess itself 
 of the feudal lordship claimed by the Seminary over the 
 Island, allowing an annuity to the Society instead. The 
 Quf^bec Gazette made the following authoritative announce- 
 ment: — "That during the space of fifty years past the 
 Crown lawyers of Grreat Britain had advised His Ma- 
 jesty's Government that the claim of the Seminary could 
 not be sustained against the paramount rights of His 
 Majesty — on two grounds — as not being themselves a 
 lawful corporation, and as holding originally from a 
 Society resident in a foreign country. 
 
 " That while the claims of His Majesty have never been 
 enforced, neither have they been relinquished. They have 
 merely remained in abeyance, nor is it likely that any 
 steps to establish them would even now be taken, had not 
 such a course been imposed upon the GoN'^ernment by cir-
 
 12 
 
 cumstances which render it imperative that the question 
 should be settled, in whom lies the title to the Seigniory 
 of Montreal, in the Seminary or in the Crown. Since the 
 passing of the Act relating to the change of tenure of 
 Seigniorial to free and common soccage, several individuals 
 have petitioned the Grovernment, praying a commutation 
 of the tenure of property held by them at Montreal, in con- 
 formity to the provisions of said Acts. As these applica- 
 tions brought forward, in a tangible shape, the question of 
 the right of the Crown in the Seigniory of Montreal, it has 
 been thought necessary to refer the whole question to His 
 Majesty's Grovernment at home. 
 
 '' Such are the facts on which the rumour is founded, 
 and we are authorized to say that the whole matter will 
 be settled with the utmost fairness, and that whatever 
 may be the result, it is by no means designed to bar any 
 claim which the Seminary may have on the good faith, 
 justice, or liberality of His Majesty's Grovernment, but 
 these claims will be considered with the most large and 
 liberal regard." 
 
 The question of right of title was finally set at 
 rest in 1840, the Sulpician Fathers being confirmed 
 in the possession of their ancient privileges. Thus not 
 only the city but the entire Island of Montreal to-day 
 possesses an ecclesiastico-civil status that is now denied 
 even to Rome. This circumstance must never be over- 
 looked, for it has been far-reaching in its influence. Mon- 
 treal's first lessons in Christian civilization were taken 
 under the auspices I have just described — among the best, 
 it may safely be said, that the France of the period could 
 furnish — and every Protestant Church, as well as every 
 other institution in the city, has felt the powerful sway 
 of " the gentlemen of the Seminary."
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Montreal, not only beautiful and well situated from a Military 
 PoiNT OP View, but also naturally commands the Trade of the 
 northern portion op the. Continent — Ontario's Desire to possess 
 THE Island of Montreal — Earliest Trade, that in Peltries : its 
 Influence — Formation of North-west Company — Eelations be- 
 tween Commerce and Religion — Connection op the Army with the 
 First Establishment op the Scotch Church in Montreal — The 
 Old 7Sth Regiment, a link between " Prince Charlie " and the 
 Scotch Church in Montreal. 
 
 Beautiful for situation is Montreal. The view from 
 the side of the mountain is a perpetual feast to the eyes 
 of the inhabitants. It has not the rugged grandeur of 
 Quebec, but there is a soft picturesqueness about it, which 
 affords great delight to the casual visitor, and is a source 
 of constant joy to the citizens. The striking feature of 
 Montreal is the hill in the background, from which it 
 derives its name. Visitors from rival cities sometimes 
 affect to make light of the mountain, of which we are so 
 proud, and talk of it as a mere mound ; but though it is 
 only 700 feet above the level of the St. Lawrence flowing 
 near by, it is well entitled to the enthusiastic attachment 
 of the citizens, as it of old excited the admiration of 
 Jacques Cartier, and received from him the highest com- 
 pliment which, as a courtier, he could bestow, when, in 
 honour of his sovereign, he called it Mount Royal. It is 
 to Montreal what Arthur Seat is to Edinburgh ; as indeed 
 the crest on its north-east corner which gives to the Allan 
 Mansion its title " Ravenscrag " is a good miniature of 
 Salisbury Crags, which adorn the brow of " Edina, Scotia's 
 darling seat." The majestic river rolling swiftly by, with
 
 14 
 
 the solid Yictoria Bridge overarching it — the green prairie 
 lying beyond and stretching away to the south and east, 
 with here and there a conical hill or low mountain range, 
 or a village with its glittering spire, until vision is lost 
 in the dim outlines of the G-reen Mountains and Adiron- 
 dacks — while towards the south-west and west the eye 
 rests on Lake St. Louis and the great Ottawa threading 
 its way through hills and woods to join the greater St. 
 Lawrence, — it is an education in the beautiful to look 
 from the top of the mountain on this scene. The view 
 northwards consisting of varied plain and woodland and 
 water, and bounded by the bold Laurentians, completes a 
 picture once seen never to be forgotten. The landscape 
 as seen from Mount Royal is different now, of course, from 
 what it was in 1535, when " east, west and south, the 
 forest was every where, while the broad blue line of the 
 great St. Lawrence gleamed amidst it all." Yet the essen- 
 tial features have remained the same. Cartier was so 
 enchanted with the beauty of the scene that, when he 
 returned to France, he urged that an immediate settle- 
 ment should be made at the foot of the mountain. 
 
 Yet the beauty of the situation, much as it might move 
 the soul of a cultured and sentimental European, was 
 not enough to secure prosperity to the town which was 
 founded, on this site recommended by Cartier, a hundred 
 years afterwards. It was in those days a question of the 
 first importance, what facilities a place afforded for defence 
 against the attacks of the savage Indians, who were then 
 the only inhabitants of the country. And the next ques- 
 tion was, would it conduce to the interests of commerce 
 to build a tow^n in the locality indicated. A favourable 
 conclusion could not but be come to with regard to either 
 of these considerations. For the purposes of both pro- 
 tection and trade, Montreal was well situated. It was 
 long a military centre, although we have fallen on better
 
 15 
 
 times, when the Champ de Mars is given up to the games 
 of youth and the noisy laughter of children, rather than 
 to the tread of regiments and the music of fife and drum. 
 
 But Montreal has pre-eminently developed into a com- 
 mercial city. Nature designed for it this distinction. 
 Notwithstanding all that railways have achieved, water 
 carriage still furnishes the cheapest and easiest mode of 
 transporting merchandise from place to place. As a rule, 
 great cities have always grown up in the neighbourhood 
 of good harbours on the sea coast, or on large navigable 
 rivers and lakes. Mariners, military men and missionaries 
 early perceived the advantages for trade possessed by 
 Montreal. A glance at a map of the continent shows that 
 from the head of the island, navigable water courses spread 
 out like a fan over hundreds of thousands of miles in the 
 interior, all of which get an outlet to the sea by the St. 
 Lawrence. The trade of half North America must sooner 
 or later obey the laws of nature and pass through this 
 port. Montreal may geographically belong to the Province 
 of Quebec, but its real interests are more bound up in the 
 portion of the continent lying west of it. Sea- going 
 vessels have to halt at the foot of the Lachiue Rapids, and 
 break bulk here, so that our merchants must have the 
 handling and distributing of a large part of the wholesale 
 trade of the continent. 
 
 The intimate relation in which Montreal naturally 
 stands to the country lying westwards has always been 
 perceived, and has, at various times, caused an agitation to 
 be got up for having it politically joined to Ontario, as 
 commercially, it is largely dependent upon that Province. 
 Had the island been included in Upper Canada, when the 
 separation between the two provinces took place in 1791, 
 as the British citizens of that day wished, no serious vio- 
 lence would have been done to natural geographical 
 boundaries ; although it is a branch of the Ottawa that
 
 16 
 
 sweeps around the island at St. Ann's, and the great 
 Rivers Ottawa and St. Lawrence were regarded in a 
 general way as the dividing lines between the two sec- 
 tions of. the Canada of that period. A line drawn from 
 Pointe Beandette across to the Ottawa having been 
 named as the westernmost boundary of Lower Canada, 
 seeing that French families were residing that far up the 
 country, thus disregarding the barriers which nature had 
 laid down, because the French were then the most numer- 
 ous, the people of Upper Canada, when they began to be 
 strong enough to make their voice heard in the country, 
 might well be excused, if they put forth efforts to recover 
 territory that ought to have been included in their Pro- 
 vince, — the Counties of Yaudreuil and Soulanges — and 
 the island of Montreal in addition. Accordingly, in 1832, 
 a public meeting was held in Toronto (then York) to take 
 into consideration a proposed petition to be presented to 
 the Legislature of Upper Canada, asking that the Island 
 of Montreal should be annexed to the Province, thereby 
 providing a seaport for Upper Canada. This meeting took 
 place on the Itth October, Hon. W. Allan in the Chair. 
 The Hon. G-. H. Markland, then Attorney-G-eneral, along 
 with the Solicitor-Greneral, Hon. C. A. Hagerman, were 
 appointed to draft an address on the subject. The reasons 
 adduced in favour of the proposed annexation were : — 
 " The Lower Province had two seaports, while they 
 had none. 
 
 " The trade of Montreal was almost wholly dependent 
 upon Upper Canada, from the fact that that Province was 
 inhabited almost exclusively by British, who imported 
 goods from the Mother Country, while three-fourths of 
 the population of Lower Canada were French, and manu- 
 factured for themselves articles of domestic use. 
 
 " Instead of receiving directly the duties levied on 
 their own imports, they had to await the pleasure of the
 
 1*7 
 
 Lower Canadian officials, before the proportion was settled 
 and paid over.'' 
 
 The petitioners, therefore, asked that changes should 
 be made in the boundaries of the Provinces, so as to in- 
 clude Montreal in Upper Canada. 
 
 Nothing came of this agitation, although it was revived 
 by the British portion of the citizens of Montreal in the 
 troublous times of 1837-8, and mutterings to the same 
 effect were heard when so many of our French com- 
 patriots lost their head a few months ago over the fate of 
 poor Louis Kiel. And it may safely be said that nothing 
 short of a revolution would induce the majority of the 
 people of the Province of Quebec to allow the annexation 
 to Ontario to take place ; for who would provide the funds 
 necessary for carrying on the governmental machinery, 
 if the merchants of Montreal could no longer be reached 
 by taxation ? 
 
 The trade of the City had a humble beginning. Peltry 
 was for a long period the only traffic deemed important ; 
 and the cargo of a few canoes, though of considerable 
 value, did not furnish tonnage to make it worth while 
 for many vessels to cross the Atlantic and share in the 
 traffic. The first depot of the fur trade established was 
 at Tadousac — then Three-Rivers became the westernmost 
 trading post ; but in the course of a few years, Montreal 
 monopolized the peltry business. It was geographically 
 the natural centre of the trade, as the great waters of the 
 continent, over which the Indians paddled their canoes 
 in search of fur-bearing animals, nearly all converged at 
 this point. In the month of June, the dusky natives be- 
 gan their course eastward, their frail barks laden with the 
 spoils of the winter's chase and the spring's trapping. The 
 number of Indians who resorted to the City increased, as 
 the reports of those who visited it extended the know- 
 ledge of what was doing there. The account of the re- 
 
 B
 
 18 
 
 ceptiou they had met with, the sight of the things they 
 had received in exchange for their goods, all contributed 
 to increase this traffic, so that whenever they returned 
 with a fresh supply of furs, a new nation or tribe gener- 
 ally came with them. Thus, by degrees, a kind of fair 
 was opened, to which the several tribes of the continent 
 resorted. The fair was held annually from the beginning 
 of June till the latter end of August. The skin of the 
 beavers was chiefly sought after. It far surpassed in im- 
 portance, at that early period, all other furbearing ani- 
 mals ; and hence it occupies the place of honour on the 
 armorial bearings of our country. Grovernor Dongan of 
 New York wrote in 168t : — " It will be very necessary for 
 us to encourage our young men to goe a beaver hunting 
 as the French doe." And he suggested that Country Forts 
 " should be erected for the securing of the beaver trade 
 and keeping the Indians in community with us." 
 
 Comparatively limited in volume though this trade 
 was, it had a great deal to do with shaping the history 
 of the North American continent. It was the desire of 
 the English merchants residing in New York and the 
 New England States, then British territory, to secure con- 
 trol of the peltry traffic that brought them into collision 
 with the French in Canada. "With this view, they made 
 a league with the Iroquois Indians, while the French 
 obtained the alliance of the Hurons and Algonquins and 
 other tribes lying within the bounds of Canada. The 
 French Grovernor DeNonville wrote to the government 
 which he represented : — " Canada is encompassed by many 
 powerful English colonies, who labour incessantly to 
 ruin it by exciting all our savages and drawing them 
 away with their peltries, for which the English give 
 them a great deal more merchandize than the French, 
 because they pay no duty to the king of England." The 
 fur trade was the all absorbing interest, for more than one
 
 19 
 
 hundred and fifty years, in the valley of the St. Lawrence 
 and the vast region bordering on Hudson's Bay. During 
 a considerable portion of that time, there was a rivalry be- 
 tween the English and French for the control of the traffic, 
 and this led to collisions and ill feeling, which issued at, 
 last in the conquest of Canada by Great Britain in 1760. 
 
 The first colonists from France, we have seen, made 
 religion subordinate to commerce, although the leaders, 
 like Cartier, Cham plain and Montmagny were all devout 
 men. The company which sent out Maisonneuve, we 
 have also seen, desired that the conversion of the Indians 
 to Christianity should be deemed the first concern of the 
 French settlers. But the representatives of this new 
 organization soon got entangled in the meshes of the fur 
 trade, as those who preceded them had been. The mis- 
 sion and the beaver were too frequently associated by the 
 early French missionaries. They made the fur trader and 
 the proselytizer one. There is no doubt that wherever 
 this traffic extended, there was but too much need of 
 the humanizing influence of Christianity ; but so long as 
 the missionaries traded in furs, the gentle influences of 
 religion were not felt. " The trouble was that the French 
 supplied the Indians with brandy, of which they were 
 and are inordinately fond, in order to secure their trade, 
 while the English offered the counter attraction of rum. 
 The effect, as described by DeNonville, was to convert the 
 savages into demons, and their cabins into counterparts 
 and theatres of hell." 
 
 Soon after the entire valley of the St. Lawrence came 
 under British sway, by the capitulation of Montreal, the 
 merchants of this city, among whom were many Scotch- 
 men, as we shall see, resolved to unite in organizing a 
 company for prosecuting the fur trade. An association 
 with this end in view was formed in 1Y84, and took the 
 name of " The North-west Company of Montreal." The 
 stock of the company was at first divided into sixteen
 
 20 
 
 shares, without any capital being deposited, each share- 
 holder furnishing a proportion of such articles as were 
 necessary to carry on the traffic. Some of the traders in 
 the Northwest showed themselves adverse to this attempt- 
 ed union of interests, and a few of them joined together 
 and established a competing association. As was to be 
 looked for, jealousies showed themselves among the agents 
 of the rival organizations ; and these led to collisions, 
 which sometimes ended in bloodshed. At length, in 
 1789, the discontented traders and the Northwest com- 
 pany came to an understanding, united their interests, 
 and founded a commercial establishment on a sound 
 basis, divided into twenty shares, a certain portion being 
 held by the merchants in Montreal, the remainder by the 
 traders, in the Indian country. The adventure for the 
 year amounted to ,£40,000, but in nine years from that 
 date, or in 1*798, it reached treble that sum. In 1798, the 
 number of shares was increased to forty-six, and so rapid 
 was the growth in power and wealth of the corporation, 
 that the army of employees enlisted in its service rose to 
 upwards of four thousand. 
 
 But what has all this account of the trade of Montreal 
 to do with the history of the Scotch Church in St. Grabriel 
 Street ? A great deal to do with it, as we shall find. 
 Commerce is said to be the handmaid of Religion. It 
 must be confessed that the love of gain has often been 
 more enterprising than the love of souls — and that the 
 interests of trade have consequently been frequently in 
 advance of those of the GTospel. Not invariably. Dr. 
 Livingston penetrated regions in the interior of Africa, 
 as a herald of the Cross, which even the Arab ivory mer- 
 chants had not reached. And the early history of Canada 
 furnishes illustrious examples of missionary zeal outrun- 
 ning the keen pursuit of wealth. The Jesuits were the 
 discoverers of the lakes, and rivers, and territories lying 
 far inwards on this continent ; and it was zeal for the
 
 21 
 
 conversion of the heathen that was their inspiring motive 
 When father Le Jeune found a few of the feebler Indian 
 children from the neighbouring wigwams coming to him, 
 even by fits and starts, to receive instruction, at Quebec', 
 m 1632, he wrote to his superior in France, to say that he 
 v^^ould not exchange his little school of savages for the 
 best university of Europe. That was a temper of mind 
 worthy of a professed follower of Jesus. 
 
 But there is no question that men's cupidity has often 
 influenced them to venture where their benevolence 
 would scarcely have induced them to go. And if the 
 trader has paved the way for the missionary, let us thank- 
 fully acknowledge his good offices in this regard. The 
 policy of merchants, I shall not say their true interests 
 have occasionally come into collision with the interests 
 of the Christian Religion in new fields ; but, frequently, 
 there has been a friendship between the representatives 
 of commerce and those of the Gospel that has been mu- 
 tually helpful. Honest trade and Christianity ought to 
 be able to get on very well together. It was so in Mont- 
 real. After the city passed into the hands of the British, 
 many Protestants settled in it, and the peltry business' 
 was soon monopolized by them. According to the prin- 
 ciples in which the Scottish traders had been educated, 
 the next thing they thought of was the setting up of a 
 church and school. It was in this sentiment that the 
 first Presbyterian organization originated, on the 12th of 
 March, 1786. 
 
 But there was another factor which also entered into the 
 problem of the period. It has sometimes happened in the 
 case of Great Britain that war as well as commerce has 
 ielped forward the cause of Christianity. It may seem 
 incongruous that the Gospel of peace should be indebted 
 for its success to the profession of arms ; yet many in- 
 stances could be adduced to show that the setting up of the
 
 22 
 
 British flag has been the signal for planting also the banner 
 of the cross. The English and Scottish Churches both owed 
 their establishment in Montreal to the British soldiery that 
 garrisoned the city after the conquest, and, when quit- 
 ing the army, took up their abode in it. The same was 
 true of Quebec. Rev. G-eorge Henry, ex-chaplain to a 
 Scotch Eegiment, organized the first Presbyterian Church 
 in old Canada, in a large room in the Jesuits' Barracks, 
 Quebec, in the year 1Y65. 
 
 Among others who engaged in the fur trade of the 
 North-West company were retired officers and privates of 
 the Scottish Regiments that had been concerned in the 
 taking of Quebec and Montreal. Some of them were 
 Highland gentlemen of high degree. It is not easy to 
 realize it, but it is nevertheless a fact, that a few of those 
 who were present at the organization of the first Presby- 
 terian Congregation, in a room on Notre-Dame Street, on 
 the 12th of March, 1786, had, as youths, been actually en- 
 gaged in the fight at CuUoden, in 1746 ; and several of them 
 were the children or descendants of those brave men who 
 stood by the side of " Prince Charlie " on that fated field. 
 From that day forward, the power of the chieftains, we 
 know, was broken — clanship in the Highlands was 
 doomed. The exuberant vigour of the mountaineers could 
 not remain pent up, but must find vent for itself in some 
 other direction than in waging deadly warfare with the 
 Sassenach, or in maintaining feuds with neighbouring 
 septs. William Pitt helped to solve the difficulty, by get- 
 ting the clans to organize regiments for service under the 
 House of Hanover, to be officered by their chieftains and 
 the other gentlemen of the respective districts. That 
 great minister never devised a more successful stroke of 
 policy. The Highlander rushed into battle at the shrill 
 notes of the Pibroch as cheerfully as the more stolid South- 
 ern hurried to breakfast at the sound of the srons:. These
 
 23 
 
 regiments proved at once the most serviceable and reliable 
 in the British army, covering themselves with glory 
 whenever a chance offered. None of them made a more 
 brilliant record than the gallant 42nd or Black Watch, and 
 the old *78th or Fraser Highlanders. These two regiments 
 played a prominent part in the British campaign against 
 Canada. The 42nd, commanded by G-eneral Murray, after 
 whom they were called "the Murray Highlanders, " was 
 a Perthshire regiment, raised in the land of Waverly. This 
 gallant corps had been terribly cut up, owing to the 
 blundering of Abercrombie at Ticonderoga, in lYo8 ; but 
 every man of them sold his life dearly, as might be ex- 
 pected. The capture of Montreal was a bloodless victory 
 in which these bra\"e sons of the mist shared ; and they 
 have distinguished themselves on so many battlefields, in 
 the century and a cjuarter which has since elapsed, as to 
 have well earned the memorial that it is now proposed 
 to erect to them near Aberfeldy, where the regiment was 
 first embodied, and the eulogy which the gallant Greneral 
 Lord Wolseley has lately pronounced upon them : — 
 " When in action with the Royal Highlanders, we need 
 take no trouble about the part of the field where they 
 are engaged, for I have always then realized that what 
 men could do, they would accomplish. Officers and men 
 work together with an entire and mutual confidence in 
 one another that ensures success. Whenever I go on 
 active service, I always try to have this splendid regi- 
 ment with me, because I can rely upon it at all times and 
 under all circumstances. Whenever I see the red hackle 
 of the Black Watch, I feel I have there not only good 
 friends, but also staunch comrades, who will stand by 
 me to the last. Perthshire has good reason to be proud 
 of its regiment, for it is, without any doubt, one of the 
 finest that has ever worn the Poyal uniform." 
 
 The 78th Regiment of that time was not the same corps
 
 24 
 
 that now goes by that number, the gallant Rosshire Buffs, 
 the splendid fellows who relieved Lucknow, whom the 
 people of Montreal had the honour of having- among them 
 from 1867 to 1869, and who used to fill St. Grabriei Street 
 Church to overflowing at the G-arrison service, but was 
 composed chiefly of Inverness-shire Highlanders, and so 
 were known as " the Fraser Regiment," because so large- 
 ly made up of members of that clan. They, too, had suf- 
 fered severely in previous campaigns, having lost nearly 
 three hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners at Fort 
 Du Quesne, through bad generalship ; but they met their 
 fate as men, without flinching. They had also occupied 
 a distinguished place in the force with which Wolfe had 
 conquered Montcalm on the plains of Abraham. 
 
 "When Canada was confirmed as a British possession by 
 the treaty of Paris in 1763, the brave soldiers who had 
 achieved its conquest were offered a home in it, as many 
 of them as chose to remain ; while the head-quarters of the 
 regiments returned to Britain. A large proportion of the 
 Highlanders elected to stay in this country and had lands 
 assigned them ; many of the officers settling in Montreal 
 or the neighbourhood, while the men took up their resi- 
 dence in the mountain regions around Murray Bay and 
 Riviere-du-Loup, where their descendants are to be found 
 to this day. When the North-West company was organ- 
 ized, several of the retired officers of the 42nd and 78th 
 Regiments joined it. This service suited the adventur- 
 ous spirit of the G-ael, not less than the arm}^ or navy ; 
 and not a few of those to whom no military career at 
 home offered, resolved to try their fortunes in this new 
 sphere of activity which opened up to them. These 
 were the men, for the most part, whoso spiritual inter- 
 ests were sought to be promoted by the organization of a 
 Presbyterian Church in Montreal.
 
 RE\'. |()HX liETHUNE.
 
 CHAPTEE III. ' 
 
 Co:NNEcrioN of the Chuech with the American War of Independence — 
 Eev. John Bethune, the Founder of the Scotch Congregation 
 IN Montreal — The old 84th Regiment or "Highland Emigrants" — 
 The U. E. Loyalists— INIe. Bethune settles at Williamstown, so 
 called after sir william johnston — his character and woek 
 — Father of the Late Dean and of the Late Bishop of Toronto. 
 
 We have seen how the commenceinent of Presbyterian- 
 ism in Montreal is linked with the most romantic period 
 of Scottish history, through the Murray and Fraser High- 
 landers, who formed the nucleus of the original congre- 
 gation. The old Church had large associations also with 
 the most stirring events in American history. The Rev. 
 John Bethune, who had the honour of first planting the 
 blue banner of the covenant in this city, had taken part 
 in the conflict betwixt G-reat Britain and her colonies, and 
 had suffered in the cause of loyalty. 
 
 Born in the island of Skye, in 1751, and educated at 
 King's College, Aberdeen, Mr. Bethune emigrated with 
 some of his kindred to South Carolina, and, being a licen- 
 tiate of the Church of Scotland, he obtained the chaplaincy 
 of a regiment of the Royal Militia in the Carolinas, com- 
 posed of Scottish settlers, on the breaking out of the 
 revolutionary war. The royal cause did not succeed, as 
 we know ; and with many other loyalists, he was made a 
 prisoner, and for a time had to endure great hardships at 
 the hands of the rebels, victorious against the authority 
 of George III. In due season, an exchange of prisoners 
 took place, and on regaining his liberty he made his way 
 to the steadfast Province of Nova Scotia, and took up his
 
 26 
 
 residence iu Halifax. He did uot long remain idle there. 
 He was largely instrumental iu organizing " the Highland 
 Emigrants," a corps made up in part of Grselic speaking 
 .settlers in Nova Scotia, and of the disbanded soldiers of 
 the old 78th and 42nd Regiments, of whom an account 
 has been, already given, as having settled on the banks of 
 the lower St. Lawrence. It embraced also some ex-members 
 of the Montgomery Regiment, who remained in Canada 
 when their term of service had expired. This fine body 
 of men was mustered in 1*775, and regimented in 1778 
 under the number of the 84th, but they went generally 
 by the title of " Highland Emigrants." Mr. Bethune was 
 appointed chaplain. These brave veterans gave a good 
 account of themselves whenever an opportunity offered. 
 They constituted the chief strength of the spirited defence 
 of Quebec against the attack of the United States troops 
 under Montgomery, when that gallant general fell on the 
 31st December, 1775. After the independence of the re- 
 volted colonies was acknowledged by G-reat Britain in 
 the treaty of peace, the preliminaries of which were 
 arranged on the 30th November, 1782, the " Highland 
 Emigrants " were disbanded, and returned to their pesice- 
 ful avocations as agriculturists and traders. Mr. Bethune 
 took up his residence in this city. A man of a noble 
 countenance, as the accompanying engraving shows ; of 
 dignified presence and engaging manners, as well as of a 
 chivalrous spirit, he soon attracted to himself his fellow- 
 countrymen resident in Montreal and vicinity. As a 
 loyalist, who had suff"ered for his king and native land, 
 he exercised great influence among the British portion of 
 the citizens of all creeds. And he was not the only 
 refugee from the United States who took up a residence 
 in Montreal. A certain number of the New England 
 people had come over to Canada as traders before the 
 War of Independence had broken out. These remained
 
 21 
 
 loyal to G-reat Britain ; and a good many more from the 
 same quarters, who sympathised with the mother coun- 
 try in the struggle, emigrated northwards, and some of 
 them cast in their lot with their brethren already resident 
 in this city. As they had rendered themselves obnoxious 
 to the Republicans, among whom they formerly lived, 
 by their devotion to the cause of the British Empire, for 
 the unity of which they stood out, they were, therefore, 
 distinguished by the title of United Empire Loyalists. 
 They were a tried people, as a minority exposed to the 
 active opposition of the majority always is ; sturdy in 
 their opinions, and stalwart in their character — the mate- 
 rial of which political martyrs are made — for such they 
 were. The U. E. Loyalists also naturally rallied around 
 Mr. Bethune, as one of the most distinguished of their 
 number. Such was the order of men that came to the 
 front when the ex-chaplain of the 84th Regiment pro- 
 posed to organise a Presbyterian congregation in Mont- 
 real. A good many of the Highlanders belonged to the 
 Episcopal Church, and some of them were Roman Catho- 
 lics ; but when their high-spirited and patriotic fellow- 
 countryman appealed to them for sympathy and help, 
 their national sentiment was stronger than their denomi- 
 national attachment, and they rallied around Mr. Bethune, 
 first, and, afterwards, around Mr. Young and Mr. Somer- 
 ville, his succe'ssors, almost everyone of them subscribing 
 to the building fund of the St. G-abriel Street Church, 
 and subsequently becoming the proprietor of a pew in it. 
 These Highland gentlemen were as open-handed as they 
 were brave and patient in enduring hardships. Ten 
 guineas was a considerable sum for men to subscribe in 
 those days, but that is the amount which stands opposite 
 the name of each of the " Gentlemen of the North-west 
 Company," as they are styled in the subscription list in 
 our possession.
 
 28 
 
 Mr. Bethune continued preaching to his small but in- 
 teresting congregation, from March 12th, 1^86, till May 
 6th, 178^, when he removed to Upper Canada. Want of 
 support was one of the grounds of his leaving Montreal, 
 but the main reason probably was his wish to enter upon 
 the possession of the land, assigned to him and other 
 U. E. Loyalists, who had fought for their King. The same 
 liberal provision was made for those who had served in 
 the war with the revolted States, fighting for the Crown, 
 that had been made at the conclusion of the conflict with 
 the French in Canada, viz : — 
 
 To a field ofiicer, a grant of 5,000 acres ; to a captain, a 
 grant of 3,000 acres ; to a subaltern, a grant of 2,000 
 acres ; to sergeants, other non-commissioned ofiicers and 
 privates, a grant of 200 acres each.=^ In pursuance 
 of this policy, Governor Haldimand was instructed, in 
 1*783, to grant patents of laud, on applicants taking the 
 usual oath of allegiance, and subscribing a declaration 
 acknowledging the three Estates of Great Britain as the 
 supreme legislature of the Province. The American 
 loyalists settled along the banks of the St. Lawrence and 
 around the Bay of Quinte. The 84th Regiment, after being 
 on the list of His Majesty's army for five years, was dis- 
 banded, and, therefore, had not the remotest connection 
 with the 84th of to-day, any more than the old 78th 
 Eraser Highlanders had with the famous Mackenzie Regi- 
 ment, now known by the same number, " The Ross-Shire 
 Buffs." The retired officers and men of the "Highland 
 Emigrants " that chose to accept land in Upper Canada, 
 were also provided with lots along the St. Lawrence, 
 which most of them took jDossession of in 1784. Mr. 
 Bethune, as chaplain, ranking with a captain, was entitled 
 to 3,000 acres. And besides what was thus voted to the 
 
 * At the end of tbo French war, privates got only 50 acres.
 
 29 
 
 U. E. Loyalists themselves, the further premiuia was put 
 upon adherence to the royal cause, that " their children, as 
 well those born thereafter as those already born, should, 
 upon arriving at the age of twenty-one years, and females 
 upon their marriage within that age, be entitled to grants 
 of two hundred acres each, free from all expense." As 
 Mr. Bethune had some children already, and afterwards 
 had a numerous family, the amount of land falling to him 
 and his offspring must have been large, although in those 
 days such property in even splendid townships like Lan- 
 caster, Cornwall and Charlottenburg, did not count for 
 much. He took up his residence in the latter township, 
 at the place called "Williamstown, after Sir William 
 Johnston, one of the heroes of the war with France, 
 whose influence with the Indians was so dominant and 
 unfailing. He, too, had been assigned land in Glengary, 
 and had built a mill on the " Eiviere Raisin," at this 
 point. But though Mr. Bethune went to reside upon his 
 property, he did not forget his ministerial vows : he re- 
 sumed professional work in the new sphere to which 
 Providence had led him. He was a faithful and zealous 
 missionary, and to this day the fruits of his vigour and 
 ef&ciency remain, in the large and prosperous congrega- 
 tions organized by him, not only at Williamstown, but 
 also at Martintown, Cornwall and Lancaster. He bap- 
 tized, altogether, 23^9 persons during his ministry in 
 Grlengary. In no part of Canada, perhaps, was the Pro- 
 testant population kept so well consolidated, as in the 
 district to which Mr. Bethune ministered : very few de- 
 nominations have even yet acquired a foothold in it — 
 thanks to the high influence, both intellectual and spir- 
 itual, which he exercised at the formative period of the 
 history of Grlengary. 
 
 He and his partner, Veronica Wadden, who was Swiss 
 by birth, struggled bravely against poverty and the pri-
 
 30 
 
 vations manifold, incidental to " life in the bush, having 
 little more to live upon than his half pay as a retired 
 chaplain," and brought up their large family of six sons 
 and three daughters, instilling into their minds high 
 principles, and imparting to them that culture which, 
 emanating from so many Scotch manses, has led on clergy- 
 men's sons to distinction and honour. 
 
 His patriotism, of which he had given such striking 
 proof in his youth, grew with his advancing life, and 
 helped to deepen in the whole district that loyalty which 
 has ever characterized the men of Grlengary. We find 
 his name second on the list, on the loyal address present- 
 ed to Lieut. G-eneral Sir Grordon Drummond, President of 
 the Province of Upper Canada, on the 21st December, 
 1814, at the conclusion of the second American war. 
 Bishop Macdonnell's name being the first. 
 
 The mention of Bishop Macdonnell suggests the in- 
 sertion of an interesting incident of those days, illustra- 
 tive of the kindly sentiments which the Gaelic-speaking 
 residents of Grlengary, Protestant and Koman Catholic, 
 cherished towards each other. Some dispute had arisen 
 between Mr. Bethune and his parishioners, as still some- 
 times happens in the best regulated congregations, which 
 they failed to settle by themselves. The happy thought 
 occurred to some one to submit the difficulty in question 
 to Bishop Macdonnell, their respected Roman Catholic 
 neighbour of St. Raphael's, and this course was mutually 
 agreed on. After the hearing of parties, the worthy pre- 
 late, who might he expected to give the benefit of the 
 doubt to his Protestant confrere, by way of upholding the 
 the principle of authority, not only gave judgment in his 
 favour, but gave the people a good lecture on the duty of 
 respect and obedience which they owed to, their eccle- 
 siastical superior. And my informant tells me that the 
 congregation received the exhortation in good part, and
 
 31 
 
 the breach betwixt them and their pastor was healed. 
 This incident shows that the happy relations subsisting 
 between Roman Catholics and Protestants, seen in the 
 occupation of the E-ecollets Church in Montreal by the 
 latter, was general at that time throughout the country. 
 And it is pleasant to note that the Highlanders of Glen- 
 gary still live in an atmosphere of peace and good will, 
 although differing in their religious views. It is not 
 many years since St. Andrew's Hall, Martintown, in 
 which Presbyterian religious service is held on Sabbath 
 evenings, was placed by Rev. J. S. Burnet and his con- 
 gregation at the disposal of Rev. Father Gauthier, the 
 Roman Catholic Priest of Williamstown, for the holding 
 of a concert on behalf of the work of his parish ; and it 
 was not only patronized by the Presbyterians of the dis- 
 trict, but the St. Andrew's Choir actually had a place on 
 the Programme. 
 
 After Mr. Bethune's removal to Griengary, there remains 
 no record of any subsequent connection with the congre- 
 gation he left behind in Montreal, excej)t on two occa- 
 sions : once, when his son Alexander Neil, afterwards 
 Bishop of Toronto, was baptized by Rev. John Young, 
 on the 7th September, 1800 ; and, again, when he took 
 part with Rev. Dr. Sparks, of Quebec, in the ordination of 
 Rev. James Somerville as minister of the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, on 18th September, 1803. 
 
 He died on* the 23rd September, 1815, deeply regretted 
 by the community amongst which he had lived and 
 laboured so long. 
 
 The following tribute was paid to his memory in the 
 Montreal Gazette a few days after his decease: " Died 
 at Williamstown, . . . after being long in a weak state 
 of health, the Rev. John Bethune. . . . Mr. Bethune, 
 at an early period of his life, left Scotland with his parents 
 for the purpose of settling in the colonies of America.
 
 32 
 
 When these colonies rebelled, he and many others were 
 reduced to much distress by their steady loyalty and by 
 their firmness and attachment to the Grovernment. At 
 this time was probably laid the foundation of that disease 
 which has ultimately caused his death. During the 
 rebellion he was appointed chaplain to the 84th Regi- 
 ment, with which he did duty till the peace was con- 
 cluded. He then settled in Canada, where he lived re- 
 spected and beloved by all who knew him. 
 
 " Mr. Bethune was a man remarkable for the mildness 
 and agredableness of his manners, but at no time deficient 
 in that spirit which is requisite for the support of a Christ- 
 ian and a gentleman. He understood what was due to 
 ' the powers that be,' without losing sight of that respect 
 which was due to himself. He has left a widow and 
 numerous family ; but the place they hold in society will 
 show that as a husband and father he must be numbered 
 among those who have done their duty well." 
 
 In after years a very tasteful monument to his memory 
 was erected by his six sons, the inscription on which is 
 very much admired for its chasteness, and the warmth 
 of respect and tenderness of affection which it breathes. 
 I give it entire. 
 
 One side has : — " Sacred to the memory of the Rev. 
 Jno. Bethune, Pastor of the congregation of the Kirk of 
 Scotland in Glengary. He departed this life at Williams- 
 town on the 23rd September, 1815, in the 66th year of 
 his age, and the 44th of his ministry." 
 
 Another side has : — " This monument is erected as a 
 mark of filial affection to his memory by his six sons, 
 Angus, Norman, John, James, Alexander, Donald." 
 
 The third side bears : " That he was a faithful steward, 
 the peace and happiness of his flock are the most certain 
 proof 
 
 " That he was eminently endeared by those conciliating
 
 33 
 
 endearing qualities which united society in the closest 
 bonds of unanimity and friendship, his numerous con- 
 gregation, who shed the tribute of unfeigned sorrow over 
 his grave, have borne the most honorable testimony. 
 
 " That he was open, generous and sincere, those who 
 participated in his friendship can afford the most satis- 
 factory evidence. 
 
 " That he was a kind and affectionate husband, a 
 tender and indulgent parent, the love and unanimity 
 of his numerous family furnish the most undeniable 
 proof" 
 
 Happy the sons that had such a father, and honoured 
 the father that had sons to appreciate him. Mr. Bethune's 
 influence upon Canada did not terminate with his decease 
 in 1815. He lived for more than half a century afterwards 
 in his sons, and still lives in an honoured and useful pos- 
 terity. No stronger proof could be afforded of the even 
 balance of his nature, and of the gentleness, tempered 
 with wisdom, that characterized him, than his success in 
 training up a large family of sons, all of whom afterwards 
 did credit to his memory, and proved worthy of their 
 revered sire. 
 
 Several members of his family had a connection, in 
 after years, with the congregation which their father had 
 organized. His eldest son Angus, who was born in ItSS, 
 entered the service of the North-west Company when a 
 young man ; and, on his return from a lengthened sojourn 
 in the Eed River country, in 1815, had a son baptized by 
 Rev. James Somerville, the mother of the child being an 
 Indian woman. This indicates that he must have been 
 himself a member of the congregation. 
 
 The books of the church show that Norman, the first 
 of Mr. Bethune's children born in Grlengary, became the 
 proprietor of a pew in 1809 ; and he and his younger 
 brother James entered into a partnership with Alexander
 
 34 
 
 Henry as anctioueers in 181^. Norman continued his con- 
 nection with the old Church till the dissension occurred 
 in 1831. Mr. Bethune's daughter, Christie, who was mar- 
 ried to Robert Henry, a merchant, on the 2nd November, 
 181^, with her husband, afterwards attended the " Scots 
 Church " in St. Grabriel Street. Still another member of Mr. 
 Bethune's family became connected with the congregation. 
 This was his youngest daughter, Ann, born 21st May, 1^98, 
 who was married to Mr. Henry McKenzie on the 23rd 
 May, 1815, and whose son, Simon McTavish McKenzie, 
 we are happy to have with us yet worshipping in the 
 church of which his father was an honoured elder, and 
 his grandfather was the founder. 
 
 But the two most eminent members of his family 
 became clergymen of the Church of England in Canada. 
 These were John, his third son, and Alexander Neil, 
 already mentioned, the fifth, — the former, the late Ycry 
 ReA^erend the Dean of Montreal ; and the latter, the late 
 Right Reverend Bishop of Toronto. This is one of the 
 many points of contact between the St. Grabriel Street 
 Church and the Protestant Episcopal Church in this 
 country. Several circumstances conspired to bring about 
 the entrance of Mr. Bethune's two sons into the English 
 Church. The chief of these, undoubtedly, was the influ- 
 ence of their school teacher, the late Bishop Strachan. 
 Mr. Strachan was ordained by Bishop Mountain, on the 
 22nd May, 1803, and settled at Cornwall immediately 
 afterwards. In the autumn of the same year, he opened 
 a school in that town, which afterwards obtained a just 
 celebrity. Amongst his first pupils at Cornwall was 
 John Bethune. Mr. Strachan was a famous instructor of 
 youth. He had enlarged views as to the proper scope of 
 education, and succeeded in inspiring his pupils with 
 a love of letters, as well as in awakening into full activity 
 their intellectual powers. His own mental gifts were of
 
 35 
 
 a high order — he was endowed with acnteness, activity, 
 energy and a genius for government. He put an indelible 
 impress upon all the pupils that passed through his 
 hands. The intellectual force which (he centred upon 
 them dominated their subsequent career. Having left 
 the Presbyterian communion himself to join the Episcopal 
 Church, as we shall have occasion to notice more fully by 
 and by, he became a redoubtable champion of prelacy, 
 and very likely considered he was doing God service, 
 when he sought to bring others to adopt his new views. 
 No one, so far as I know, ever accused him of deliberately 
 setting himself to gain over to the Episcopal Church 
 the sons of his worthy neighbour and friend, Rev. J. 
 Bethune ; but ingenuous youth are easily moulded un- 
 consciously by a master-mind like Dr. Strachan's. And 
 it was all the easier to influence them in this direction, 
 that they inherited from their father highly conservative 
 feelings, deep attachment to the mother country, and a 
 profound veneration for British institutions. Add to 
 these considerations the fact that the Church of England 
 had got the start of the Church of Scotland in Canada ; 
 had a larger number of clergymen, who occupied a higher 
 position in the country, and were better provided for out 
 of the public purse. It is known that Dr. Strachan 
 pointed these facts out to clergymen of the Church of 
 Scotland, and to private members of that Church, as a 
 reason why they should cast in their lot with the Angli- 
 can communion ; and it is not likely that he would with- 
 hold his views from the young students whose opinions 
 he was privileged to shape. 
 
 Whatever was the ground occupied by these two young 
 men, in preferring to take Orders in the Church of Eng- 
 land, rather than in that of their father, they were worthy 
 of the high positions which they achieved, and were 
 ornaments of the church of their choice. For that matter,
 
 36 
 
 both of them might have become bishops : as it is well 
 known that the late Dean of Montreal declined overtures 
 made to him to place him over the Diocese. Both of them 
 were accurate scholars, as all Dr. Strachan's capable pupils 
 were ; both of them were for a time teachers themselves, 
 as so many of the greatest men in the Churches of Eng- 
 land and Scotland have been ; and both of them have left 
 to their children the heritage of a spotless name. 
 
 The Reverend John Bethune was ordained by Bishop 
 Mountain at Quebec, in 1814, the year before his father's 
 death, and was first settled at Augusta, near Brockville, 
 as the following announcement intimates that he taught 
 the Grovernmeut school, established in the village of 
 Augusta. " The Public School, for the District of Johns- 
 town, U.C, will be opened on August 1st next. Augusta, 
 l*7th April, 1815. John Bethune." 
 
 He seems to have subsequently been in charge of the 
 Church, at Brockville, because in the year 1818 he became 
 Rector of Christ Church, Montreal, in exchange with Rev. 
 Mr. Leeds, who remained at Brockville. In features, he 
 strongly resembled his father. There is an admirable por- 
 trait of him in the Yestry House of Christ Church, below 
 which is the following inscription : 
 
 " Johannes Bethune, S.T.P. 
 
 Parochife Regiomontanse annos quatuor et quinquaginta 
 Rector, JEdis Christi Cathedralis in urbe Regiomontana, 
 Annos Duodeviginti Decanus, natus est die quinta Jan- 
 naurii, A. S. MDCCXCI. In pace decessit die vicesima 
 secunda Augusti, A.S. MDCCCLXXIL" 
 
 In 1835, he was appointed Principal of McGrill College, 
 at the termination of the lawsuit the relatives of Hon. 
 James McG-ill's widow had carried on to set aside the 
 will by which the estate of Burnside, together with 
 ^40,000 was left by that gentleman to form a University
 
 3*7 
 
 in Montreal. It was the wish of the founder, as well as 
 of the G-overnors, that Kev. Dr. Strachan should be the 
 first Principal ; but his position as Eector of Toronto and 
 Archdeacon of York was so important that he would not 
 give it up for even this office, so attractive to one pos- 
 sessing his tastes, and the filling of which would have 
 realised the dream of his youth. Unable to accept the 
 position himself, there was no one whom he would 
 more naturally desire to see at the head of the new in- 
 stitution than his friend and former pupil, Dean Bethune. 
 The College question, however, was not yet settled, and 
 before the University could be got on a satisfactory foot- 
 ing, a new charter had to be procured in 1852. This in- 
 volved the resignation of Dr. Bethune, and the recasting 
 of the governing body of the College. 
 
 The Eev. A. N. Bethune was for many years Eector of 
 Cobourg, and the attempt to make King's College at 
 Toronto an Anglican Institution, pure and simple, having 
 failed, when the Diocese of Toronto resolved to institute 
 an independent Theological School at Cobourg, Mr. 
 Bethune was appointed the first Professor of Theology. 
 "When it was determined, in 1866, to appoint a coadjutor 
 bishop to aid the now aged Dr. Strachan, the choice of the 
 Synod lay on Mr. Bethune — a result most gratifying to 
 the venerable prelate — who, in declaring Mr. Bethune 
 elected, added : " and I hope that his future life will be 
 what his past has been, — just, and holy, and upright, in 
 every respect, worthy of the high station to which he 
 has been called." Less than a year afterwards Dr. 
 Bethune succeeded to the See of Toronto, owing to the 
 death of his senior. Dr. Strachan. Thus two Scotchmen, 
 both trained Presbyterians, and both of them having 
 some slight relation to the old St. G-abriel Street Church, 
 Montreal, filled in succession the office of Anglican Bishop 
 of Toronto.
 
 38 
 
 In taking leave of the founder of the Presbyterian 
 cause in Montreal, it may be interesting to some to know 
 that Mr. Bethune's grandson, the son of Angus already 
 mentioned. Dr. Norman Bethune of Toronto, has lately 
 connected himself with the communion to which he by de- 
 scent belongs, after worshipping for many years in the 
 Anglican Church. This is what Darwin would have 
 called a return to the original type. It is still more in- 
 teresting to learn that one of his sons is now prosecuting 
 his studies with a view to the ministry of the Presby- 
 terian Church.
 
 CHAPTEE lY. 
 
 Social, Civil and Commbecial Condition of things in Montreal a Cbn- 
 TUKY AGO — Presbyterian Church has kept pace with the Growth 
 OP THE City — The Scotch in Montreal, before 1786, worshipped 
 with the English Church Congregation — Rev. John Young, a 
 Scotch Licentiate, with American Ordination — Settled in Mon- 
 treal in 1791, AS ''Stated Supply" — A Link between the Con- 
 gregation and the Presbyterian Church of the United States — 
 Mr. Young's Weakness and Misfortunes. 
 
 The Reverend John Bethune's effort to establish a Pres- 
 byterian Church in Montreal was not altogether successful, 
 yet it paved the way for ultimate success. The beginning 
 was small, but so also was the beginning of the city. It 
 is difficult for those who have seen Montreal only within 
 the last thirty years to realize how humble a town it was 
 a hundred years ago. Let me mention one or two things 
 which indicate the backward state of matters socially and 
 commercially in the year IT'SG. 
 
 A mail for England was despatched only once a month, 
 and it went by way of New York, taking about four 
 weeks on the way, whence it was carried by packet-ship, 
 and four months had to elapse before an answer could be 
 had from across the Atlantic ; now we have a daily mail 
 for Great Britain, besides that we are in momentary com- 
 munication with all parts of the world by telegraph. The 
 incoming mail was put off the New York packet at Hali- 
 fax, whence it came overland to Montreal, which it took 
 a month to reach. In 1789, it was publicly intimated by 
 the postal authorities ; " Letters for any part of the con- 
 tinent of Europe are to be sent under cover to a correspon-
 
 40 
 
 dent in London, otherwise they cannot be forwarded from 
 this Province." 
 
 The Civic G-overnment of the period was paternal 
 enough, as the following proclamation shows : — 
 
 " City and District of Montreal, 
 
 Wednesday, 1st January, 1789. 
 " At a meeting of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace this day, it is ordered 
 that the price and assize of bread, for the present month, be as follows : — 
 The white loaf of 4 lbs., at 9d. or 18 sols. 
 The brown loaf of 6 lbs., at lOd. or 20 sols. 
 
 And that the several bakers of the city and suburbs do conform thereto and 
 mark their bread with the initial of their name. 
 
 " By order of the Justices. 
 
 "J. Reid, 
 
 " Clerk of Peace." 
 
 Here is an advertisement of the same year : 
 
 "Montreal, 1st April, 1789. 
 To BE Sold. 
 
 "A stout, healthy negro man, about 28 years of age — is an excellent 
 cook, and very fit for working on a farm. Enquire of the Printer." 
 
 A primitive condition of affairs, sure enough, is disclosed 
 by these facts. 
 
 The trade of the city, we would now say, was exceed- 
 ingly insignificant. The entire carrying capacity of the 
 ships annually entering at Quebec did not exceed 12,000 
 tons and a very small proportion of these vessels made 
 their way to Montreal. The exports of furs and other co- 
 lonial produce from Quebec, in the year 1^86, were valued 
 at ,£445,116 sterling less than two millions and a quarter 
 dollars, of which this city's share can be imagined as 
 trifling. The amount of wheat leaving Quebec in 1*787 
 was 200,000 bushels. To see what our commercial pro- 
 gress has been in the century, compare these figures with 
 the trade returns for Montreal alone during the year 1885. 
 There entered this port last year, 441 ocean steamships
 
 41 
 
 with a tonnage of 619, 64Y, and 188 sailing vessels, 
 carrying 64,20*7 tons; while 5,003 inland vessels visited, 
 the harbor with a tonnage of ^24,9^5. The imports en- 
 tered at the harbor office were valued at $3*7,042,659 and 
 the exports at $25,209,813. And this does not embrace 
 the inland traffic done by railways centring in the city. 
 
 The population of the city in 1805 was only 12,000, and 
 we are therefore safe in saying that in 1786 it did not 
 reach half that number. 
 
 The story of the progress of the Presbyterian Church 
 from the day on which Mr. Bethune began a regular ser- 
 vice according to the forms and practice of the Church of 
 Scotland, up to the present time, is, therefore, in reality, 
 the story of the advancement of Montreal, from a small 
 walled town to the great and beautiful city which it has 
 become, gradually spreading over the whole island. The 
 growth of Presbyterian ism has kept pace with that of the 
 community. The seventeen Presbyterian congregations, 
 all told, of to-day, are a good showing of work achieved 
 in the century. The little seed has become a tree of goodly 
 proportions . 
 
 From May, 1*78*7, till 1790, there exists no record of ser- 
 vices held according to the Presbyterian forms. During 
 this period all the Protestants in the city seem to have 
 worshipped together, attending the services of the Rev. 
 David Charbraud Delislo, who was styled "Rector of the 
 Parish of Montreal and Chaplain to the G-arrison." When 
 the Bishop of Nova Scotia visited Montreal in 1*789, — before 
 the advent of Bishop Mountain to Quebec — an address 
 was presented to him by the Church "Wardens and a Com- 
 mittee of the Protestant inhabitants of Montreal, who went 
 as far as Pointe aux Trembles to meet him ; and amongst 
 the names are to be found many of those who were after- 
 wards forward in the erection of the Scotch Church. 
 Among others who up to 1*790 supported the Church of
 
 42 
 
 England were William England, William Hunter, Adam 
 Scott, John Russell and Duncan Fisher, who were after- 
 wards appointed trustees for the Presbyterian Church, 
 their names being mentioned in the original deed; as 
 well as Joseph Provan, Thomas Busby, Robert Aird, Alex- 
 ander Fisher and Finlay Fisher. Mention is made in the 
 Hunter Manuscript, from which we gather a good deal of 
 our information respecting those early days, of occasional 
 services held by Scotch military chaplains ; but they do not 
 appear to have kept up regular public worship or to have 
 dispensed ordinances. 
 
 The gentleman,to whom the credit has to be given of get- 
 ting thePresbyterian cause placed on a solid and permanent 
 footing, was the Rev. John Young. Like Mr. Bethune, 
 though born and educated in Scotland, he had come as a 
 young man to America and was settled for some time in 
 the United States. Born at Beith, Scotland, he was 
 licensed by the Presbytery of Irvine on the 29th Novem- 
 ber, 1785. As it is of consequence to have a full and 
 accurate knowledge of this minister's status when he 
 came to take up his residence in Montreal, and of his rela- 
 tions to the Church of Scotland and to the Presbyterian 
 Church in the United States, I give extracts from the 
 official records : — 
 
 " Irvine, 29th Nov., 1785, P. M. 
 
 After Prayer, — " The Presbytery, now considering that 
 Mr. John Young had gone through all the pieces of trial 
 prescribed by Act of Assembly, to their satisfaction, they 
 resolved to license him to preach the Gospel as a Proba- 
 tioner of this Church. He being called in, and having 
 answered the questions appointed to be put to probationers 
 by the 10th Act of Assembly, 1711, and having signed the 
 formula of said Act, the Presbytery, after suitable admoni- 
 tion, did, and hereby do, unanimously license the foresaid
 
 43 
 
 Mr. John Young to preach the Grospel of Christ, as a pro- 
 bationer within their bounds and elsewhere, as he may- 
 be regularly called." 
 
 Mr. Young's next appearance is in the State of New 
 York. 
 
 " At South Hanover, June 19th, llSl. 
 
 " The testimonials of Mr. John Young, a probationer 
 from the Presbytery of Irvine, having been approved by 
 the SynodjWere read, and he was received under our care. 
 Mr. Young was appointed to visit the vacancies, north- 
 ward and westward of Albany." 
 
 The above extract and the three extracts which follow 
 are taken from the minutes of the Presbytery of New 
 York. 
 
 " At aosHEN, October 17th, llSl. 
 
 " A call from Cambridge, and another from Schenectady 
 and Currie's Bush, were brought in and put into Mr. 
 Young's hands, and he declared his acceptance of the 
 latter." 
 
 " October 18th. 
 
 " The Presbytery appointed Mr. Young for an Exegesis. 
 An Christus qua Mediator sit adorandusT' 
 
 " At Elizabeth Town, May *7th, 1788. 
 
 "The Presbytery examined Mr. John Young on his ex- 
 perimental acquaintance with religion, and his views in 
 entering the ministry; with which they were unani- 
 mously satisfied ; and accepted his sermon delivered at 
 the opening of Presbytery,and his Exegesis now delivered, 
 as parts of trial ; and examined him in Hebrew, G-reek 
 and Latin, Logic, Ehetoric, G-eography, Astronomy, Natural 
 and Moral Philosophy, Church History and Grovernment, 
 and Systematic and Casuistic Divinity ; and sustai;ied the 
 examination.
 
 44 
 
 " Mr. Young adopted the Westminster Confession of 
 Faith, and approved of the Directory." 
 
 "May 8th. 
 
 "The Presbytery hearing there were difficulties in the 
 congregation of Schenectady, respecting arrears due to 
 their former minister, appointed Dr. Rodgers to write to 
 them, and Mr. McDonald to meet with them and see that 
 all matters be arranged previous to Mr. Young's ordina- 
 tion, which is to be at Schenectady the second Thursday 
 in August ; Mr. King to preach. Dr. Rodgers to preside, 
 and Dr. McWhorter to give the charge." 
 
 Schenectady, August 14th, 1788. 
 
 " The Presbytery proceeded to the ordination of Mr. 
 Young, and in the absence of Mr. King, Mr. Schenck 
 preached from Acts x. 29, last clause, and Mr. Young, 
 having publicly adopted the Confession of Faith of this 
 Church, and declared his assent to the form of govern- 
 ment, worship and discipline, the Presbytery set him apart 
 to the work of the Ministry, by prayer and imposition of 
 hands ; and, with the mutual consent of both parties, 
 installed him pastor of the United Congregations of 
 Schenectady and Currie's Bush. Dr. Rodgers concluded 
 the whole with a charge to the pastor and people ; and 
 Mr. Young took his seat, and Mr. James Shuter sat as his 
 elder." 
 
 It follows that Mr. Young was a minister of the Presby- 
 terian Church of the United States, rather than of the 
 Church of Scotland. It is the act of ordination, not the 
 licensure, that confers ministerial status. License leaves 
 the licentiate, according to the order of the Presbyterian 
 Church, still " a layman," — to use a convenient word, to 
 which some have objection from an ecclesiastical point of 
 view.
 
 45 
 
 The name of Mr. Young appears occasionally in the 
 minutes until the reference, in October, 1790, to the 
 " newly erected Presbytery of Albany," which embraced 
 him and his charge. 
 
 The Presbytery of New York was, at its own instance, 
 divided by the Synod, and a new Presbytery of Albany 
 set off from it, on the 8th of October, 1790. 
 
 At the first meeting of the Presbytery of Albany, within 
 the bounds of which Mr. Young's congregation lay, held 
 in November, 1790, he requested that the pastoral relation 
 between him and the people of his charge should be 
 dissolved. Meantime a serious charge was brought against 
 him, and it was while it was hanging over his head that 
 he paid his first visit to Montreal. His absenting himself 
 in these circumstances, without previous permission 
 obtained from the ecclesiastical authorities, showed if not 
 cowardice, at least, a want of judgment, that was enough 
 to weaken his cause and create a prejudice against him. 
 Notwithstanding this, Mr. Young, after due investigation, 
 was honourably acquitted. 
 
 At the same meeting, in December, 1790, the "Presby- 
 tery proceeded to enquire into the conduct of Mr. Young 
 in abruptly leaving his charge, in the sight of the slander- 
 ous accusations," referred to above, " and taking a journey 
 into Canada without the knowledge of his people, the 
 leave of the Presbytery or the advice of his brethren." 
 His conduct was adjudged " unfaithful and untender to 
 his flock and tending to subvert Presbyterial discipline 
 and order." The Presbytery resolved to " call Mr. Young 
 to a solemn acknowledgment and to require profession of 
 his unfeigned sorrow and repentance of his behavior in 
 the whole of that affair." Mr. Young having complied, 
 the Presbytery then " agreed that after a solemn admoni- 
 tion from the chair he should be re-admitted to his seat," 
 — which was done. It was after this, and at the same
 
 46 
 
 meeting, that he was released from his charge at Schenec- 
 tady and Currie's Bush, the reason assigned being a 
 *' deficiency in the payment of his salary." He continued 
 to preach, however, by appointment of Presbytery to the 
 same people, as "stated supply," till the next meeting in 
 March. This evidently implies that in neither the Pres- 
 bytery nor the congregation there rested a shadow of 
 suspicion respecting his moral character. 
 
 At the meeting of the Albany Presbytery, in March, 1^91, 
 he declined a call from the churches at Currie's Bush (now 
 Princeton) and New Scotland. In September, 1*791, " he 
 reported himself by letter as preaching in Montreal in 
 Canada, and requested to be appointed ' stated supply ' to 
 a church in that place." From other sources, we learn 
 that on the 18th day of that month, " the Sacrament of 
 the Lord's Supper was administered by him, in accordance 
 with the usages of the Church of Scotland, in the ' Recol- 
 let ' Roman Catholic Church." He, therefore, found an 
 organized congregation here, ready to receive ordinances 
 at the hand of a visiting minister. Mr. Bethune, in virtue 
 of his commission as an ambassador of Christ and of his 
 orders as a Presbyterian minister, had, without advice or 
 sanction from a Presbytery, in the exceptional circum- 
 stances in which he was placed, erected a charge in Mon- 
 treal, which, from that time forward, could claim all the 
 rights and privileges of a congregation. In the early his- 
 tory of any country or church, anomalies of necessity arise. 
 Congregations, Ministers and Presbyteries must, in such a 
 case, get on their feet the best way they can. We shall 
 find instances of the elasticity of our Presbyterial proce- 
 dure right along the history of our Church in Canada ; 
 but this is no argument against the propriety or desir- 
 ableness of insisting strictly upon the observance of the 
 rules, which long " usage has shown to be required to 
 secure that things within the House of Grod shall be done
 
 47 
 
 decently and in order, whenever it is practicable to 
 enforce them." 
 
 The Presbyterian congregation in Montreal resolved to 
 ask the Presbytery of Albany to take them under its care, 
 no doubt persuaded to this action by Mr. Young. I quote 
 at length from the records of that court, kindly placed at 
 my disposal by the clerk, Rev. J. N. Crocker of Saratoga. 
 
 " Salem, N.Y., Sept. 9th, 1791. 
 
 " A petition from a Presbyterian congregation at Mon- 
 treal in Canada was also laid before the Presbytery, re- 
 questing to be taken under their care, and to have Mr. 
 Young appointed a' stated supply ' till the next meeting of 
 Presbytery in March. The Presbytery, agreeable to their 
 request did enroll them among the congregations under 
 their inspection, and Mr. Young was appointed a ' stated 
 supply.' " 
 
 " Albany, Sept. 4th, 1Y92. 
 
 "The Presbtery, taking into consideration that no 
 accounts have been received by them from Mr. Young at 
 Montreal, for a year past, ordered Mr. "Warford to prepare 
 a draft of a letter to Mr. Young and report on Thursday 
 morning." 
 
 " Ballston, Feb. 20th, 1Y93. 
 
 " A letter from Mr. Young, their ' stated supply' at Mon- 
 treal, and also another from the Presbyterian congregation 
 in which he preaches, were laid before the Presbytery, in 
 which each of them requested a dismission from the Pres- 
 bytery, in order to join a Presbytery about to be formed 
 in Canada. The Presbytery, however willing to grant 
 their request, judged that a dismission to join a body not 
 in existence was irregular. They, therefore, ordered Mr. 
 McDonald to write a letter to Mr. Young and another to 
 the congregation, informing them that the Presbytery 
 would, with cheerfulness, dismiss them as soon as they
 
 48 
 
 should name the body to which they desired to be dis- 
 missed, and that he send to them an extract of this 
 minute." 
 
 " Troy, June 25th, 1*793. 
 
 " A letter from Mr. Young, dated at Montreal, was read, 
 in which he informed the Presbytery, that a Presbytery 
 had been lately erected in that country under the n,ame 
 of the Presbytery of Montreal, and requested a dismission ' 
 from them to join that body. The Presbytery, having 
 taken under consideration the remote and local situation 
 in which Mr. Young was placed, agreed to grant his 
 request, and they did and hereby do dismiss Mr. John 
 Young from his connection and subordination to the Pres- 
 bytery of Albany, to join thePresbytery of Montreal ; and 
 they hereby recommend him to their friendly atten- 
 tion as a minister of the Grospel in regular standing with 
 them, and ordered the clerk of the Presbytery to furnish 
 Mr. Young with a certified copy of their decision." 
 
 A petition from the vacant congregation of Montreal, 
 under the inspection of the Presbytery, was laid before 
 them, stating that a Presbytery under the title of "The 
 Presbytery of Montreal had lately been established in 
 Canada, that they found it would be peculiarly convenient 
 for them in their seclusion to be under their care, and 
 requesting a dismission that they might be regularly 
 received by the Presbytery of Montreal. The Presbytery, 
 sensible of the justice of the observations contained in 
 their petition, agreed to grant their request, and they did, 
 and hereby do, dismiss the congregation of Montreal 
 from their inspection, and do hereby reecommend them to 
 the care and kind patronage of the Presbytery of Montreal, 
 as a society of regular and reputable standing in the 
 Presbytery ; and they ordered the stated clerk to transmit 
 a certified copy of their decision to that congregation."
 
 49 
 
 It is a notable fact that the two first Presbyterian 
 ministers that officiated in Montreal were Scotchmen, 
 who came to the city by way of the United States. That 
 fact seems remarkable to us now. But it ought to be 
 remembered that the separating lines between the two 
 sections of the continent were not then so clearly drawn 
 as they are to-day. It was only seven years before Mr. 
 Young came to Montreal that the Independence of the 
 United States had been acknowledged by G-reat Brftain. 
 There had been previously a constant accession to the 
 pulpits of America from England, Scotland and Ireland, 
 and the sense of community of religious interests did not 
 and could not cease all at once, by reason of any political 
 ' change that took place. Even now, people in Great Britain 
 and Ireland speak of going to America, when they mean 
 Canada. This tendency must have been much stronger a 
 hundred years ago, when Canada was little known and 
 had but a few English-speaking inhabitants, while the 
 Eastern and New England States were already fairly 
 well settled. 
 
 Besides, the Grospel of Christ knows no political boun- 
 daries, as it takes account of no nationality or tongue. 
 And it is to the praise of all the Evangelical Churches of 
 the lately constituted United States that they did not over- 
 look the claims of Canada to enjoy the preached word, 
 notwithstanding its firm refusal to join the Federal 
 Republic. Loyalist and Republican are one in Christ. 
 
 The keen political feeling excited by the Revolutionary 
 War had not yet subsided, when preachers from "across 
 the line " were found penetrating the Canadian forests in 
 search of the new settlements, holding forth the Word of 
 Life, showing that in Jesus Christ there is neither Jew 
 nor Greek, that the Church is a more comprehensive in- 
 stitution than the State, and that it disregards barriers, 
 whether natural or artificial. 
 D
 
 50 
 
 We gratefully recognize the fact that the cougregation 
 worshipping in St. G-abriel Street Church received its 
 first formal Presbyterial status from the Church across 
 the border. I have been unable to ascertain v^^hether Mr. 
 Bethune was ordained in Scotland or in the Carolinas, and 
 therefore cannot say whether he was a minister of the 
 Church of Scotland or not, but, in any case, he came to us 
 through the States, and Mr. Young's orders were clearly 
 American. We glory in the distinction of having once 
 belonged to this great Church. Groing back a step, indeed, 
 it might be claimed, that the Presbyteries that ordained Mr. 
 Young and Mr. Bethune, if he were ordained in America, 
 derived their orders from Scotland. The early synods of 
 the Presbyterian Church in the United States take up that 
 position. Here is an extract from the minutes of the 
 Synod of New York, on the 2*7th September, 1^51. 
 
 " We do hereby declare and testify our constitution, 
 order and discipline to be in harmony with the Established 
 Church of Scotland ; we declare ourselves united with that 
 Church in the same faith, order and discipline." 
 
 Again, in 1753, we find the Synod re-afiirming this 
 position : — 
 
 " In the colonies of New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl- 
 vania, Maryland, Virginia and Carolina, a great number 
 of congregations have been formed upon the Presbyterian 
 plan, which have put themselves under the Synodical 
 care of your petitioners, who conform to the constitution 
 of the Church of Scotland, and have adopted her stan- 
 dards of doctrine, worship and discipline. . . . The 
 young daughter of the Church of Scotland, helpless and 
 exposed in this foreign land, cries to her tender and 
 powerful mother for relief." 
 
 The Presbyterians of the United States, writing to the 
 Grovernorof Virginia, in 1Y50, said that " they were of the 
 same persuasion as the Church of Scotland."
 
 51 
 
 Mr. Bethune and Mr. Young had therefore a true Pres- 
 byterian succession. And it may be said that the Presby- 
 terian Church of the United States has been faithful to 
 the principles thus avowed, as received from the mother 
 country. Indeed, it is more conservative of the traditions 
 of the elders than the Churches of G-reat Britain are. It 
 would seem'as if Colonial Churches Mrere always more 
 tenacious of ancient forms and usages than the parent ones. 
 Consequently a severer type of Presbyterianism is to be 
 found in Ireland and the United States than in Scotland, 
 at the present time. 
 
 The connection of the St. G-abriel Street Church with 
 the Presbytery of Albany was of but short duration, we 
 have seen. Of the Presbytery of Montreal, which the 
 congregation and^Mr. Young were dismissed to join, we 
 have no information. It has left no records behind it of 
 its meetings or acts — none, at least, that have hitherto 
 been discovered. But there has been a tradition in Can- 
 ada that it was composed of Dr. Sparks of Quebec, Mr. 
 Bethune of Grlengary and Mr. Young of Montreal, to- 
 gether with the representative elders from the respective 
 charges which they served. 
 
 It does not seem to have been in existence in 1800, — at 
 least, to have exercised its episcopal functions at a time 
 when a wise and vigilant oversight would have been of 
 thp utmost value to the cause of religion, not to say of 
 Presbyterianism, in Montreal. 
 
 Mr. Young was a man of no great strength of character. 
 "We have seen that his iirst visit to this city was by way 
 of a temporary escape from some diflB.culties into which he 
 got in his pastoral charge over the line. Being a weak 
 brother at the best, his isolation, all the time he served this 
 church, from brethren who might counsel and fortify him, 
 was most unfortunate. The wine merchant seems to have 
 been, relatively, a more important personage then than 
 now, judging by the number of men of high standing that
 
 52 
 
 engaged in the business at that time. Dining out was the 
 rule with the wealthier citizens. There were no news- 
 papers, exchanges or clubs in those days, where men might 
 congregate and gather intelligence of what was going on 
 in the world ; and this means of mental occupation and 
 gratification was compensated for, a hundred years ago, by 
 social intercourse. Conversation over the walnuts and 
 the wine was what books and journals are to the people 
 of this generation. The minister was expected to grace 
 the tables of his rich parishioners; and it would have 
 taken a gentleman of much personal dignity and strength 
 of will to dominate the tendencies of a high-strung, hard- 
 drinking society, such as that in which he, to a considera- 
 ble extent, moved. Mr. Young was not possessed of the 
 fibre, either intellectual or moral, to exercise a wholesome 
 control over the excesses of the time. Instead of conquer- 
 ing the evils of his surroundings, he was in some degree 
 conquered by them. 
 
 In 1801, complaints began to be made that he did not 
 always act with discretion. At this point, the good offices 
 of a Presbytery, if they could have been secured, would 
 have been of immense advantage to the cause of decency 
 and order. It seems conclusive that there was no Pres- 
 bytery in existence to which he and the congregation 
 owed allegiance, that it was left with a committee of the 
 congregation, composed partly of the Session and partly 
 of the Managers of the temporal affairs of the church, to 
 inquire into the rumours afloat injuriously affecting Mr, 
 Young's character, and to deal with them. This was a 
 most embarassing situation for a congregation to be placed 
 in, while it was ruinous to the clergyman's influence. 
 For, whether he is acquitted or condemned, a minister's 
 usefulness is gone, when the members of his own con- 
 gregation are called upon to investigate charges affecting 
 his moral character. It is a first principle in Presbyterian 
 government that neither a congregation nor a session can
 
 53 
 
 sit in judgment upon a minister. He can be properly- 
 tried only by his peers in the Presbytery or Supreme 
 Court. 
 
 That the charges against Mr. Young were, up to Novem- 
 ber, 1800, not regarded as having blasted his character so 
 as to unfit him lor the duties of his office, is clear from 
 the fact that he continued to officiate in the church up to 
 9th August, 1802; and that when a vote was taken 
 whether he should retire or continue to supply the pul- 
 pit, on the 10th day of November, 1800, the great majo- 
 rity expressed a wish that he should remain. 
 
 Mr. Young was never technically minister of the church, 
 and this fact made the irregularity of the congregation in 
 putting him upon his trial less than it would otherwise 
 be. As has been already said, he received an appoint- 
 ment as "stated supply " from the Presbytery of Albany ; 
 but this was after the arrangement had been made 
 between him and the congregation. He never received 
 M^hat is known as "a call" from the congregation, 
 nor was he inducted into the pastorate by the Presbytery. 
 It was, in fact, a private arrangement he had made with 
 the people, and it was to last as long as it suited both 
 parties. Had he been formally installed as pastor, the 
 procedure taken by the session and temporal committee 
 would have been a violation of Presbyterian principles 
 and practice. 
 
 The difference betwixt the position of "stated supply " 
 and that of pastor is well put in the evidence given in 
 the suit, Kemp vs. Fisher, by Rev. C. H. Taylor of Ballston 
 Centre, then clerk of the Presbytery of Albany :— 
 
 "The said Rev. Mr. Young was never installed or 
 inducted in said St. Gabriel Street Church by the Presby- 
 tery of Albany : and in regard to his relation to said 
 Presbytery, he never was pastor of said Church, but was 
 merely, for a stated time, fulfilling towards the Church 
 the functions of a regular pastor. The relation of a pastor
 
 54 
 
 to a Churchi is, according to our constitution, indissoluble, 
 save by the action of the Presbytery ; but that of ' stated 
 supply,' although recognized by the Presbytery, is one of 
 voluntary arrangement between the clergyman and the 
 congregation, and endures so long as it is mutually con- 
 sented to by them. Taking a congregation under the care 
 of a Presbytery gives it all the rights and privileges of 
 a part of the Presbytery, while so under their care : and 
 that connection remains — unless regularly dismissed — 
 which appears to have been the case with the Church at 
 Montreal. The said Rev. Mr. Young was not regular 
 pastor of said church at Montreal during the time it was 
 under the care of the Presbytery of Albany, not having 
 been installed, as I have already mentioned. A resignation 
 of a clergyman, addressed to the church or congregation 
 for which he officiated, would, according to our rules, be 
 inefficacious to destroy, or put an end to, his relation to 
 such church and congregation, if a regular ' pastor,' but 
 if a 'stated supply ' only, it would put an end to his con- 
 nection. But a ' stated supply ' is often and, indeed, gen- 
 erally, for a stated time ; and in such case, it becomes the 
 duty of the congregation to receive the clergyman for that 
 time, — and the duty of the clergyman to fulfil that time, 
 otherwise it would be disrespectful to the Presbytery. But 
 the arrangement is, in its nature, of a temporary character. "^ 
 The only acts of jurisdiction, then, exercised by the Pres- 
 bytery of Albany over the congregation of St. G-abriel 
 Street Church, during the twenty-one months it was under 
 their care, was the appointment of Mr. Young as " stated 
 supply," from September, 1Y91, to March, 1^92, and then 
 dismissing him and the congregation in June, 1793. Mr. 
 Young appears to have remained as " stated supply " at 
 his own risk, from 1793 till 1802, and when there appears 
 to have been no Presbytery to take action in the prem- 
 ises, perhaps there was nothing left for the congregation 
 to do but to take the law into their own hands.
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 Rev. John Young's gifts and his success in strengthening the Presby- 
 terian CAUSE IN Montreal — The social life of the time in the city 
 — Anomalous position for Minister and Congregation, he never 
 having been inducted — Discontentment with his ministry — Mr. 
 Young's Resignation and Departure — His subsequent honourable 
 CAREER — The 'Recollbt Church' — Hospitality op the Recollet 
 Fathers towards the Scotch in giving the use of their Church — 
 The St. Gabriel Street Church built in 1792 — The Protestant 
 Church at Bbrthibr — Original Trust Deed of St. Gabriel Street 
 Church — The old Church and the Champ db Mars. 
 
 Although Rev. John Young does not appear to have 
 been always able to exercise self-denial, he must have 
 possessed many estimable qualities, or he could not have 
 maintained his position in Montreal for eleven years. The 
 social tendencies, which were his weakness, made him 
 popular with many ; so that he was able to accomplish a 
 good deal during his incumbency in the way of getting a 
 church erected and entirely paid for, and consolidating 
 the congregation. He must have been endowed with 
 energy and business capacity, as well as gifts of speech. 
 And had he been fortified by the companionship and 
 counsel of brethren in the ministry, he might have been 
 a very useful pastor. As illustrating the solitariness of his 
 situation, we find him, in the year 1800, baptizing his own 
 daughter, which is at least an unusual thing for a Presby- 
 terian clergyman to do, although there was no irregularity 
 in the act. There was much in his situation that was in- 
 teresting, as there is in the position of any missionary in 
 a new district. He had it in his power to mould the re- 
 ligious character of the young community. The sense of
 
 56 
 
 Tesponsibility which attaches to one iu these circum- 
 stances adds dignity to his office. The settlers for hun- 
 dreds of miles around Montreal brought their children to 
 him for baptism, and he made occasional missionary tours 
 among them, with the view of confirming them in the 
 faith and cheering them in the midst of the hardships and 
 privations of life in the back-woods. He seems to have 
 had occasion also to minister to the spiritual necessities of 
 the aborigines. The following makes rather curious 
 reading to-day : — 
 
 " Jenny, the Red Bird of the tribe of the Hurons, aged 
 twenty-four years, was baptised this twenty-fifth day of 
 July, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hun- 
 dred and ninety-six, by 
 
 " John Young, 
 
 " Minister." 
 
 Mr. Young's geniality seems to have enabled him to 
 maintain happy relations with the other Christian people 
 of Montreal. For instance, he appears to have officiated 
 at baptisms and funerals for the Anglican clergyman of 
 the city at that time, Rev. S. J. Mountain, as his name 
 is inserted in several Acts in the Registers of Christ 
 Church, during the years 1^98-99 and 1800. 
 
 Symptoms of dissatisfaction with Mr. Young's ministry 
 began to show themselves in the year 1800. Whether it 
 arose from a want of appreciation of his professional 
 services, or because rumours had reached a portion of the 
 congregation that Mr. Young's conduct was not always 
 becoming, does not appear. The question seems to have 
 reached a crisis iu November of that year, for a congrega- 
 tional meeting was held on the 10th of that month, for 
 the purpose of testing the sentiments of the people towards 
 him. There was no Presbytery to take the matter in 
 hand, and so a short and easy method was adopted, as the 
 following minute shows : —
 
 57 
 
 " At a meeting of the Presbyterian congregation of this 
 city, held in their church, the 4th instant, a number of 
 those present expressed a wish for another clergyman, to 
 which the Rev. Mr. Young, being present, replied, he had 
 not the least objections to retire on an annuity, provided a 
 majority of his congregation wished it." 
 
 " Therefore all those of the said congregation who wish 
 Mr. Young to retire from his present charge, on the fore- 
 going conditions, will please to signify it by signing their 
 names hereto, adding dissatisfied ; and those for him to 
 continue will signify it by adding satisfied." 
 
 Montreal, 10th November, 1800." 
 
 The result of this vote showed that Mr. Young had yet 
 a strong hold on the confidence and esteem of the con- 
 gregation. The following voted for his continuance : — 
 John Lilly, Adam Scott, William Hunter, Richard Warffe, 
 Wm. Grilmour, John Cuthbertson, James Laiug, Robert 
 Buchanan, James Strother, William Martin, James Logan, 
 Alexander Chisholm, Hugh Tulloch, William Thompson, 
 Peter McFarlane, B. G-ibb, Mrs. Finlayson, James Hender- 
 son, Philip Ross, G-eorge Martin, Thomas Hunter, Duncan 
 McNaughton, James McDowall, Hugh McAdam, John 
 Watson, John McKay, J. G-ottfried G-lagau, David McCosh, 
 Robert Algie, Arthur G-ilmour, Thomas Prior, Thos. Reid, 
 Chas. Falconer, William G-raham, Jos. Provan, Jean Mc- 
 Dougall, John Telfer, James Stevenson, John Hunter, 
 Thomas Taylor, Donald McKercher, William England. 
 Only six voted for procuring another clergyman. They 
 were the following : Isaac Todd, John Russell, John 
 McArthur, John Fisher, who appends this remark to his 
 signature, " being firmly of opinion it will turn eventually 
 for the good of Mr. Young," — Alexander Henry, William 
 Martin. 
 
 As showing that his surroundings in Montreal had an 
 unfavourable influence upon his habits, we follow his
 
 58 
 
 career with satisfaction after he left the city. He proceeded 
 first to Newark, now Niagara, in Ontario, in the autumn 
 of 1802, where he officiated for a time. He afterwards 
 ministered to a congregation near Lake Champlain ; 
 thence he removed to Lunenburgh in Nova Scotia, and 
 finally was settled at Sheet Harbour, in that Province, 
 where he died in 1825, the Rev. John Sprott of Musquo- 
 doboit, officiating at his funeral, who wrote to a friend in 
 Scotland that "his death was much lamented by that infant 
 settlement." 
 
 We have seen that Mr. Young was never installed as 
 minister of the St. Grabriel Street congregation ; but in 
 point of fact, he came to be looked upon as if he had been. 
 All things considered, his incumbency must be regarded 
 as a long one, nearly eleven years altogether, he being 
 without the protection and fortifying afforded by the per- 
 manent pastoral relation. In this fact we have satisfactory 
 evidence that he must have possessed not a few points 
 of worth and popularity. The tone of his last commun- 
 ication to the congregation, addressed to Mr. Benaiah 
 Gribb, is sad enough : — 
 
 " Montreal, 7th August, 1802. 
 
 Sir, — I hereby resign all claim to the Presbyterian 
 Church ; hoping you, and all concerned, will do what 
 you can to collect what is due to me as minister of said 
 Church, previous to this day; and I expect my old friends 
 of the Presbyterian congregation, dearly beloved in the 
 Lord, will give me a sum not less than one hundred 
 pounds, which may enable me to land my family in my 
 native land. May peace be within your walls, prosperity 
 within your borders. 
 
 Sir, 
 Your humble servant in the Lord, 
 
 JNO. YOUNa. 
 Mr. B. Gibb."
 
 THE RECOLLET CHURCH
 
 59 
 
 The conj^regation treated Mr. Young very handsomely, 
 in response to this appeal. They presented him with 
 .£105. 14s. lOd., over and above his claim for salary. 
 
 A great deal of interest gathers around the eleven years 
 that Mr. Young spent in connection with the St. Grabriel 
 Street Church. It was under his regime that the oft-men- 
 tioned display of religious hospitality on the part of the 
 Recollet Fathers took place. Their church, of which we 
 present an engraving, was put at the disposal of the Scotch 
 Presbyterians in 1791, as it had been, for twenty years up 
 to 1Y89, at the service of the English Church ; and on the 
 18th of September, 1*791, the Sacrament of the Lord's Sup- 
 per was administered in it, as has been already stated, ac- 
 cording to the practice of the Church of Scotland. The 
 " Society of Presbyterians," as they were then called, 
 continued to occupy the old Recollet Church from the 
 date mentioned until their own edifice in St. Grabriel 
 Street was ready for divine worship. The Fathers politely 
 refused any remuneration for the use of their church, but 
 were induced to accept of a present from the congrega- 
 tion, in acknowledgement of their kindness, consisting of 
 two hogsheads of Spanish wine, containing 60 odd gallons 
 each, and a box of candles, — amounting in all to =£ 14 2s. 4d. 
 Mr. Hunter, in his manuscript, closes the narrative with 
 the quaint remark — " they were quite thankful for the 
 same." Again, in 1809, when the present roof was put 
 upon the St. G-abriel Street Church, and the steeple and 
 bell were erected, the Scots' congregation assembled for 
 public worship, for two months or more, in the Kecollet 
 Church. This reads wonderful in these days, when the 
 lines are so strongly drawn betwixt Protestants and Ro- 
 man Catholics. But this exhibition of neighbourliness is 
 not without its parallel elsewhere. At several places on 
 the continent of Europe — in Switzerland, if I remember 
 rightly — I learned, when travelling in that part of the
 
 60 
 
 world in 1877, that Protestant and Eoman Catholic services 
 were held alternately in the same edifice. The same 
 thing was true of several parishes in France : notably of 
 Mount Beliard in Alsace, the country which gave Farel to 
 the Reformation. Such displays of toleration and sym- 
 pathy show that men are better than their creeds, and 
 belie the cynical maxim of Rousseau, that " it is impossible 
 to live at peace with people whom one believes to be 
 eternally lost." 
 
 The fact that it was not a singular act of religious tol- 
 eration and friendliness, on the part of the Recollets, does 
 not detract anything from the magnanimity of their con- 
 duct. They w^ere not equally disposed on one occasion 
 to show kindness to certain Jesuit Fathers, when the lat- 
 ter knocked at the door of their convent in Quebec. 
 
 As the Recollets were the first missionaries and teach- 
 ers that arrived in Canada, and showed so liberal a spirit 
 towards Protestants, they are entitled to be noticed at 
 some length. They belonged to the order of St. Francis, 
 and were also known as " Freres mineurs de Vetroite observ- 
 ance de St. Franpois.'" The term Recollets indicates their 
 characteristic aim, which was to secure a scrupulous 
 observance of the rules of the founder. They were the 
 third section of the Franciscans that attempted to bring 
 about a reform in the order — the " Capuchins des religieux 
 du Hers ordre''' being an earlier branch of reformers of the 
 same fraternity. They gave themselves up to study and 
 meditation, and endeavored to revive a taste for letters in 
 the monastic institution to which they belonged, — (Latin) 
 recollecti. 
 
 The founder of this reformed order of Franciscans was 
 Juan de La Puebla y Sitomayor, Comte de Belalcazar. 
 He was a Spaniard, as his name indicates, and initiated 
 this school of monks in 1484. The order was introduced 
 into Italy in 1525, and into France, at Nevers and Tulle,
 
 61 
 
 in 1592, and at Paris, in 1603. In 1532, they were sanc- 
 tioned, and erected into a particular congregation by Pope 
 Clement VII. Previous to the French Eevolution, they 
 had 168 convents in France, and these were divided into 
 seven provinces. The order furnished many chaplains to 
 the armies of the Roman Catholic states, and they offered 
 their services for missions to India and other heathen 
 countries, as well as Canada. Four of them accompanied 
 Champlain on his third voyage to this continent, in 1612, 
 nine years after their establishment in Paris. These four 
 pioneers were joined by two others in 1625, and by sev- 
 eral more in after years. The first school in Canada was 
 opened at Three Rivers, in the year 1616, by Father 
 Pacific Duplessis, of this order — the second school at 
 Tadousac, in 1618, by Father Joseph C. Caron. Besides 
 these, they instituted quite a number of elementary 
 schools for boys in the country parishes as well as in 
 Yercheres, Quebec and Montreal. In 1620, the Recollets, 
 under the French King's authority, established a convent 
 at Quebec, to which the famous Prince de Conde made a 
 liberal donation. At the conquest, in 1760, their lands, 
 with those of the Jesuits, were taken possession of by the 
 crown. The last of the order, Pere Louis (Demers), or- 
 dained in 1757, died at Montreal in 1813. 
 
 Their church and monastery occupied the space bound- 
 ed by Notre Dame Street and Lemoine Street, in one 
 direction, and McGill and St. Peter Streets, on the other 
 sides. Upon the extinction of the order in Canada, this 
 property passed into the possession of the British Grovern- 
 ment. It was afterwards conveyed to the Hon. Mr. 
 Grant, in exchange for St. Helen's Island, which previ- 
 ously belonged to him. The Fabrique purchased it of 
 Mr. G-rant, and assigned the church to the Irish Roman 
 Catholics for their use, after their numbers had greatly 
 increased by immigration ; and they continued to occupy
 
 62 
 
 it until St. Patrick's Church was opened on 17th March, 
 1847. The original buildings were entirely of rubble 
 and masonry, like most of the edifices of the period ; and 
 when they ceased to be occupied, they soon gave tokens 
 of decay, so that the front, facing on Notre Dame Street, 
 had to be taken down. The old French Parish Church 
 being removed from where it stood, across Notre Dame 
 Street, extending into what is now Place D'Armes, in 
 1830, its cut stone front was transferred to the RecoUet 
 Church. The venerable structure was demolished in 
 1866, to make way for the exigencies of commerce ; and 
 all that remains now to [remind us that the order ever 
 existed in Montreal, is the street which bears their name. 
 Sic transit gloria mundi. 
 
 Rev. John Young's name must ever be associated with 
 the history of the St. G-abriel Street Church. It was a 
 substantial work he achieved, when he moved theProtestant 
 citizens of Montreal to erect this edifice for the worship of 
 the Church of Scotland. It marked an era in the history 
 of Canada. It declared that the British people had come 
 to stay. It was the first Protestant edifice for public 
 worship, properly speaking, in the province. A little 
 church, which still stands, it is true, had been erected six 
 years earlier by Hon. James Cuthbert, Seignior of Berthier, 
 a Scotch Presbyterian ; but it appears to have been of a 
 private character — like the chapels attached to the de- 
 mesnes of noblemen in Great Britain — for the religious 
 instruction of the retainers and dependants of the lord of 
 the manor. I fancy this must have been the status of 
 the church in question, because no notice was taken of it 
 in the historical reviews and statements relating to Pres- 
 byterianism in Canada, prepared early in this century by 
 Dr. Sparks, Dr. Harkness, Mr. Esson and others. This 
 church had also a bell which is older than that which 
 hangs in the steeple of the St. Grabriel Church. But
 
 63 
 
 in the absence of evidence that the Cuthbert chapel was 
 anything more than a private one, we shall, in the mean- 
 time, hold to the long cherished opinion that the Scotch 
 Church in St. G-abriel Street was the first Protestant 
 one built in the Province of Quebec. 
 
 Mr. Cuthbert, indeed, claimed for his church the dis- 
 tinction of being the first erected after the taking of 
 Canada by the British. *I give the inscription on the 
 marble slab set in one of the outer walls : — 
 
 " This chapel was erected for Divine worship by the 
 Hon. James Cuthbert, Esq., Lord of the manor (Seignior), 
 of Berthier, Lanoraie, Danby, New York, Maskinonge, and 
 the first built since the conquest of New France, 1Y60, and 
 in memory of Catherine Cuthbert, his spouse, who died 
 March the 7th, 1785, aged 40 years, mother of three sons 
 and seven daughters, nineteen years married. Caroline, 
 one of her daughters, is interred in the west end of this 
 chapel, near her mother. She was a good wife, a tender 
 mother. Her death was much lamented by her family 
 and acquaintances. 
 
 " Anno Domini, 1786." 
 
 The following paragraph, taken from the " Canadian 
 Antiquarian," published in Montreal in 1877, supports 
 the claims of the Berthier Chapel to the seniority : — 
 
 " This chapel was built in 1786 by the Hon. James 
 Cuthbert of Castle Hill, Inverness, Scotland, first English 
 Seignior of Berthier, and named St. Andrew's ; and there 
 seems to be no doubt that it was the first erected for Pro- 
 testant worship in Canada. The services were con- 
 ducted for some years, after the Presbyterian form of 
 worship, by a clergyman who came out from Scotland 
 and lived in the Seignior's family as tutor." 
 
 It might be claimed for this chapel that it was the 
 first Protestant edifice erected in Lower Canada,
 
 64 
 
 but not the first in the whole of old Canada, 'for in 
 Upper Canada, a mission church had been built by 
 the Imperial G-overnment for the Mohawk Indians, near 
 Brantford, in 1782, in recognition of their friendly alliance 
 with G-reat Britain during the American Eevolutionary 
 "War — an alliance which cost them their possessions on the 
 Mohawk E-iver, New York State. The bell in tl^is Indian 
 church was cast by " Jno. "Warner, Fleet Street, London, 
 1786 "; so that it is also older than the St. G-abriel Church 
 bell. But neither can the Mohawk Church nor bell be 
 exactly said to have existed for the accommodation of the 
 ordinary public. 
 
 On the 2nd of April, 1792, the lot on St. Gabriel Street, 
 then known by the name of St. Philippe Street, was pur- 
 chased from Madame Hertel for the sum of one hundred 
 pounds (Halifax currency). As the terms of the deed be- 
 came afterwards a subject of prolonged legal scrutiny, we 
 give entire so much of it as has been subject of controversy, 
 in the French language, in which it is written : — 
 
 " D'un certain Acte de vente par feu Dame Marie Le- 
 compte Dupre, veuve de feu sieur Hypolite Hertel, Ecr., 
 tant en son nom qu'au nom qu'elle agit, recu par MM, 
 Th. Papineau et son confrere, le dernier jour d'avril, mil 
 sept cent quatre-vingt-douze, a MM. Adam Scott, William 
 Stewart, Duncan Fisher, William England, Alexander 
 Hanna, Alexander Fisher, William Hunter, Thos. Oakes, 
 John Empy et John Russell, tous citoyens de cette ville, 
 membres du comite elu par tous les membres de la con- 
 gregation Presbyterienne, etablis en cette ville et lieux 
 circonvoisins. acceptant ponr la gloire de Dieu et le ser- 
 vice Divin a I'usage des membres de la dite congregation 
 Presbyterienne et leurs successeurs, a I'avenir, selon et 
 conformement a I'usage de I'eglise d'Ecosse, telle qu'elle 
 est etablie par la loi en Ecosse a ete extrait, ce qui suit 
 a volontairement reconnu et confesse avoir vendu, cede,
 
 65 
 
 quitte, transporte et delaisse, tant en son nom qu'au noni 
 qu'elle agit, des maintenant et a toujours un terrain et 
 emplacement, scis et situe en cette ville, rue St. Philippe, 
 de la consistance de tout le terrain qui pent se trouver 
 appartenir aux dites parties venderesses, conformement 
 aux anciens titres, tout presentement remis aux dit ac- 
 quereurs, tenant le dit terrain par-devant a la rue St. Phi- 
 lippe, par-derriere aux terrains de R.R.P.P. Jesuites, d'un 
 cote a Mad. veuve Beaubassin, d'autre cote au terrain oc- 
 cupe par les remparts de cette ville, qui paraissent m^me 
 anticiper sur le terrain presentement vendu." 
 
 It w^ill be noticed that a sentence in the deed says : 
 " davtre cdte au terrain occupe par les remparts de cette ville qui 
 paraissent m^me anticiper sur le terrain presentement vendu.^^ 
 This is an important clause. It has been a very general 
 impression that the Presbyterian congregation, in 1*792, 
 obtained a strip of land from the British Grovernment on 
 the Champ de Mars side, tv^elve feet in vp^idth, so as to 
 make'^:he lot wide enough for building the church on, and 
 the lawfulness of their tenure of this strip, has been 
 called in question. The fact seems to be, on the contrary, 
 that the Champ de Mars had encroached {paraissent m^nie 
 anticiper sur le terrain) on the lot which was bought from 
 Madame Hertel, and it is doubtful if the St. Gabriel Church 
 authorities ever gained possession of all the land con- 
 veyed to them by their deed. 
 
 The walls of the city, constructed in 1Y24, had been 
 built for the most part on private property, surrendered by 
 the owners, as needed for the common security, without 
 recompense, but with the understanding that if ever the 
 walls were taken down, the lands on which they stood 
 should return to the rightful owners, their heirs or assigns. 
 
 Before the end rf>f last century, the enterprising mer- 
 chants of Montreal felt that they needed more elbow-room 
 than was afforded them by the then circumscribed limits 
 
 E
 
 66 
 
 of the city, which did not embrace an area much exceed- 
 ing 100 acres. They felt " cribbed, cabined and confined " 
 by the walls which King Louis had been at the trouble 
 of erecting. Accordingly, they, in 1797, petitioned the 
 Legislature to have the walls demolished. In 1801, an 
 Act was passed for this purpose, one section of the pream- 
 ble of which read : " Whereas, it is just and reasonable 
 that the land which the said walls and fortifications now 
 occupy, and which does not belong to His Majesty, should 
 be delivered up to the lawful proprietors ' thereof, their 
 heirs or assigns." The Act admitted the right of recovery 
 and possession to all those whose claims, on examination 
 by the Court of King's Bench at Montreal, might be 
 found good. 
 
 The settlement of claims, under this statute, required 
 several years to effect, and in the meantime the Act was 
 continued until finally the walls were entirely removed. 
 The congregation seem to have thought that they did 
 not occupy all the land they were entitled to ; for on 4th 
 May, 1803, they appointed a committee, consisting of Dun- 
 can Fisher and William Martin to look into the matter, 
 and take such steps as might be requisite to secure the 
 rights of the church : — 
 
 "It is resolved that the said Duncan Fisher and William 
 Martin be and are hereby appointed syndics, trustees and 
 attorneys for the members of the said committee, for the 
 express purpose of claiming all the ground which the 
 wall and fortifications, heretofore built and erected for the 
 better defence of the city of Montreal, occupied in the 
 extent of the ground appertaining to the said Presbyterian 
 Church and congregation, and for that effect to employ 
 such attorney and counsel as they may be advised. "=^ 
 
 *The claim was not settled at date, October 7th, 1808, as D.F. and 
 W.M. got leave of court then to have an attorney in the cause named in 
 the place of Robt. Russell, Esq., deceased.
 
 6Y 
 
 "Whether anything ever came of this application does not 
 appear from the documents relating to the church at pres- 
 ent known to exist. But the mere fact that more was 
 claimed than has been occupied at least disposes of the 
 allegation that the church encroached on the property of 
 the Government on the Champ de Mars side. 
 
 The " Scotch Church," " the Protestant Presbyterian 
 Church," or " the Presbyterian Church of Montreal," by 
 all of which designations it was at one time or another 
 known, was built in 1*792, Messrs. Telfer and Mcintosh 
 executing the mason work, and Mr. Joseph Perrault the 
 carpenter work. The roof cost ,£125, and the ceiling and 
 flooring £Q2 10s. The entire cost of the edifice, as it stood 
 originally, was c£851 Os. 9d. Its size is 60 feet by 48, and 
 it has accommodation for 650 sitters. The following was 
 the arrangement of the seats : — 
 
 1*7 Square Pews, seating each 6 102 
 
 60 Long Pews in the middle, 5 300 
 
 13 " " " cross, 6 ^78 
 
 32 Gi-allery Pews to contain, say. 1*70 
 
 Total 650 
 
 In 1809, a new roof was put on the church, the steeple 
 was erected, and the bell procured, at a cost of .£725 Is. 8d. 
 
 Still further improvements in the interior were effected 
 in 181*7, the present gallery being then put up, at a cost 
 of <£620 *7s. Id. Three chandeliers, imported by Benaiah 
 Gibb, cost i;*72 9s. 6d.=^ The building, then, w^hen com- 
 pleted as it is now, at the end of twenty-five years, re- 
 quired an outlay of .£2,268 19s. (Halifax currency), or 
 about $8,000 of our money. 
 
 * These chandeliers have had rather an interesting history. When 
 gas was introduced into St. Gabriel Street Church, the chandeliers passed 
 into the hands of Knox congregation, Cornwall; and now they are 
 holding up the light in a third church, that of New Glasgow, Quebec.
 
 68 
 
 It was opened for Divine service iby Mr. Young on the 
 ^th October, 1792. The masons did good honest work — 
 the mortar was well tempered, as was discovered when a 
 door was made throu gh the farther end in 1874 — it being 
 next to impossible to break up the wall, the rubble stone 
 imbedded in the mortar offering greater resistance to the 
 crowbar than hewn stone would have done. The timber, 
 too, has proved of good quality, as it has stood solid under 
 the tread of thousands of footsteps for nearly a hundred 
 years. It has certainly no pretentions to architectural 
 style, yet it has a quaint appearance of antiquity which 
 attracts attention. It would pass for one of the Scottish 
 Parish Churches of the Reformation period, so far as its 
 exterior is concerned. Inside, it has a bright and cheerful 
 appearance, and possesses excellent acoustic properties, 
 although the seats are uncomfortably narrow and straight 
 in the back. 
 
 OLD ST. GABRIEL'S. 
 
 {Montreal "Star," Sept. 25, 1886.) 
 
 Oh, ancient church, how many, many days, 
 
 God's people have come up, and met in thee ! 
 
 How many a clear and heartfelt melody 
 
 These walls have heard and echoed to His praise. 
 
 Here many a feeble soul has cried to God, 
 
 For strength to cope with trials, dark and fierce, 
 
 For grace to bow beneath the grievous rod. 
 
 For heavenly beams the earthly night to pierce. 
 
 And many a weary heart has here found rest, 
 
 And peace, that boon the world can ne'er bestow. 
 
 And here gained strength for many a fearful test. 
 
 Through which, unhelped by Him, they could not go. 
 
 Like painted portraits on ancestral halls, 
 
 Sweet, serious memories throng around thy walls. 
 
 Frit. 
 Montreal, September 22nd, 1886.
 
 OHAPTEE VI. 
 
 The Ten Trustees of St. Gabriel Street Church — Adasi Scott, William 
 Stewart, Duncan Fisher, William England, Alexander Fisher, 
 William Hunter, Thomas Oakes, John Empey, and John Russel 
 — The Origin 4.l Subscription List for the Erection of the Church 
 — Remarks on the same. 
 
 The church iu St. G-abriel Street had a strong hold on 
 the religious, social and public life of Montreal, at least 
 during the first fifty years of its existence. Its founders 
 and early supporters gave it a status of great influence. 
 A century ago, as now, the Scottish traders constituted a 
 very important section of the population of the city. They 
 ranked with the foremost in enterprise and wealth. They 
 were, indeed, the leaders in all public matters, as well as 
 in the domain of social life. The ten trustees, in whom 
 the property of the church was first vested, represented 
 the several walks of industry then pursued in the city. 
 
 The following minutes show us the organization effected 
 in Mr. Young's time : — 
 
 Montreal, 8th May, 1*791. 
 "The members of the Presbyterian congregation of 
 Montreal, having been regularly called from the pulpit, 
 this day met for the purpose of electing a committee to 
 manage the temporals of said congregation. The follow- 
 ing gentlemen were unanimously chosen: Messrs. Richd. 
 Dobie, Alex. Henry, Adam Scott, "William Stewart, Duncan 
 Fisher, William England, Alex. Hannah, Alex. Fisher, 
 John Lilly, William Hunter, Peter McFarlane, G-eorge
 
 ^0 
 
 King, John Eobb, Thos. Oakes, John Empie, John Rnssel." 
 Of these, nine were to be sufficient to form a quorum. 
 
 Montreal, 11th May, 1*791. 
 
 " The committee having met, proceeded to elect their 
 officers. Mr. R. Dobie was unanimously appointed Presi- 
 dent ; Mr. Adam Scott, Yice-President ; Mr. William 
 Hunter, Treasurer, and Mr. John Russel, Clerk." 
 
 This was the committee which continued in office until 
 the year 1800. 
 
 On the 25th May, 1^91, the committee appointed Mr. 
 Duncan Fisher to purchase a lot of ground on which to 
 build a church, 
 
 Mr. Fisher having finally settled for the purchase of 
 the lot from Madame Hertel, Mr. Scott, Mr. D. Fisher, Mr. 
 Hannah, Mr. Oakes and Mr. Russel were appointed a 
 committee to settle with a carpenter. 
 
 Out of the committee of sixteen members appointed to 
 manage the temporalities of the church in 1Y91, ten were 
 afterwards chosen as trustees, to hold the property in 
 behalf of the congregation. 
 
 Adam Scott, the first named in the deed, was, at that 
 time, a prominent merchant in the city of Montreal. From 
 him, the hinges, screws, stove-fixtures, paints and oils, re- 
 quired for the building, were procured on the 30th July, 
 1Y92. He had been a contributor to Christ Chiirch, and, 
 indeed, a Churchwarden in 1^89, and attended its services 
 in the old Jesuits' Chapel, in the interval that elapsed 
 between the departure of the Rev. John Bethune, in 
 178Y, and the arrival of Rev. John Young, in 1790. He, 
 with Alexander Hanna and John Russel, signed the con- 
 tract, made with Joseph Perrault, for the roofing and 
 flooring of the church, in February, 1792. 
 
 His name appears on the subscription list for build- 
 ing the church, as seen below, for ten guineas. He does
 
 71 
 
 not appear, however, to have been in circumstances in 
 later years to afford much pecuniary help to the congrega- 
 tion although, up to 1809, pew No. 27 stood in his name 
 m the treasurer's books. 
 
 Prominent in the congregation from the beginning, and 
 the hrst vice-president in 1791, he was chairman of the 
 committee for the management of the temporal affairs of 
 the church, from 1800 to 1803, and, as such, had to 
 preside over the investigation into the charges brought 
 against Rev. John Young, to which reference has been 
 already made. His name appears second on the list 
 ol those who, in November, 1800, favoured the retention 
 of. Mr. Young. In his capacity as chairman of the 
 lemporal Committee, he was also the first to si-n the 
 petition to the Government, in 1802, for the continuance 
 to Rev. James Somerville of the ^50 a year, which the 
 aovernment had formerly paid to Rev. John Youno- for 
 services rendered to the military in the garrison." He 
 reached the promised good old age of three score years 
 and ten, dying 20th December, 1818, from concussion of 
 the brain, the consequence of having fallen down stairs. 
 He lived only two days after the accident. Rev. James 
 Somerville officiated at his burial. For several years before 
 his death, he ceased to take a prominent part in the affairs 
 01 the congregation. 
 
 William Stewart, whose name appears next on the list 
 ot the trustees, was also a merchant in the city He is 
 said to have been a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and came 
 to Canada to push his fortune, while still a young man. 
 Like all the rest of the trustees, he contributed ten guineas 
 to the building fund of the church. He does not seem to 
 have taken a prominent part in the work of the congrega- 
 tion afterwards. He died on the 8rd of December, 1797 
 aged 44 years. His widow, Isabella Cowan, married Mr'
 
 •72 
 
 William Hunter, a co-trustee, and one of his daughters 
 Isabella, was the first wife of the late Sheriff Boston, to 
 whom she was married in 1814. She died in 1821. 
 Another daughter, Jane, born in I'TOt, never married, and 
 lived with Mr. J. S. Hunter's family until her death a 
 few years ago. He held pew No. 1^7 in the church. 
 
 Duncan Fisher, whose name appears third on the trust, 
 was for many years the leading spirit in the congregation, 
 A native of Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland, he, with three 
 brothers, Alexander, John and James, and a cousin, Finlay, 
 settled in Montreal, shortly after the conclusion of the 
 American war of Independence. In the deed of the church- 
 pew No. 34, which he held, he is designated Duncan Fisher, 
 " cordwainer," and he appears to have had the mental 
 activity that has usually characterized the guild to which 
 he belonged. He was a zealous Presbyterian, although 
 he, with commendable catholicity, supported the English 
 Church, and attended its services, before the Scotch Church 
 was fully established in the city, — his name appearing as a 
 contributor to its funds as early as 1*785. Besides the dis- 
 tinction of being one of the original trustees of the Church, 
 he was chosen an elder at the first nomination, occupying 
 that position in 1Y92. This ofiice he discharged with much 
 fidelity up to the time of his death. He, too, subscribed 
 ten guineas towards the erection of the church in 1*792 ; 
 and, when an effort was made, in 1800, to wipe out the 
 debt remaining upon the building, he subscribed five 
 pounds more. His name stands at the head of the call to 
 Rev. James Somerville, along with a promise to pay two 
 guineas annually towards his support. It was he who 
 conducted the correspondence with the Presbytery of 
 Albany, with reference to the securing of Rev. John Young 
 as stated supply, and led in the other transactions that took 
 place between the congregation in the St. GTabriel Street
 
 73 
 
 Church and that Reverend Court. He signed all the 
 original deeds of pews given to subscribers, on behalf of 
 the session, which at first managed the temporal as well as 
 spiritual affairs of the congTegation. He was charged by 
 the session, in 1Y94, with the administration of the poor 
 fund of the Church. He was session clerk in 1802, at the 
 time when Mr. Young's affair was under consideration, 
 but he took no part in that business, nor did he vote for or 
 against Mr. Young, when the question of that gentle- 
 man's resignation was brought before the congregation. 
 On all other occasions, whenever any important matter 
 had to be dealt with, he invariably occupied the foremost 
 place. It was so, we have seen, when a syndic was needed 
 to deal with the G-overnment respecting the ground be- 
 longing to the Church, supposed to have been appropriated 
 in building the ramparts of the city ; and when the seces- 
 sion took place, in 1803, and the party opposed to the 
 calling of Mr. Somerville carried off the keys of the 
 church, he was one of those appointed to take measures to 
 secure the rights of the congregation. His name appears 
 more frequently than any other in the church books. He 
 died on the 5th July, 1820, aged sixty-seven years. 
 
 The entire community of Montreal, as well as the Scotch 
 Church in St. Gi-abriel Street, owed not a little to this public 
 spirited Highlander. His influence did not die with him. 
 His descendants are to-day occupying, and have, since 
 his decease, occupied positions of honour and usefulness 
 in the community. It was Mr. Fisher's good fortune to 
 marry a woman of great personal worth, Catherine Embury, 
 and she had a large share in stamping upon the family the 
 superior character which they afterwards displayed. She 
 was the daughter of Eev. Philip Embury, the pioneer of 
 Methodism in America ; and being a devout woman and 
 deeply attached to the peculiarities of the system in which 
 she had been trained, she asserted such ascendency over the
 
 14: 
 
 minds of her children, that they all, in after years, joined 
 the Methodist church. Mr. Fisher's eldest daughter mar- 
 ried Rev. John Hick, a Methodist preacher of some note. 
 Mr. Fisher's eldest son, Daniel, a merchant in St. Paul 
 Street, met with a sad death by an explosion of gunpowder, 
 in 1826. He was a man of high character, and a leading 
 member of the Methodist Church of Montreal, which then 
 stood at the corner of St. James and St. Francois Xavier 
 Streets, on the site of the present Medical Hall. After his 
 death, a memorial tablet was affixed to the wall of the 
 church, which was removed to the new church on St. 
 James' street, when it was erected in 1845, where it may 
 be seen, and it will, no doubt, accompany the congregation 
 to their more splendid edifice in St. Catherine Street, now 
 in course of erection. The inscription is as follows : — 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of the late Daniel Fisher, Esquire, 
 merchant of this city, and one of the Trustees of this chapel, 
 towards the erection of which he was a munificent con- 
 tributor. The inflexible integrity which marked his mer- 
 cantile transactions ; the exemplary manner in which he 
 discharged his relative duties ; the secresy and liberality 
 of his benefactions to the indigent, were the fruits of that 
 religion, under the influence of which, in his last afiliction, 
 he was patient, and in death victorious. He died Decem- 
 ber vi, MDCCCXXYI, in the xxxixth year of his age. 
 
 " The Trustees have erected this monument as a tribute 
 of respect to departed worth." 
 
 The second daughter v^as married first to William 
 Hutchison, a merchant in St. Paul Street, and after his 
 decease to the late "William Lunn. From this daughter the 
 Lunn, Dr. G. W. Campbell, and Judge Cross connec- 
 tion is descended. 
 
 Mr. Fisher's second son, John, followed his father's 
 business, first in Montreal and afterwards in Quebec. His
 
 15 
 
 representatives to-day are Dr. Arthur Fisher, of Sherbrooke 
 street, and his sons, Roswell C. Fisher, advocate, and 
 Sidney A. Fisher, M.P., for Brome. The late T. W. Eitchie's 
 family are also descended from Duncan Fisher, their 
 mother being a daughter of John, just mentioned. 
 
 Elizabeth, Mr. Fisher's third daughter, was married to 
 the late John Torrance, and had a numerous family, and 
 through her, the large John Torrance connection, including 
 Sir A. T. Gait's family, and the families of the late Rev. 
 Dr. Mathieson and the late Robert Esdaile, must also be 
 counted in among Duncan Fisher's posterity. 
 
 James, Mr. Fisher's third son, married a sister of the late 
 "William Lunn, who still resides in Hamilton, Ontario. 
 
 The most distinguished of Mr. Fisher's family was 
 Duncan, who married the widow Budden, mother of Mr. 
 E. H. King, formerly President of the Bank of Montreal. 
 Duncan Fisher, Jr., was a Q.C., and occupied a promin- 
 ent place at the Bar of Lower Canada. The late Justice 
 Smith was his partner. Duncan was always regarded by 
 the family as its brightest member, and was much respected 
 by the community for his great legal talents. He died 
 December 2^th, 1845, aged 45 years. The late Judge 
 Torrance studied his profession in the office of Mr. Fisher, 
 who was his uncle ; as did also Justice Cross, who is 
 married to his niece. 
 
 It may be truly said that old Duncan Fisher and his 
 excellent spouse, Catherine Embury, have been greatly 
 honoured and blessed in their posterity. 
 
 William England, whose name stands next on the trust, 
 was a native of Scotland, who arrived in Montreal before 
 1^89, as in that year he attended the services of Christ 
 Church and was a subscriber to its funds. He was a cooper 
 by trade, and the house still stands, at the corner of Dor- 
 chester and St. Dominique streets, which was once his
 
 76 
 
 shop. A few years ago it had repairs made to it which 
 changed its external appearance ; but the walls are the 
 same that he occupied in prosecuting his business, which 
 was then and for fifty years afterwards, a leading industry 
 of the city. The coopers were amongst the most influen- 
 tial and prosperous of Montreal's citizens, in the days 
 when potash, flour and the other produce of Ontario, were 
 all forwarded in bulk, to be here prepared for shipment 
 to the markets of the old world. Every large mercantile 
 house had its own cooper. 
 
 Mr. England subscribed ten guineas towards erecting 
 the Church in 1792, and two pounds for liquidating the 
 debt remaining on the building in 1800. Pew No. 5 
 belonged to him. 
 
 "With Duncan Fisher and Wm. Hunter, he was appointed 
 an elder in 1792, and was session clerk in 1794. His name 
 was also associated with Mr. Fisher's on the original deeds 
 of pews granted in 1792. He voted for the retention of 
 Mr. Young in November, 1800, and, as a member of the 
 Temporal Committee at the time, he took part in the 
 Young investigation. He died December 29th, 1822, in 
 the 84th year of his age. The Herald's obituary notice 
 remarked : — " The deceased was for a long term of years 
 resident here, and enjoyed a reputation for integrity and 
 industry that procured him a very general esteem." 
 
 Mr. England formed one of the minority opposed to the 
 calling of theEev. James Somerville, in 1803, and seceded 
 with a few others to organize a new congregation with 
 Rev. Robert Forrest as minister. From that time forward 
 his name does not appear on the records of the St. Gabriel 
 street Church ; but it is interesting to notice that his 
 grandson, Alexander England, became connected with the 
 Church in St. G-abriel Street a few years ago, and at his 
 death, in 1885, he received burial at the hands of the present 
 writer. He was born at Norway House, his father, James
 
 ^•7 
 
 England, son of William above mentioned, being in the 
 employ of the N. W. Co. His mother was an Indian 
 woman. 
 
 Alexander Hanna or Hannah — for it is sometimes spelt 
 in the one way and sometimes in the other, — whose name 
 comes next in the deed, was a merchant in Montreal. He 
 was one of the three to sign the contract with Perranlt, 
 for the wood work of the Chnrch. He also subscribed ten 
 guineas towards the undertaking. He died on 20th July, 
 1^98. It is believed that he was a native of G-alloway, 
 Scotland ; but had emigrated to the colonies south of the 
 line 45°, prior to the commencement of the revolutionary 
 war. His British feeling was too stout to allow him to 
 avow allegiance to the stars and stripes, and so he joined 
 the loyal exodus to Canada, settling in Montreal. He 
 owned pew No. 18. 
 
 Alexander Fisher, the sixth of the Trustees, was a brother 
 to Duncan Fisher, the elder. He kept a hostelry in St. 
 Mary street. He subscribed ten guineas towards the 
 building fund, but we find no further trace of his 
 name in connection with the Church. He died before the 
 year 1800, leaving several children. One daughter was 
 the second wife of Rev. John Hick, already mentioned. 
 His two sons, John and Daniel, became afterwards prom- 
 inent as citizens and general merchants. It was John 
 who occupied a foremost place in the contendings for the 
 Church of Scotland interests, from the year 1844 onwards. 
 Further mention will be made of him by and by, as well 
 as of his brother Daniel, and their descendants. He occu- 
 pied pew No .26. 
 
 William Hunter was another of the Trustees. He was 
 one of several brothers, natives of Kilmarnock, Scotland, 
 who came to Montreal in the eighteenth century, and
 
 ^78 
 
 became general merchants. He subscribed ten guineas 
 for the erection of the Church, and five pounds in 1800, 
 when the debt on the original cost of the building was 
 extinguished. He was one of the three first elders of the 
 Church, and was Session-Ti-easurer from the time of Mr. 
 Bethune on till he left the congregation. He had been 
 a contributor to Christ Church in 1789. When the first 
 Protestant Burying-Grround was formed in 1Y99, he was 
 chosen as one of the five first trustees. He was a warm 
 friend and supporter of Rev. John Young ; but when the 
 congregation resolved, in 1803, to extend a call to Rev. 
 James Somerville, he led the opposition, being in favour 
 rather of Rev. Robert Forrest. He kept a diary in which 
 he noted the ecclesiastical events of his time, and to it 
 we are indebted for a good deal of our information 
 regarding the early efforts to plant the Presbyterian 
 Church in Montreal. He owned pew No. 2. 
 
 Mr. Hunter married Mrs. Stewart, widow of "William 
 Stewart, the second of the Trustees, of whom an account 
 has been already given. William Stewart Hunter, Notary, 
 father of James Stewart Hunter, Notary, and grandfather 
 of Herbert Story Hunter, of this city, Notary, was a son of 
 this marriage. 
 
 Mr. Hunter's subsequent ecclesiastical career was con- 
 nected with what is now St. Andrew's Church, and so 
 we have no farther concern with him. His brother 
 Robert, however, continued to belong to the Church in 
 St. Gabriel Street. 
 
 Thomas Oakes was an Englishman by birth. He had a 
 Tinsmith's shop in St. Paul Street, where his family 
 carried on the same business long after his decease. Mrs. 
 Oakes was still managing the business in 1822. He and 
 his family occupied pews 70 and 101, up to 1813. His wife 
 was a G-erman, Elizabeth Mittleberger. Mr. Oakes's name
 
 79 
 
 also appears with a subscription of ten guineas after it 
 towards the fund for erecting the Church. He signed the 
 call to Mr. Someryille in 1803, and undertook to pay two 
 guineas a year for that gentleman's support. 
 
 John Empey was the next Trustee named in the Deed 
 So far as can be ascertained, he was a member of a United 
 Empire Loyalist family which still resides in the County 
 of Stormont, Ontario. He was, therefore, with Mr Han- 
 nah, a representative on the trust of the refugee element 
 of the Montreal population. We have seen that the 
 American loyalists rallied naturally around Rev John 
 Bethune, and Mr. Empey appears to have belonged to this 
 class. He occupied pew No. 35. But his connection 
 with the congregation must have terminated shortly 
 after the erection of the Church, as the last time his name 
 appears on existing documents, is as a subscriber of six 
 guineas to the building fund. He probably removed to 
 Upper Canada soon afterwards. 
 
 John Russel, the last named of the ten Trustees, was a 
 merchant m the city. His wife was Grizzell McKenzie. He 
 was a contributor to the funds of Christ Church in 1^89 
 The first "Clerk " of the Committee, he held that office 
 from 1791 to 1800, and, when the committee was re- 
 organized that year, he was re-appointed secretary He 
 was prominent in the business of building the church 
 He was one of the Trustees of the first Protestant Burying- 
 Ground, chosen in 1799, but on the ground of absence 
 Irom the Province, his place was filled by William Martin 
 9th October, 1801. He was also a member of the com- 
 mittee for enquiring into the rumours affecting Rev 
 John Young, in 1802. He was one of the six who voted 
 for the retirement of Mr. Young in November, 1800 His 
 name stands at the head of the Trustee list of subscrip- 
 tions for the erection of the Church, for the sum of ten
 
 80 
 
 guineas. His death came about in a melancholy manner. 
 Having gone to G-reat Britain to purchase goods, he was 
 returning to Montreal by way of Lake Champlain on 
 board a barge, when, by the vessel's lurching against a 
 boom, he was thrown overboard, and was drowned. His 
 remains were aftewards recovered and interred at Point 
 Ticonderoga. 
 
 His widow returned with her young family to Tain, 
 Ross-shire, Scotland, from which she and her husband 
 had come. She married Rev. Mr. Mackenzie, Minister of 
 Tongue. Mr. Russel's son, Hector, returned to Montreal, 
 when he grew up, and continued his father's business, 
 which was long one of the largest establishments in the 
 city, known by the name of " Hector Russel and Com- 
 pany," and " Russel, McKenzie and Company." Colin 
 Russel was a nephew of John's. Two other Russels 
 connected with the Church about the same time were 
 brothers of his — William, who subscribed five guineas 
 towards the building fund, and Robert, who was an 
 advocate, and was charged with guarding the rights of 
 the congregation in the matter of the Champ-de-Mars 
 encroachment. The family occupied pew No. 9Y, but 
 they gave it up in 1809. 
 
 Such were the men chosen to represent the Presbyterian 
 community at the important epoch in its history, when 
 it was about providing for itself a local habitation. The 
 selection was truly catholic in its character, and in pru- 
 dent keeping with the situation at the moment, as well as 
 an earnest of the future history of the congregation, then 
 rallying around the enterprise of building a church. 
 
 The list of contributors to that enterprise, illustrates 
 still more fully the catholic temper of the founders of the 
 Presbyterian cause in Montreal. It is headed —
 
 81 
 
 " A SUBSCRIPTION FOR BUILDING A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 IN MONTREAL. 
 
 " N.B. — W'Jien the Pews are made, they will be sold at Public Sale, and every 
 subscriber ivho buys a Peiv shall be alloived the money he has paid by subscrip- 
 tion, on account of the price of said Pew." 
 
 Alex. Henry - Twenty pounds. 
 
 Forsyth, Richardson & Co Twenty pounds. 
 
 J. Johnson, Bart Twelve pounds. 
 
 James McGill Ten guineas. 
 
 Andrew Todd Ten guineas. 
 
 Joseph Frobisher Ten guineas. 
 
 George McBeath Ten guineas. 
 
 Francis Winter Nine pounds. 
 
 James Dunlop Ten guineas. 
 
 John Gregory Ten guineas. 
 
 William Murray Ten guineas. 
 
 John Lilly Ten guineas. 
 
 Auldjo & Maitland Ten guineas. 
 
 H. 0. & Woolrich Five guineas. 
 
 James Morison One guinea. 
 
 GENTLEMEN OF THE NORTHWEST. 
 
 Alex. McKenzie Five guineas. 
 
 Nicholas Montour Five guineas. 
 
 Robert Grant Five guineas. 
 
 Peter Pangman Five guineas. 
 
 William McGillivray Five guineas. 
 
 Simon Fraser Three guineas. 
 
 Cuthbert Grant Three guineas. 
 
 Angus Shaw Three guineas. 
 
 Eodk. McKenzie Three guineas. 
 
 Robert Thompson Three guineas. 
 
 William Thorburn Three guineas. 
 
 James Finlay Three guineas. 
 
 David Grant Three guineas.. 
 
 Alex. Fraser Three guineas.. 
 
 Peter Grant Three pounds. 
 
 J. St. Germain Fifteen shilUngs. 
 
 John Russel Ten guineas. 
 
 Duncan Fisher Ten guineas. 
 
 William Stewart Ten guineas. 
 
 William England Ten guineas. 
 
 Adam Scott .Ten guineas. 
 
 F
 
 82 
 
 William Hunter Ten guineas. 
 
 Alex. Fisher Ten guineas. 
 
 Alex. Hannah Ten guineas. 
 
 Thomas Oakes Ten guineas 
 
 Benaiah Gibb Ten guineas. 
 
 Richard Dobie Ten guineas. 
 
 JameB Logan Ten guineas. 
 
 John Young Ten guineas. 
 
 Forbes & Cowie Ten guineas. 
 
 John and James McDowall Seven guineas. 
 
 Joseph Howard Two pounds. 
 
 John J. Deihl Two guineas. 
 
 James Strother Five guineas. 
 
 Thomas Busby Five guineas. 
 
 James Pprter Five guineas. 
 
 John Molson Five guineas. 
 
 Eichard Brooks Two guineas. 
 
 John Finlayson Five guineas. 
 
 John Empey Six guineas. 
 
 Simon Clarke Five guineas. 
 
 Donald McKercher Five pounds. 
 
 John Mc Arthur Five guineas. 
 
 John Fisher Eight pounds. 
 
 John Hunter Eight pounds. 
 
 William Russel Five pounds. 
 
 George Stansfield Five guineas. 
 
 Jacob Marston Four pounds. 
 
 Alex. Simpson Two guineas. 
 
 Samuel Adams Six guineas. 
 
 John Neagles One guinea. 
 
 Thomas Sullivan One guinea. 
 
 Andrew WinclefosS . One guinea. 
 
 Jonathan A. Gray One guinea. 
 
 Francis Deslard One dollar. 
 
 D. A. Grant Two pounds. 
 
 John Gray One guinea. 
 
 Alex. Robertson Two pounds. 
 
 David Smith Four pounds. 
 
 Dr. Blake One guinea- 
 
 This was carrying into effect a resolution passed by the 
 committee on the 20th April, 1792 : — " Agreed that the 
 church should be built by subscription, and that when
 
 83 
 
 the pews in the church would be finished, they would be 
 sold at auction to the highest bidder, and each subscriber's 
 money would go on account of his seat." 
 
 One general observation may be made at this point : 
 the congregation began to build upon a broad national 
 and religious basis. Among the foregoing subscribers we 
 find John G-regory, Joseph Frobisher, Benaiah Gribb, 
 Thomas Oakes, John Molson, James Woolrich, J. A. 
 G-ray, Thomas Busby, R. Brooks and John Gray, English- 
 men ; Sir John Johnson, Andrew Todd, Thomas Sul- 
 livan, Isaac Todd and John Neagles, Irishmen ; John J. 
 Deihl and Andrew Winclefoss, Germans ; J. St. G-ermain 
 and Fran9ois Deslard, Frenchmen ; Hannah, Empey and 
 Peter Pangman, New-England loyalists ; the others being 
 Scots either by birth or descent, some of them Highlanders, 
 and some Lowlanders. To have people co-operating for 
 Church purposes and worshipping together, who were 
 trained in separate schools, with their diversities of 
 usage and different shades of opinion, although they 
 were all Protestant, involved the principle of toleration. 
 So that from the start the congregation had in it ele- 
 ments that secured catholicity of sentiment. In its 
 infancy it drew to itself material strength and susten- 
 ance, as well as inspiration, from a considerable number 
 of sources, and each of these helped to shape the subse- 
 quent history of the St. G-abriel Street Church.
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 Notices of the leading subscribers to the Church Building Fund — The 
 Fur Merchants, — Alexander Henry, Forsyth-Richardson & Co., 
 Sir John Johnson, James McGill, Andrew Todd, Joseph Frobisher, 
 George McBbath, Francis Winter, James Dunlop, John Gregory, 
 "VVm. Murray, John Lilly, Auldjo & Maitland, James Woolrich, 
 AND the Employees of the Company, Sir Alexander MacKbnzie, 
 Nicholas Montour, Robert Grant, Peter Pangman, William Mc- 
 Gillivray, Simon Fraser, Cutiibbrt Grant, Angus Shaw, Rodk. 
 McKenzie, Robert Thompson. William Thorburn, Jambs Finlay, 
 David Grant, Alex. Fraser and Peter Grant. 
 
 Alexander Henry, whose name appears at the head of 
 the list of subscribers, was then, and afterwards, a promi- 
 nent citizen, and a justice of the peace. He was one of 
 the first English traders who, in the prosecution of the 
 trade in peltries, ventured as far as Michillimakinac, the 
 headquarters of the French fur traders. This was before 
 the signing of the Treaty of Paris, and, consequently, he 
 had to encounter the risks involved in penetrating to 
 a region in which French influence was still strong. The 
 Sauteux Indians, occupying- the surrounding country, 
 were sworn enemies of the English, and did the bidding 
 of Pontiac, the French G-eneral. Mr. Henry passed the 
 winter 1762-3 at Sault Ste. Marie, in order to master the 
 language of the Sauteux. He had afterwards many 
 adventures and hairbreadth escapes. He would have 
 perished in the massacre of Michillimakinac, had it not 
 been for the good offices of Mme. De Langlade, who gave 
 him shelter and concealment in a granary. On another 
 occaston he owed his life to the kind interposition of an
 
 85 
 
 interpreter, Jean Baptiste Cadot. In 1765, he entered 
 into partnership with Cadot, whose wife was of the 
 Sauteux tribe. They carried on a profitable trade, 
 penetrating even to the mouths of the Saskatchewan. 
 He returned to Montreal in 1*7^6, and published his 
 " Travels and Adventures in Canada and the Indian 
 Territories between the Years 1*760 and 1*766." 
 Being asked to head the subscription list to the church 
 in 1792, we may suppose that he was esteemed the 
 greatest of the fur magnates at that time. But he must 
 have spent his fortune before his death, as there is evi- 
 dence that he was comparatively poor in his later years. 
 He occupied the position of King's auctioneer, in which 
 office he was joined by Norman and James Bethune, in 
 1817. For a time he seems to have attended the services 
 of Christ Church, during the later years of Mr. Young's 
 incumbency of the St. Gabriel Street Church, as his 
 name appears on the record of that congregation in 1799. 
 And in this connection, it is significant that he voted 
 for the retirement of Mr. Young, in 1800 ; while his 
 name is absent from the subscription taken for liquida- 
 ting the debt in that year. He contributed a guinea, 
 however, to the fund for enabling Mr. Young to remove 
 his family. He was a liberal supporter of Mr. Somer- 
 ville, subscribing three pounds annually towards his 
 stipend. He afterwards reduced the amount to one 
 guinea, which seems to imply that his means had got 
 smaller. 
 
 There were two Forsyth's, in the firm, " Forsyth, 
 Richardson & Co.," who appear second as subscribing 
 twenty pounds towards erecting the church, Thomas and 
 John. They were young Scotchmen, from Aberdeen, 
 who early crossed the sea in search of fortune. In this 
 they were eminently successful. They stood foremost
 
 86 
 
 among the commercial houses of the city, at the end of 
 last century, and during the first thirty years of the pre- 
 sent century. Their business was a general one ; but like 
 all the other merchants of the period, they dealt largely in 
 furs, which was the most lucrative branch of their trade. 
 
 Thomas Forsyth removed to Kingston, in Upper Can- 
 ada, where he carried on business until his death. Al- 
 though the firm always subscribed handsomely, when- 
 ever an effort had to be put forth on behalf of the Pres- 
 byterian church, the Forsyths, individually, do not seem 
 to have taken any part in the work of the church. 
 Thomas appears to have had decided Episcopalian lean- 
 ings, as his name is found prominent in the records of 
 Christ Church, of which he was a warden, in 1822. 
 
 Hon. John Forsyth, although showing less capacity for 
 public enterprises than his more distinguished partner, 
 Mr. Richardson, yet took a small share in some of the 
 .undertakings of the period. He was a director of the 
 Bank of Montreal, as well as of the Montreal Fire Insur- 
 ance company, in 1820. He was appointed a Legislative 
 Councillor in 1826. Having acquired a competency, he 
 returned to Scotland, where he spent the evening of his 
 days in well-earned repose. 
 
 But the junior member of the firm, John Richardson, 
 who was a native of Banffshire, Scotland, was a man 
 of energy and action par excellence. The Montreal of the 
 period owed more to him a great deal, than to any other 
 of its citizens ; for whenever anything was to be done, 
 requiring skill and energy for its accomplishment, John 
 Richardson was the man whom his fellow-citizens called 
 to the front. The late Mr. John Dougall, speaking to the 
 writer, a few months before his death, of Montreal sixty 
 years ago, when he knew it first, singled out three of the
 
 87 
 
 citizens as men greatly beloved and trusted, Hon. John 
 Richardson, Hon. Geo. Moffat, and Hon. Peter McG-ill ; 
 and added that the public have not perhaps been as well 
 served since, as it was by these three men in succession. 
 With Joseph Frobisher, he represented the East "Ward 
 of the city, in the first Parliament of Lower Canada. He 
 was one of the commissioners for removing the old walls 
 of the city, from 1802 onwards. He got a bill passed for 
 the construction of a canal to Lachine, as early as 1795-6, 
 although he did not see the work commenced till 1821, 
 on the I7th of July, in which year, he turned the first 
 sod, at the commencement of the work. He was chair- 
 man of the company that secured the completion of the 
 undertaking, in 1825, at a cost of $440,000. And in this 
 connection, it is believed that his singleness of mind, and 
 fear of being reproached with self-seeking, actually proved 
 detrimental to the best interests of the community. The 
 canal ought to have been carried down to Hochelaga, 
 through what is now Craig street ; but he opposed the 
 project lest it should be said that he promoted it for the 
 purpose of enhancing the value of his own property, 
 which lay in the Quebec suburbs. 
 
 He was named second on the list of gentlemen appoint- 
 ed by His Excellency Sir Grordon Drummond, in 1815, a 
 committee to obtain subscriptions in aid of the families of 
 the slain at Waterloo. 
 
 He was one of the six commissioners for building the 
 Nelson monument. He was chairman of the committee 
 that prepared the articles of the association of the Bank 
 of Montreal, published in the Montreal Herald, in May, 
 1817. He was a director of the first Montreal Savings 
 Bank, as also a trustee for improving the highway to 
 Lachine, and a justice of the peace to administer oaths to 
 half-pay officers of the district of Montreal. He took the 
 oath as a Legislative Councillor at Quebec, the 31st 
 January, 1821.
 
 With Hou. William McG-illivray and Samuel G-errard, 
 he formed a committee to purchase the land on which the 
 G-eneral Hospital now stands, which was then a nursery ; 
 and when, in 1821, it was resolved to erect a building on 
 it, he was appointed chairman of a committee to superin- 
 tend its construction, — and when it was got fairly under 
 weigh, he was chosen its first president. His eldest 
 daughter was married to Judge Ogden, and, after his 
 decease to the late T. B. Anderson, President of the Bank 
 of Montreal. His second daughter, Eweretta, was married 
 to Alexander Auldjo. She died in 1808. 
 
 Besides that the firm to which he belonged was always 
 foremost in aiding every good work connected with St. 
 Gabriel Street Church, he subscribed personally three 
 pounds annually towards the stipend of Mr. Somerville, 
 to whom he showed a strong attachment to the end of 
 his days. The firm occupied pews 6 and 47. 
 
 It was a fit memorial of him which his friends erected, 
 in the "Richardson wing of the General Hospital," on 
 which is the following inscription : " This building was 
 erected, A.D. 1832, to commemorate the public and pri- 
 vate virtues of the Honorable John Richardson, a distin- 
 guished merchant of this city, and member of the Execu- 
 tive and Legislative Councils of the Province. He was 
 first President of the Hospital, and a liberal contributor 
 to its foundation and support. He was born at Portsoy, 
 North Britain, and died the 18th of May, 1831, aged 16 
 years." The firm, " Forsyth, Richardson & Co.," received 
 a grant of 1073 acres of land, in the Township of Onslow, 
 from Sir R. S. Milnes, Governor, in 1805. 
 
 Sir John Johnson, baronet, of Johnson Hall, Tryon 
 County, N. Y., finally of Mount Johnson, County of 
 Rouville, Canada, the third subscriber, who gave twelve 
 pounds for the church building, was the son of the
 
 89 
 
 famous "Indian Tamer," Sir William Johnson, "The 
 Tribune of the Six Nations," as he was called, from his 
 great influence over that league of Indians, during the 
 war between France and Grreat Britain, for the possession 
 of Canada. By his father's side, he was descended from 
 the ancient Irish family, the MacSeans, or MacShanes. 
 His mother was a Warren, sister of Admiral Sir Peter 
 Warren, K.B. It was under Sir Peter's auspices that he 
 came to America, in 1^34, when he was only 19 years of 
 age. Settling first in New York, he was afterwards sent 
 by his uncle, the Admiral, to take charge of some pro- 
 perty which that gentleman had acquired through his 
 wife, in the Mohawk Yalley. Young Johnson set him- 
 self to learn the language of the Indians who occupied 
 the district, and to master the elements of their character. 
 In this he was eminently successful. The Indians took 
 a liking to him, and he profited by their partiality, and 
 rapidly added to the wealth which he inherited from his 
 uncle, on the Admiral's decease, by the trade in furs 
 which he carried on. A good anecdote is told of the tact 
 and far-reaching skill which he displayed, in dealing 
 with the Indians, When a great chief was on a visit to 
 "Johnson Hall," Sir William's residence, his attention 
 was arrested by a beautiful rifle, at which he stood gazing 
 with greedy eyes. The chief said nothing at the time, 
 but he came back the next day, and related to Johnson 
 how he had dreamt that while he M^as visiting at the 
 castle, the grand " pale face" had made him a present of 
 the beautiful gun that stood in the hall. Sir William 
 took the hint, and the redskin went away happy with 
 the coveted weapon. But all was not over ; the " pale 
 face" chuckled with delight, no doubt, while laying a 
 plan to get even with the cunning chief. Sir William, 
 in due time, returned Hendrick's visit, and while they 
 were smoking the pipe of peace together, he went on to
 
 90 
 
 tell that he too had a dream. He dreamt that while he 
 was visitiug the Mohawk chief, that great hero had made 
 him a present of a large tract of land, lying contiguous 
 to the Johnson property, naming its dimensions. As the 
 story goes, Hendrick, not to be outdone in generosity, 
 there and then made over the land in question, but signi- 
 ficantly added : " me dream no more — ' pale face' dream 
 too big." 
 
 "When the hostilities between Grreat Britain and France, 
 which led to the conquest of Canada, broke out, Johnson's 
 military skill and great influence with the Iroquois stood 
 England in good stead. He was rewarded with a baron- 
 etcy and a grant of c£5,000, in recognition of the victory 
 he gained over Baron Dieskau, at Lake G-eorge, in 1755. 
 But his greatest military achievement was the' taking of 
 Fort Niagara, on 25th July, 1759 — a success that contri- 
 buted not a little to the fall of Montreal in the following- 
 year. On Sir William's death, in 1774, he was succeeded 
 in both the baronetcy and in influence with the Indians, 
 by his sou. Sir John, who inherited his father's military 
 instincts and insight into character. He took sides with 
 the mother country, when the colonies revolted, raised 
 two battalions in Canada, and with his large Indian fol- 
 lowing, was able to inflict serious injuries upon the 
 revolutionary forces. It was Sir John that commanded 
 the British loyalists and Indians at Oriskany, and in other 
 minor engagements. On account of his loyalty he was 
 treated with great injustice by the authorities of the State 
 of New York. They confiscated his land and mansions, 
 as well as the property of the other loyalists of the dis- 
 trict, 700 of whom accompanied Sir John to Canada. 
 And one of the most barbarous incidents of that fratricidal 
 war, was the cruel incarceration, for several weeks, of 
 Lady Johnson, making her suffer on account of the mili- 
 tary proceedings of her husband, contrary to all the rules
 
 91 
 
 of war. It was he who led the Mohawks from the State 
 of New York to their Cauadian possessions on the Grand 
 River, near Brantford, granted them by the British Grov- 
 ernment. At the conclusion of the war, he was made 
 Superintendent Greneral and Inspector Greneral of Indian 
 affairs, with Montreal as his head-quarters. He erected 
 a country house, " St. Mary's," at Mount Johnson, on the 
 Richelieu. He was made Colonel-in chief of the six 
 battalions of militia that were enrolled in the eastern 
 townships. Sir John, as Right Worshipful the Past 
 G-rand Master of Canada, laid the foundation stone of the 
 General Hospital, with Masonic honours, on 6th June, 
 1821. He had married, in 1YY3, Mary, daughter of Hon. 
 John Watts, for some time President of the Council 
 of New York. The family occupied Pews No. 33 and 
 34 from 1804 to 1814. Lady Johnson died at Montreal, 
 on *7th August, 1815, amid the regrets of the entire com- 
 munity, with whom she was a favourite. The following 
 tribute was paid to her memory in the H&rald : 
 
 " Died on Monday, in her 61st year, the lady of Sir 
 John Johnson, baronet. This amiable and accomplished 
 lady formed, for many years, one of the brightest and 
 most distinguished ornaments of the city. To a mind 
 highly cultivated, were united all those personal graces 
 that exalt and adorn her sex. She was a truly sincere 
 and pious Christian, and an affectionate and tender parent. 
 To her respectable and inconsolable family, her loss will 
 be irretrievable ; and her memory will ever be held in 
 esteem and respect by all who were honoured with her 
 acquaintance. Her remains were deposited in the family 
 vault, at Mount Johnson, on Wednesday last." 
 
 Sir John was knighted by King George, in 1V65, while 
 his father was yet alive, so that there were two knights
 
 92 
 
 in Johnson Hall at the same time ; and the patent which 
 perpetuates the baronetcy in the family, contains a clause 
 which gives the title of " Knight" to the eldest son on 
 his attaining his majority, — an extraordinary clause, as 
 knighthood, as a rule, is not hereditary, but is conferred 
 for special services, and terminates with the life of the 
 recipient. He owned the Seigniory of Argenteuil. Sir 
 John took his seat as a member of the Legislative Council 
 of Quebec, 24th January, 1^97. 
 
 He was chairman of the committee appointed for build- 
 ing the Nelson monument, having John Richardson and 
 John Ogilvie, among others, for colleagues. He died at 
 Montreal, on the 4th January, 1830, and as he was born 
 in 1*741, he must have been 89 years of age. His remains 
 were taken across the river by the Indians in canoes, and 
 conveyed to Mount Johnson, where they were interred 
 in the family vault, with all the ceremonies which the 
 Iroquois observe at the burial of their chiefs. Sir John 
 had seven sons. 
 
 He was succeeded in the baronetcy by his eldest sur- 
 viving son. Sir Adam Grordon Johnson, who, dying with- 
 out an heir, was succeeded by the present occupant of 
 the family title. Sir William Greorge Johnson, of Twicken- 
 ham, England, son of John Johnson, of Point Oliver, 
 Montreal, a younger brother of Sir Grordon's, who died 
 before the latter. A niece of Sir John's, became Lady 
 Clyde, a granddaughter married Alexander Count Bal- 
 main, Russian Commissioner at St. Helena, and others of 
 his descendants made distinguished alliances. 
 
 Next on the list appears the name of James McGill, for 
 ten guineas. It may safely be said that he is now the 
 most famous of all the persons that took part in the erec- 
 tion of the old church. He had views in advance of his 
 day. His was not the petty ambition of merely enrich-
 
 93 
 
 ing his own family, as is the case with too many citizens 
 — looking to their children to iiphold the dignity and 
 lustre of their name after they are gone. As he made his 
 own wealth, so he disposed of it himself, in a way to 
 bless his adopted country for all time, while those who 
 left large fortunes for their sons and daughters are forgot- 
 ten, and their wealth has been long since dissipated. 
 Hon. James McGill was born in G-lasgow on the 6th 
 October, 1^44. His eyes were turned towards the setting- 
 sun, as were those of many brave, adventurous Britons, 
 of the day. There was romance, as well as gain, in con- 
 nection with the fur trade at that period, and the young 
 Scotchman's heart was attracted towards it. He lived in 
 what is now the United States, before the revolution, but 
 came north, and with his brother Andrew as his partner, 
 established a business in Montreal prior to 17Y5. He 
 was one of the twelve citizens who signed the capitula- 
 tion of Montreal to Richard Montgomery, " Brigadier-G-en- 
 eral. Continental Army," on 12th November, 1^75, after 
 G-eneral Carlton withdrew to Quebec and left the city to 
 its fate. Six Englishmen and six Frenchmen acted on 
 behalf of the citizens on the occasion. The other five 
 Englishmen were John Porteous, Richard Huntley, John 
 Blake, Edw. W. G-ray and James Finlay. 
 
 As Mr. McGill was very prosperous in business, and 
 was of a frank, social temperament, and had married a 
 French lady, the widow of a Canadian gentleman, he 
 stood high in the esteem of people of all ranks, nationali- 
 ties and creeds. Consequently, he was chosen to repre- 
 sent the West Ward of the city in the first Parliament of 
 Lower Canada, which met l*7th December, 1*792, after the 
 granting of the Constitutional Act by the British authori- 
 ities, in 1^91. He had for colleague, J. B. Durocher. He 
 had a turn for public affairs, and so he was appointed one 
 of the Commissioners for removing the old walls of the
 
 94 
 
 city in 1802. He became early a member of the Legisla- 
 tive Council, and was Chairman of the Executive Council 
 in 1812. He was honorary Colonel commanding the 
 Montreal volunteers in the war of 1812, and rose to the 
 rank of Brigadier-Greneral during the progress of hostili- 
 ties. He is described as tall, with a commanding figure, 
 handsome in youth, with a tendency to corpulency in 
 advancing years. He was a prominent member of what 
 was known as the " Beaver Club," an association of the fur 
 magnates of the time. He attended the services of the 
 Protestant congregation of Montreal before the Scotch 
 church was started, as all the young Protestant Scotch- 
 men living in the city at that period did, and later, when 
 St. G-abriel Street Church was built, and ordinances were 
 established in it, he, with many others of his countrymen, 
 continued a certain connection with the English church, 
 so that it is difficult to make out to which of the organi- 
 zations they actually belonged. But there can be no 
 doubt that at this time, Mr. McG-ill counted himself a 
 Presbyterian and a member of the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church. As such, he signed the call to Mr, Somerville, 
 and put his name down for three pounds a year towards 
 that gentleman's stipend. He occupied pew No. 16, and 
 his brother Andrew had also subscribed five pounds 
 towards removing the debt from the building in 1800. 
 Andrew McGill continued to maintain a connection with 
 the church, Mr. Somerville officiating at his funeral, 
 James McG-ill resided in what was known as Burnside 
 House, which was demolished in 1860. He died 12th 
 December, 1813, aged 69 years, respected and universally 
 regretted by all his fellow citizens. He left his estate of 
 Burnside, together with .£40,000 in money, to found a 
 university, a college of which was to bear his name. 
 This was the beginning of the University of which Mont- 
 real is so proud, and which is receiving from time to time
 
 95 
 
 such substantial tokens of the affection and confidence of 
 our wealthy citizens. Public-spirited and thoughtful 
 men perceive how much nobler a use Mr. McGill put his 
 property to than any of his contemporaries ; and they are 
 following the intelligent example which he set. Mont- 
 real testified its estimation for this patriotic, benevolent 
 and esteemed citizen by affixing his name to one of its 
 noblest streets. , 
 
 Andrew Todd was a member of the firm of A. & I. 
 Todd, merchants. At an early period, Andrew Todd had 
 secured a monopoly of the fur trade on the Mississippi 
 River, which he acquired from Casondelet, the G-overnor 
 of New Orleans, who jealously guarded his rights in the 
 premises. On this occasion he acted for the house in 
 subscribing ten guineas. On all subsequent occasions, 
 his brother Isaac took the lead in public matters, pertain- 
 ing to both church and state. 
 
 Joseph Frobisher, whose name stands next, subscribing 
 ten guineas, was a member of the distinguished firm of 
 " Benjamin & Joseph Frobisher, " that joined Simon 
 McTavish in forming the " North-west Company " in the 
 the winter of 1^83-4. Mr. Frobisher was the first to pen- 
 etrate the great North-west as far as the Churchill River. 
 Up to 17'Y4, the Indians in that region used to carry their 
 furs to Hudson's Bay, but Mr. Frobisher met them on 
 the way and induced them to trade with him. He 
 remained two seasons in the country, enduring great 
 hardships, having to depend upon what the woods and 
 waters afforded for subsistence. He returned in 17^*76, 
 having secured what was in those days counted a compet- 
 ent fortune, in his two years' transactions with the 
 Indians. His brother, Benjamin, who died in 1*787, 
 m.ade his way still farther west, being the first to reach
 
 96 
 
 Isle a la Croix. In 1^98, Joseph Frobisher retired from 
 active commercial life. He was an Englishman and a 
 prominent member of the " Protestant congregation of 
 Montreal," being a vestryman in 1Y89, as James McGrill 
 also was. He was a member of the committee for the 
 erection of the first Christ Church. "With John Richard- 
 son as his colleague, he represented the East "Ward of 
 the city in the first Parliament of Lower Canada, in 
 1^92. His son was chosen to represent the St. Laurent 
 district in the year 1804, and Joseph issued a card of 
 thanks to the electors on his behalf Along with John 
 Grray, Daniel Sutherland, and others, he formed the first 
 company, in 1801, for the construction of water works 
 for the city. He received a grant of 11,550 acres in the 
 Township of Ireland from Grovernor Milnes in 1802 ; and 
 in the adjoining township of Inverness there is a hill 
 called after him, still known as " Frobisher hill." His 
 residence " Beaver Hall," so designated in allusion to 
 the business which its proprietor prosecuted, was burnt 
 in 184*7, but it has given its name to one of the classic 
 quarters of the city. Joseph Frobisher was in his day 
 one of " the characters " of the commercial metropolis of 
 Canada. The firm, " McTavish, Frobisher & Co.," held 
 a pew in the church up to 1805. 
 
 Of Greorge McBeath, owner of pew 95, and "William 
 Murray, who subscribed ten guineas each, and of Francis 
 "Winter, who bought Pew 94, and whose name is down 
 for nine pounds, nothing more can be gathered than 
 that they were traders connected with the North-west 
 Company. Mr. McBeath was Master of St. Peter's Lodge 
 of Freemasons. 
 
 James Dunlop, who subscribed ten guineas, was one 
 of Montreal's earliest "merchant princes." He kept a 
 general store in St. Paul street, dealing in liquors and
 
 9^ 
 
 groceries, as well as dry goods. He was named with 
 Hon. James Richards, James E-eed, and Rev. John 
 Strachau, a trustee of the estate of Hon. James McGill. 
 He took an active part in the military movements con- 
 nected with the American War in 1812, serving as Major 
 under Colonel James Caldwell and Brigadier-G-eneral 
 McGill. He presided at a public dinner in honor of King 
 Greorge's birthday, June 5th, 1815. Shortly before this he 
 remitted iJ30,000, the largest bill of exchange ever sent 
 from the colony up to that date. He died on the 28th 
 August, 1815, aged 60 years. The following notice of 
 him appeared in the Herald at the time of his decease : — 
 
 "Died after a most severe illness of several weeks, 
 
 James Dunlop, Esquire. This gentleman settled in Mont- 
 real in lY7*7, and has since been deeply engaged in mer- 
 cantile pursuits, on a most extensive scale. To a vigorous 
 constitution were united unremitting industry, strict 
 probity of character in his transactions, and enlarged 
 views of commercial affairs. These first requisites enabled 
 him to amass a fortune, supposed to be greater than ever 
 was acquired by any individual of this country." 
 
 His name appears for £10 at the head of the special 
 subscriptions, taken in 1800, for liquidating the debt on 
 the original building. He contributed <£5 to the special 
 Young fund in 1802, and subscribed £t> annually towards 
 Mr. Somerville's salary. He was also one of those who 
 signed the manifesto in favor of Mr. Somerville, July 
 23rd, 1803. He gave £10 for the steeple and bell fund 
 in 1810. He occupied pews 19 and 99 in the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church. 
 
 John Gregory, also a contributor of ten guineas, was 
 
 another of the fur magnates of Montreal. "When the 
 
 North-west Company was formed, some trouble arose over 
 
 the allotment of shares to the partners, and a rival com- 
 
 G
 
 98 
 
 pauy was started, with Mr. Grregory at its head. The 
 original company, however, proved too strong in capital 
 and numbers for its junior competitor, and alter a brief 
 and bitter rivalry, an amalgamation of the two was 
 effected, in 1^87. From that time onward, Mr. G-regory 
 was one of the most influential partners of the North-west 
 Company. He gave £S for the fund for Mr. Young's 
 family, and subscribed <£5, in 1810, to remove the debt 
 incurred in buying the bell and erecting the steeple. He 
 retired from partnership in the house of McTavish, Fro- 
 bisher & Co., December 11th, 1806. In 1802, he obtained 
 from Sir E. S. Milnes a grant of 11,550 acres of land in 
 Arthabasca. Mr. G-regory died February 22nd, 1817, aged 
 60 years, and was characterized in the Herald's obituary 
 notice as one of Montreal's most respected citizens. His 
 son, Colonel G-regory, married a daughter of Hon. John 
 Forsyth. 
 
 John Lilly, a subscriber of ten guineas, was also a 
 prominent member of the community, and a Justice of 
 the Peace. He owned and farmed the property above 
 Sherbrooke Street stretching up towards Fletcher's field, 
 with the present Lunn mansion as his summer residence. 
 Mr. Hugh Brodie, senior, was his farmer for a time. 
 One of his daughters was married to Thomas Boston in 
 1806. He contributed ten pounds to the debt in 1810, 
 also two pounds to the Young fund, and subscribed 
 three pounds a year for Mr. Somerville's stipend. He gave 
 four pounds to the steeple and bell fund. He occupied 
 pew 21 in the church. He died October 5th, 1822. The 
 following obituary notice appeared in the Herald : — "Died, 
 John Lilly, Esq., at the advanced age ot 83 years. He 
 was one of the oldest British merchants in the city, having 
 arrived here in 1763, and supported, during his long resi- 
 dence of 59 years, the character of a good subject, a vir- 
 tuous citizen, and an exemplary Christian."
 
 99 
 
 Auldjo & Maitland were a firm of general merchants, 
 dealing not only in dry goods, bnt also in ales and spirits. 
 Alexander Anldjo, the senior partner, afterwards married 
 Eweretta Jane, daughter of Hon. John Richardson. They 
 were members of St. G-abriel Street Church, as may be 
 inferred from the fact that their son John was baptized by 
 Mr. Somerville in 1805. Mrs. Auldjo died in 1805, and 
 shortly afterwards he removed to England with his two 
 sons, Thomas and John. It was this John Auldjo who 
 was the first Englishman to make the ascent of Mt. 
 Blanc, an adventure which gave him a high reputation 
 as an enterprising tourist. He published an account of 
 his experience, which led soon afterwards to many 
 further successful attempts to scale the monarch of the 
 Alps. The firm acted as agents for the Pelican Life 
 Insurance Company, as well as for the Phcenix Insurance 
 Company, of London, England, — the company which is 
 still doing business in Montreal, under the management 
 of R. W. Tyre. The firm was afterwards enlarged by 
 the addition of Greorge G-arden! Alexander Auldjo was 
 elected a member of the temporal committee in 1809, 
 when he was made vice-president. He was again chosen 
 in 1810, and appointed president. He contributed ten 
 pounds to the debt in 1810. He and G-eorge G-arden, 
 members of the firm, occupied pews *72 and ^3. George 
 Auldjo, of the same firm, also married one of Mr. Richard- 
 son's daughters, on the 5th of October, 1816. 
 
 James "Woolrich, of the firm of Hall, Odber & Woolrich, 
 was a Yorkshireman. They kept a dry goods store in 
 St. Paul Street. He was one of the Directors of the 
 first Savings Bank that was instituted in the city. 
 Besides the five pounds contributed by the firm to 
 which he belonged, he afterwards gave one pound forthe 
 removal of the debt in 1800, and a guinea towards the
 
 100 
 
 Young fund. He occupied pew 46 in the church, but his 
 name appears in 1817 as one of the wardens of Christ 
 Church. Like many others on the list of pew-holders and 
 contributors, he seems to have maintained some sort of 
 connection with both congregations. 
 
 All these were gentlemen of means in 1792. Now-a-days 
 they would not be counted wealthy. Half a million is 
 to-day of less account in Montreal, probably, than one-tenth 
 of that sum was a century ago. For the most part, they 
 had made their money in the fur trade, or at least added 
 that branch of business to their ordinary transactions. 
 
 But the fifteen succeeding subscribers were the " G-en- 
 tlemen of the North-west," by way of eminence, at this 
 time.^They were the men who, as employees of the North- 
 west Company, were pushing the fur trade far across the 
 continent, even to the Rocky Mountains and the shores of 
 the Arctic Sea. A braver or more enterprising group of 
 men there probably was not then alive, and their names 
 deserve to be recalled with admiration and gratitude. 
 
 The first of these gentlemen who had just begun to 
 make fame and fortune by their personal prosecution of 
 the fur trade, to subscribe five guineas, was Alexander 
 Mackenzie, afterwards Sir Alexander, the foremost High- 
 lander of them all, and the most adventurous. He was 
 born at Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, 
 about the year 1760, and came to Canada while still a 
 lad, entering the counting house of John G-regory, where 
 he remained five years. When G-regory and McLeod re- 
 solved to start a company to compete with that at the 
 head of which were the firm of Simon McTavish, and B. 
 & J. Frobisher, they induced Alexander Mackenzie, who 
 had set up business for himself at Detroit, and Peter Pang- 
 man, to join them. These two young men threw them- 
 selves into the enterprise with great enthusiasm, and their
 
 101 
 
 activity and success made the stronger rival firm heartily 
 agree to the union of the two young companies, in ITST. 
 It vras to the interest of the North-west Company to reach 
 the remotest Indian settlements in order to tap the trade 
 in peltries, which used to find its way to the posts of the 
 Hudson's Bay Company. In this way the traders became 
 also discoverers. After a time, however, they seem to 
 have acquired such a taste for new scenes that they sought 
 adventure for its own sake. The whole of the North-west 
 and British Columbia bear testimony to the perseverance 
 and valour of the Highlanders, who were the first white 
 men to traverse those vast territories, which were before 
 a terra incognita. 
 
 It was in June, 1^89, that Mackenzie started from Fort 
 Chipewyan, at the west end of Lake Athabaska, which 
 he calls " Lake of the Hills," on that journey of explora- 
 tion which has rendered his name forever famous. With 
 a small band of faithful followers, some of them white 
 men and some of them Indians, he pursLied a north-west 
 course, until at last he struck the great river to which he 
 gave his name, and followed its windings until he found 
 it emptying into the Polar Sea, — a river longer even than 
 the mighty St. Lawrence, though the great lakes be 
 counted in. 
 
 In October, 1Y92, he undertook a second journey of dis- 
 covery, the object of which was to explore the Peace 
 River. He traced it across the Rocky Mountains, and 
 being so far, he learned from the Indians that the distance 
 to the Pacific Ocean was not great, and he resolved to 
 reach it, which he did in the succeeding season, being the 
 first European who ever crossed from sea to sea, the whole 
 breadth of the American continent to the northward. It 
 took him eleven months to complete his voyage from Fort 
 Chipewyan. He tried to leave a token of his visit to the 
 Pacific coast, which might attract subsequent visitors :
 
 102 
 
 " I now mixed up some vermilion in melted grease, and 
 inscribed in large characters, on the south-east face of the 
 rock on which we had slept last night, this brief memo- 
 rial : ' Alex'r Mackenzie, from Canada, by land, the 
 twenty-second of July, one thousand, seven hundred and 
 ninety-three.' " He afterwards published an account of 
 these two journeys under the following title : — 
 
 " Voyage from Montreal, on the River St. Law- 
 rence, THROUGH the CONTINENT OF NORTH AMERICA, TO 
 THE FROZEN AND PACIFIC OCEANS, IN THE YEARS 1789 AND 
 1793, WITH A PRELIMINARY ACCOUNT OF THE RISE, PRO- 
 GRESS, AND PRESENT STATE OF THE FUR TRADE OF THAT 
 
 COUNTRY: London, 1801." Sir Alexander Mackenzie thus 
 became one of the pioneers of the literature relating to the 
 North-west Territories and British Columbia, as well as 
 the first to accomplish the overland journey. Sir Alexander 
 had a child baptized by Eev. James Somerville, 29th 
 September, 1805, and he continued to occupy pew No. 3 
 till the year 1808, when he removed to Scotland, where 
 he resided until his death. His mansion stood until last 
 spring at the head of Simpson Street, when it was pulled 
 down by Mr. William Smith. Sir George Simpson, from 
 whom the street takes its name, occupied the house after 
 Sir Alexander Mackenzie. 
 
 Nicholas Montour, whose subscription of five guineas 
 follows, was a Frenchman, as his name implies. He was 
 chiefly identified with Peter Pangman and Cuthbert 
 Grrant, in fighting the Hudson Bay Company's encroach- 
 ment on the territory, occupied for fifteen years by the 
 North-west Company. He signed the warning, issued in 
 1815, to the Highlanders whom Lord Selkirk had brought 
 into the Red River district, signing it as " Bonhomme " 
 Montour. The next year he was with Alexander Mac- 
 Donnell, the chief factor at Portage la Prairie, when tho
 
 103 
 
 news of the death of Grovernor Semple and the routing of 
 his followers reached there, and he and one Latour were 
 ordered to get horses and set out, with instructions to 
 detain all the settlers till MacDonnell should arrive. He 
 received a grant of 11,500 acres of land in Wolfstown, from 
 Sir R. S. Milnes, Grovernor, in 1802. 
 
 Peter Pangman, known in the Northwest as "Bostonnais," 
 because, though of German descent, he came from the 
 United States to Canada, had formerly a trading con- 
 nection with Peter Pond, the murderer of Mr. Wadin, 
 a Swiss Protestant trader in the North-west, (presumalily 
 the father or brother of the wife of Rev. John Bethune). 
 Pond was arrested and taken to Montreal, where he was 
 tried, but acquitted, on account of the want of jurisdiction 
 on the part of the Court. "When set at liberty, he fled to 
 the United States. With Alexander Mackenzie, Mr. Pang- 
 man had entered the employ, in the first instance, of 
 the G-regory-McLeod combination, of which, indeed, he 
 was the originator, but was afterwards as zealous in 
 furthering the interests of the united company. He 
 was engaged in the raid upon the Selkirk settlement 
 in June, 1815, when the cannon sent from England, 
 for the defence of the Red River colony, was seized 
 and carried off by servants of the North-west Company. 
 He joined Cuthbert Grant, William Shaw and Nicholas 
 Montour in warning the settlers to leave. In the indict- 
 ment brought against him, when he, with Cuthbert 
 Grant and others, was put upon his trial for this 
 offence, he is styled a "clerk of the said Company." He 
 was, however, at Portage la Prairie at the time. The only 
 man of the North-west Company's retainers killed on Frog 
 Plains on that occasion, was a cousin of his, and he is said 
 to have exclaimed, on hearing of his death, "My cousin is 
 killed, and I will be revenged. The affair shall not end
 
 104 
 
 here. They shall all be killed, for so long as these English 
 are let go they will always be coming back, as they did 
 last year ; and so sure as they return they will always 
 cause disturbances." 
 
 On 28th March, 1*796, he was married by Rev. John 
 Young, to G-race MacTier. Rev. James Somerville after- 
 wards baptized a child for them. As showing his gallant- 
 ry, Mr. Pangman called his residence, near Mascouche, 
 after his wife, " G-race Hall." On the 3rd November, 1^94, 
 he bought the seignory of Lachenaie from Jacob Jordan. 
 He died on the 28th of August, 1819. His daughter, Jane, 
 married G-eorge Henry Monk. The late Hon. John Pang- 
 man, who was called to the Legislative Council in 1838, 
 and was a member of the association of seigniors formed 
 for securing the rights of that body, when these were sub- 
 ject to agitation in the Province, and who died in 186V, 
 was his only son, Peter Pangman was himself connected 
 with the Church of England, but Mrs. Pangman was 
 strongly attached to the Church of Scotland and its ser- 
 vices. 
 
 Hon. William McGillivray, whose name follows for five 
 guineas, occupied afterwards an important place, both in 
 business circles and in the public affairs of the Province. 
 In 1806, he became the head of the firm of MacTavish, 
 McGillivray & Co., having as his partners, Duncan 
 McGillivray, his nephew, Wm. Hallowell and Roderick 
 Mackenzie. He was the chief director of the affairs of the 
 company, during the period of its conflict with Lord Sel- 
 kirk, in regard to possession of the Red River District. 
 At the time when Lord Selkirk requested Sir Gordon 
 Drummond, then Administrator of the G-overnment, to 
 send a small military force to protect the Red River colo- 
 nists from the persecution of the servants of the North- 
 west Company, he was a member of the Executive Coun-
 
 105 
 
 cil, and his influence is supposed to have prompted Sir 
 Grordon's refusal. Col. Harvey, the G-overnor's secretary, 
 wrote to the Company that His Excellency had been at 
 pains to question Mr. McG-illivray very closely, and that 
 gentleman had answered " in such a manner as would 
 have removed from His Excellency's mind all traces of 
 any impression unfavourable to the honorable character 
 and liberal principles of the North-west Company, had 
 any such impression existed." 
 
 Fort "William, which was erected in 1805, was so called 
 in his honor. It was the head-quarters of the North-west 
 Company's operations. It was here the deliberations of 
 the Directors took place in August, 1814, over which Mr. 
 McG-illivray presided, that are supposed to have issued in 
 the subsequent attack on Lord Selkirk's colony by the 
 servants of the Company, the following year. Mr. Mc- 
 G-illivray, with Kenneth Mackenzie and Simon Eraser, was 
 put under arrest, in August, 1816, by Lord Selkirk, who at 
 that time was clothed with magisterial powers, as respons- 
 ible for the death of Governor Semple and the destruction 
 of the Eed River colony, in the previous month of June. 
 But as the North-west Company was all powerful in the 
 Province of Quebec at the time, and its members con- 
 trolled the deliberations of the Governor-in-Council, the 
 issue of the struggle was in favor of Mr. McGillivray and 
 his colleagues. His sister was married to Hon. Justice 
 Reid, and this was supposed to have helped him, too, in 
 relation to his alleged offences against the law. In 1802 
 he received a grant of 11,550 acres of land, in the town- 
 ship of Inverness, from Sir R. S. Milnes, then Governor. 
 He was Lieut-Colonel of the corps of " Voyageurs " that 
 took Detroit in the war of 1812. He is also remembered in 
 our North-west Territories by the McGillivray River. He 
 was Provincial Grand Master of the Freemasons in 1823. 
 
 He was a liberal supporter of St. Gabriel Street Church, 
 although his name also appears in connection with Christ
 
 106 
 
 Church, throughout this period. He had uo pew standing 
 in his own name, but as a prominent member of the 
 North-west Company, which owned pews 23 and 24, he 
 probably found accommodation in them. He contributed 
 ten pounds for extinguishing the debt, in 1809, and five 
 pounds to the steeple and bell fund in 1810. He died in 
 the year 1825. 
 
 Several of the subscribers to the building fund belonged 
 to the Church of England, we have seen. There was a 
 beautiful catholicity among the citizens of those days. It 
 is peculiarly gratifying to be able to say that Roman 
 Catholics also lent a helping hand on this occasion. 
 When St. Andrew's Church, Quebec, was erected, the 
 building committee solicited a subscription from the 
 Roman Catholic Bishop of Quebec, who replied, in terms 
 of great courtesy, regretting that the many claims upon 
 him did not admit of his complying with their request. 
 It does not appear that the building committee of the St. 
 Grabriel Street Church sought assistance from the recog- 
 nized authorities of the Roman Catholic Church in the 
 city at that time, but at least one member of that com- 
 munion was liberal enough, both in sentiment and in 
 practice, to put his money into a Protestant church. This 
 was no other ihau the celebrated Simon Fraser, the dis- 
 coverer of the river in British Columbia which bears his 
 name. He came to Canada and entered the service of the 
 North-west Company the year in which the church was 
 built, and seems to have felt called upon to take his share, 
 with the other employees of the Company, in helping on 
 this public enterprise, which, in its turn, could not but 
 be serviceable to the commerce of the city. Many of the 
 Frasers of Invernesshire, with Lord Lovat at their head, 
 were Roman Catholics, and to this section Simon belonged, 
 who subscribed three guineas to the erection of St. Gabriel 
 Street Church.
 
 lOY 
 
 He proved one of the most enterprising of the agents of 
 the North-west Company. Venturing beyond the Rocky 
 Mountains, by way of extending the commercial interests 
 which he represented, he struck the Fraser River, and 
 sailed down it to the Pacific Ocean. Little did he dream 
 that he was tracing out a future highway for the com- 
 merce of the world, and that in less than eighty years 
 afterwards, the steam engine should be rushing through 
 the valley of that river, bearing travellers from the Atlan- 
 tic to the Pacific along at the rate of forty miles an hour. 
 
 In 1816, he was put under arrest by Lord Selkirk, being 
 charged with complicity in the death of Governor Sem- 
 ple, and in the attempt to drive the colonists away from 
 the Red River. 
 
 But the man who had the largest share in the unfor- 
 tunate collision between the Selkirk settlers and the ser- 
 vants of the North-west Company, was Cuthbert G-rant, 
 who also subscribed three guineas to the building fund 
 of St. Gabriel Street Church. He must have been a young 
 man at the time. Of a Highland father and an Indian 
 mother, he was sent to Montreal to school, as several of 
 the Scotch half-breeds were, and he had already been 
 several years in the service of the great fur-trading organ- 
 ization when, in 1^92, he made this contribution to the 
 the Scotch Church, for Sir Alexander Mackenzie tells us 
 that Cuthbert Grant had penetrated as far as the Slave 
 River in 1*786, six of his voyageurs having been drowned 
 at one of the portages. 
 
 He was as brave as he was fertile in devices for pro- 
 moting the interests of his employers. He wielded a very 
 powerful influence over all the Indians and Half-breeds, 
 on account of his blood connection with them, coupled 
 with his native ability. His name is at the head of the 
 warning issued to the Selkirk settlers, bidding them
 
 108 
 
 vacate the Red River colony. The document served 
 on them ran thus : " All settlers to retire immediately 
 from Red River, and no traces of a settlement to remain." 
 
 (Signed) Cuthbeet G-rant, 
 
 " BOSTONNAIS " PaNGMAN, 
 
 William Shaw, 
 
 " BoNHOMME " Montour. 
 June 25th, 1815. 
 
 John Poison, a farmer in the Red River District, gave 
 to Prof Bryce, of Manitoba College, "Winnipeg, the follow- 
 ing description of Cuthbert G-rant : " He was a very 
 stout, heavy man, but not short. I cannot say who was 
 his first wife, but his last was a McG-ill. She was half 
 Scotch. . . . The first that I knew of him here was 
 at the time of the troubles. He came with the Bois- 
 Brules' brigade. I think settlers have to thank him that 
 things went so easily as they did. He did not go at all 
 by his orders, which were much worse. Though he was 
 opposed to the settlers, he was their best friend." 
 
 He was known far and wide among the hunters and 
 trappers of the North-west. As one of the most enter- 
 prising and energetic agents of the Company, he bad been 
 placed in charge of many of their expeditions, and was 
 known as " Warden of the Plains." 
 
 He was the chief director in the attack upon the Selkirk 
 colony in June, 1816, in which Grovernor Semple lost his 
 life, and many of the settlers were killed, but he dis- 
 claimed responsibility for the foul murder of Mr. Semple 
 after his surrender. G-rant put him in charge of one of 
 his subordinates, he said, with instructions to convey him 
 to Fort Douglas. Shortly afterwards an Indian, who, he 
 said, was the only rascal they had, came up and shot the 
 wounded Governor in the breast, killing him on the spot. 
 The fort was delivered up to G-rant, who gave receipts on
 
 109 
 
 each sheet of the inventory made, signing his name as 
 " acting for the North-west Company." The Bois-Brules, 
 who acted under his orders, boasted " that Grant was a 
 brave man, and had committed himself well in the engage- 
 ment." He was seized on American territory by Lord 
 Selkirk, in 181*7, and carried to Fort William, which was 
 then in possession of his lordship. He had a son baptized 
 by Mr. Young in 1V98. 
 
 There were three other G-rants among the " gentlemen 
 of the North-west," who subscribed to the building fund, 
 Eobert giving five guineas, David three guineas, and Peter 
 three pounds ; but we find little further record of them, 
 in connection with either the church or the state. David, 
 in an entry of the register for 1796, is spoken of as '' an 
 Indian trader." Peter was a factor in the North-west 
 Company, and spent the greater part of his life in the 
 Indian country. When he retired, he settled at St. Anne's, 
 bout de Visle. He afterwards removed to Lachine, where 
 he died in July, 1848, aged about 85 years. He bought 
 pew 51 in 1816. 
 
 Angus Shaw subscribed three guineas. There is not 
 much to be gathered from existing documents concerning 
 him, either. He was Major of the "Yoyageurs," who, 
 under Lieut. -Colonel McGillivray, took Detroit in 1812. 
 He had a daughter, Anna, nine years old, baptized by 
 Mr. Young in 1797, the mother being mentioned, not by 
 name, but as an " Indian woman." His name appears in 
 connection with Christ Church in 1802. 
 
 Hon. Roderick Mackenzie, whose name occurs next as 
 subscribing three guineas, occupied a position only a little 
 less prominent than that held by his distinguished kins- 
 man. Sir Alexander, and he had a more intimate connec- 
 tion with the District of Montreal. When Sir Alexander
 
 110 
 
 Mackenzie set out ou his journey of discovery over the 
 Rocky Mountains, in 1Y92, he left Roderick in charge of 
 Fort Chipewyan, and here he remained in charge during 
 the absence of the factor, for eleven months. He was 
 married in 1805, by Mr. Somerville, to Rachel Chaboillez, 
 of Montreal. A son of theirs, Roderick Charles, was born 
 in 1816, and baptized by Mr. Somerville. In 1806, with 
 William and Duncan McGrillivray, and "William Hal- 
 lowell, he became one of the four chief partners of the 
 North-west Company. In 1819, he was raised to the rank 
 of a Legislative Councillor in Quebec, and thus the influ- 
 ence of the commercial community with which he was 
 connected became still more dominant in the political 
 affairs of the Province. He continued to take part in the 
 deliberations of that body up to the time of his death. 
 
 One of his sons, Alexander, entered the British army 
 and rose to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel ; and the daughter 
 of Col. Mackenzie, Louise Rachel, married, in 1856, the 
 Honorable Louis Francois Roderick Masson, P., C, the 
 present Lieutenant-Grovernor of Quebec ; and thus the 
 Mackenzie name and property passed into another family. 
 
 Mr. Mackenzie's partner was a French Roman Catholic 
 lady, and her influence has finally conquered, so far as the 
 religious question is concerned. 
 
 ^Although living in Terrebone, where his elegant man- 
 sion was situated, he continued to be interested in the 
 fortunes of the Scotch Church in St. G-abriel Street. He 
 subscribed, in 1803, three pounds annually towards Mr. 
 Somerville's stipend, and this amount he continued to pay 
 up till 1810. 
 
 James Finlay, a subscriber of three guineas, was one of 
 the pioneers of the fur trade. Long before the formation 
 of the North-west company, he had established a reputa- 
 tion for himself as a man of courage and enterprise. He
 
 Ill 
 
 was the first of the English traders to penetrate the inte- 
 rior of " the lone laud " as far as Neepawie, on the Sas- 
 katchewan Eiver, which he did in the year 1768. Twenty- 
 four years afterwards, we find him occupying one of the 
 outposts of the Company, for Sir Alexander Mackenzie 
 mentions his being in charge of the newly established 
 depot on the Peace River, in 1^92. His name is per- 
 petuated by one of the northern tributaries of the Peace 
 Eiver, called after him, Finlay River. 
 
 He was one of the twelve " most respectable citizens,'' 
 six English and six French, who drew up the articles of 
 capitulation presented to Greneral Montgomery, in Novem- 
 ber, 1775, after the withdrawal of Greneral Carlton and 
 all his forces, with the view of proceeding to the defence 
 of Quebec. He was a prominent Freemason. He was a 
 visitor to St. Peter's Lodge in 1771, and from 1786 
 onwards till his death was a member of the Lodge, and 
 frequently held in it the office of Master. 
 
 Mr. Finlay contributed five pounds for the removal of 
 the debt on the Church, in 1800. But, while Scotch by 
 birth and Presbyterian by faith, it is to be presumed that, 
 like so many of his countrymen when they leave Scot- 
 land, he was tolerant of other churches, and inclined 
 especially towards the Anglican commmunion, acting as 
 a Church-warden of Christ Church, in 1796. 
 
 Alexander Eraser, who also subscribed three guineas, 
 was probably an ex-officer of the old 78th Regiment, and 
 a relative of Simon Fraser's, at St. Ann's. And Robert 
 Thompson was, it is believed, a brother of David Thomp- 
 son, " the astronomer of the North-west," as he was 
 called, who discovered the Thompson River in British 
 Columbia, and was the first to follow the Columbia River 
 from its source to the Pacific Ocean. He was subsequently 
 employed exploring the vast regions lying beyond the
 
 112 
 
 Columbia River. On the part of the British Government, 
 he was engaged as astronomical surveyor, on the commis- 
 sion for defining the boundary line between the United 
 States and the British possessions, beyond the Rocky 
 Mountains. 
 
 This completes the list of the fur traders who lent a 
 helping hand to the enterprise of erecting the first Pres- 
 byterian Church in this city. They were gentlemen of 
 remarkable endurance, of tried courage, and clear insight 
 — the pioneers of that grand heritage, the North-west, 
 upon which we have lately entered — and therefore we 
 should not willingly let their names die.
 
 EENAIAH GIBB.
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The remaining subscribers to the Building Fund— Benaiah Gibb, Kich- 
 AED DoBiB, James Logan, William Forbes, Jambs Cowib, John and 
 Jambs McDowall, Jambs Strother, Thomas Busby, Hon. John 
 MoLsoN, Richard Brooks, John Finlayson, Simon Clarke, Donald 
 McKbrcher, John McArthur, John Fisher, John Hunter, William 
 RussEL, George Stansfibld, Jacob Marston, Alexander Simpson, 
 Thomas Sullivan, John Neagles, John J. Deihl, Andrew Winklb- 
 Foss, Alexander Robertson, Jonathan A. Gray', John Gray', Dr. 
 Blake, Samuel Adams, David Smith and Joseph Howard. 
 
 Benaiah G-ibb, senior, whose portrait appears on the 
 opposite page, subscribed ten guineas in 1192, and again 
 two guineas in 1800, for the building fund. There are 
 few names entitled to be held in higher honor in Mont- 
 real, than that of Benaiah Gribb, founder of the Gibb 
 firm, which still carries on business here, in the gentle- 
 men's outfitting line. Although born in Northumber- 
 land, England, May 6th, 1755, he was of Scottish origin, 
 the family being descended from the Gibbs, baronets, of 
 Fifeshire, Scotland. He came lo Montreal in 1*774, and 
 the following year opened his first shop in the city, when 
 its population numbered only a few thousands. 
 
 For upwards of thirty years, he took a very prominent 
 part in the affairs of the St. Gabriel Street Church. He 
 was elected a member of the temporal committee in 1800, 
 and again in 1804, when he was made its Vice-President, 
 after the new rules and regulations went into force. He, 
 with "William Martin and John Fisher, signed all the 
 deeds issued at this time. He had been a member of the 
 Young investigation committee, and contributed five 
 H
 
 114 
 
 pounds for the removal of that gentleman's family to 
 Niagara, in 1802. As a member of the temporal commit- 
 tee, he signed the resolution in favor of Mr. Somerville, 
 in May, 1803, and subscribed three pounds annually to 
 his support. He signed the memorial to the Grovernment. 
 in 1802, asking the continuance of the fifty pounds for- 
 merly allowed Mr. Young, as a consideration for services 
 rendered to the troops. He lent ten pounds for lifting 
 off the debt remaining in 1810, which was afterwards 
 returned to him. He, with his son Thomas, contributed 
 ten pounds to the steeple and bell fund. The pew he 
 first occupied was No. 49, but afterwards he and his 
 family sat in No. 9. The late Miss G-ibb, his daughter, 
 remained in the church until the disruption in 1844, and 
 afterwards. Mr. Isaac J. Gribb also attended occasionally. 
 Mr. Gribb's first wife was Catherine Campbell, who 
 died in 1804. His second wife was Eleanor Pastorius, 
 to whom he was married by Mr. Somerville, on the 26th 
 December, 1808. He retired from active business in 1815. 
 His sons, Thomas and James Duncan, along with Joseph 
 Kollmyer, succeeded him. In 1820, he was a Director of 
 the Savings Bank. In 1824, the Jubilee of his coming 
 to reside in this city was observed by an entertainment 
 which he gave to a large number of his friends, that 
 furnished occasion of kindly reference to his public and 
 private worth on the part of several of his fellow citizens. 
 The following report is taken from the Herald : 
 
 Intbrbsting Jubilee. 
 
 "On the evening of the 27th inst., our worthy and highly respected 
 fellow subject and citizen, Benaiah Gibb, Esquire, gave a splendid enter- 
 tainment to nearly fifty of his friends, amongst whom were several of 
 the first circles in this community. The supper tables were loaded with 
 the richest delicacies which the season could produce, and the whole was 
 served in a manner to render the most perfect gratification to the guests.
 
 115 
 
 The occasion oithis/ete was, that upon the day it took place, Mr. Gibb 
 had completed a residence in Montreal of fifty years, during which 
 lengthened period he has sustained the enviable character of an honest 
 man, and one whom the breath of calumny has never approached. 
 
 " After supper, a very impressive address, written by Mr. Gibb for this 
 occasion, was read by a gentleman present, in which were detailed some 
 memorable events of his life, and a pious acknowledgment for the mani- 
 fold blessings which have been dispensed to him by Divine Providence. 
 In the address are the following bequests, which are highly honorable to 
 the benevolent character of a man who has always been a contributor to 
 charitable institutions, viz : £10 to the poor of the Protestant Episcopal 
 church; £10 to the Koman Catholic poor; £10 to the poor of the Presby- 
 terian congregation in St. Peter street ; £10 to the poor of the Scotch Kirk 
 in St. Gabriel street ; £10 to the poor of the Wesleyan congregation, and 
 £10 to the funds of the Montreal General Hospital. The address closed 
 •with the memorable Patriarchal prayer,—' Lord, let now thy servant de- 
 part in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.' 
 
 " Colonel Evans then rose, and in a very neat and appropriate speech, 
 complimented the venerable host on his present comfortable retirement 
 from the busy path of life, and proposed that the health of Mr. Gibb be 
 drunk, with three times three, which was done with enthusiasm by all 
 present. The Rev. Mr. Easton next addressed the company. He said 
 he had been well acquainted with Mr. Gibb for upwards of twenty years, 
 during which time he had frequent occasion to call on him for charitable 
 purposes, and he declared that in no one sohtary instance did he quit 
 the mansion without receiving even more than he expected- 
 
 " Such events as the one above mentioned, seldom take place, and we 
 trust that the excellent character of the person who caused it, will justify 
 the motive which induced us to give it publicity. Many excellent songs 
 and duets were sung during the evening, and the band of the 70th Regi- 
 ment added much to the enjoyment of the company, who broke up highly 
 dehghted at their entertainment, and with feehngs of the warmest de- 
 scription for their friend, about two o'clock in the morning." 
 
 The prayer of Simeon, quoted on this occasion by Mr. 
 Gibb, had an answer, for which he had not long to wait. 
 He died on the 18th March, 1826, aged 11 years,— the Eev. 
 Edward Black, then a colleague of Mr. Esson and Mr. 
 Somerville, officiating on the occasion. 
 
 The well known notary, Isaac J. Gibb, formerly 
 senior partner of the firm of Gibb & Hunter, who now 
 resides at Como, is descended from a collateral branch
 
 116 ' 
 
 of the G-ibb family ; while Charles Gribb, of Abbotsford, 
 the distinguished agriculturist and horticulturist, who 
 recently visited Russia, with a view to selecting and 
 importing hardy fruit trees from that country, suitable 
 to our climate, is a grandson, being a son of James Duncan. 
 One of Mr. Gribb's daughters, Elizabeth, married James 
 Orkney, of the firm J. & R. Orkney ; and her daughter, 
 Miss Orkney, now occupies the Gribb mansion in St. 
 Catherine street, alongside the new St. Gabriel Church. 
 Another daughter, Ann, never married, and died a few 
 years ago. Mr. Gribb was a Freemason. 
 
 But it is by the munificent donation of Benaiah Gribb, 
 the younger, to the Art Association of Montreal, that the 
 family's name is to be perpetuated in the city. Like Jam.es 
 McGill, in founding McGill College, Benaiah Gribb, by 
 the liberal provision he made at his death, for the educa- 
 tion of the citizens of Montreal, in the refining and elevat- 
 ing principles of Art, erected for himself a monument 
 m.ore durable than marble. The collection of pictures 
 which he bequeathed to the Association, together with 
 the bronzes, of a total value of $28,685, formed a splendid 
 nucleus for a permanent exhibition of works of Art, to 
 which the Association has gone on adding from time to 
 time, providing one of the greatest attractions of life in 
 Montreal. In addition to the treasures of Art of his own 
 collecting, thus devised in trust, for the instruction and 
 pleasure of present and future generations, he left a lot of 
 land, valued at $9,600, and $8,000 in money, for erecting 
 a gallery in which they might be preserved and exhibited. 
 The noble building, the Art Gallery, of which the citi- 
 zens are so proud,, we therefore owe to the late Mr. 
 Gibb's enlightened generosity. A brass tablet, in the 
 hall of the gallery, erected by the Association, commemo- 
 rates his munificence : 
 
 " This Art Gallery owes its existence to the liberality of
 
 Ill 
 
 Benaiah. Gribb, Esquire, who died in this city, on the 1st 
 of June, 18^7. By his will, he devised and bequeathed to 
 the Art Associatiou, the land upon which this building 
 stands, |8,000 in money, over 90 oil paintings, and 8 valu- 
 able bronzes. The Association has placed this Tablet 
 here in honor of the donor, and as a small token of respect 
 and gratitude to him, and to aid in perpetuating the 
 memory of his generosity and public spirit. 1881." 
 
 The present members of the Gibb firm, Alexander and 
 E. M., are descended from a brother of the original 
 Benaiah's, who established the nearly related House, in 
 the Royal Exchange, London, England. A great grand- 
 daughter of Mr. Gribb's, is married to Rev. Arthur French, 
 Curate of St. John the Evangelist Church, Montreal. 
 
 Richard Dobie, whose name succeeds as subscribing 
 ten guineas, was a rich merchant of the period. When 
 the members of the Presbyterian congregation of Mont- 
 real, " having been regularly called from the pulpit," 
 met on the 8th of May, 1^91, " for the purpose of electing 
 a committee to manage the temporals of said congrega- 
 tion," Mr. Dobie's name was at the head of the list of six- 
 teen chosen ; and he was afterwards made chairman of 
 the committee. This was the committee that remained 
 in office until the 17th of August, 1800. He signed the 
 call to Mr. Somerville, contributing three pounds a year 
 to the salary. He was a member of St. Peter's Masonic 
 Lodge in 17^2, and occupied afterwards more than once 
 the office of Master. He died on the 25th March, 1805, 
 aged 74 years. He owned pew No. 20, which his heirs 
 continued to occupy so long as a record can be traced of 
 the individual holders of pews. 
 
 James Logan, who subscribed ten guineas, for the erec- 
 tion of the St. Gabriel Street Church, was the grandfather
 
 118 
 
 of the late Sir William Logau, He was a native of Stir- 
 lingshire, Scotland, and came to reside in Montreal, about 
 the year 1^84. He was a baker by trade ; and by thrift 
 and attention to business, he prospered greatly, and laid 
 the foundation of that success which his sons and grand- 
 sous subsequently achieved. He died on the 17th Jan., 
 1806, being 80 years of age. He subscribed one 
 pound for the debt in 1800, and was also chosen an 
 elder during Mr. Young's incumbency. He was the 
 James Logan who was associated with William England 
 and William Hunter, fellow elders with him, in obtain- 
 ing possession of the keys of the church, in 1803. He, 
 therefore, seceded with the Forrest adherents. 
 
 William Forbes, who subscribed ten guineas, was the 
 senior partner of the firm of Forbes & Cowie, coopers. 
 He was chosen an elder in Mr. Young's time. He was 
 elected a member of the temporal committee in 1800, and 
 gave a guinea that year to the church debt. He contri- 
 buted one pound to the Young fund. He signed, as an 
 elder, the resolution declaring that the congregation re- 
 mained firm in their purpose to call Mr. Somerville, in 
 1803, and subscribed two guineas a year towards that 
 gentleman's stipend. With Duncan Fisher and William 
 Martin, he signed the protest served on Mr. William Hun- 
 ter, in the matter of the church keys. He died shortly 
 afterwards, having received mortal injuries at a fire. He 
 occupied pew 31, which his family continued to hold till 
 his widow died in 1812. 
 
 James Cowie, who with William Forbes subscribed ten 
 guineas, was a cooper by trade, and appears to have been 
 ready to take his share in every good work. He contri- 
 buted to the fund for wiping out the debt, as well as to 
 that raised for Mr. Young's family. He was one of those
 
 119 
 
 who signed the resolution declaring adhesion to Mr. 
 Somerville in 1803, and subscribed a guinea annually to- 
 wards thai gentleman's support. He occupied pew 41, 
 until his death in 1812. His son, James Cowie, junior, 
 who prosecuted the same business as his father, purchased 
 pew 78, in the year 1809. 
 
 John and James McDowall, who contributed jointly 
 seven guineas for erecting the church, were prosperous 
 merchant tailors, of the city. Each of them subscribed 
 two pounds a year for the Somerville stipend. In 1807, 
 pew No. 38 was purchased by James. In 1809, he gave 
 ten pounds for removing the debt, and in the following 
 year, three pounds for the steeple and bell. He stood by 
 Mr. Young at the November meeting, 1800, and always 
 proved the minister's friend. 
 
 James Strother, whose name comes next, subscribing 
 five guineas for the building fund, was a native of Wools, 
 Northumberland, England. He came to Canada as a lad, 
 to be put to school to acquire the French language. He 
 married Jane G-rant, one of the 700 United Empire 
 Loyalists, who left their all in the Mohawk Yalley, in 
 company with Sir John Johnson, making their way to 
 Canada, where they would be free to maintain the con- 
 nection with the grand old mother country, which they 
 so highly prized. He was appointed issuing commissary 
 for the Montreal military district, in 1796, and held the 
 position for 46 years. He resided in St. Mary Street, and 
 owned a good deal of property in the Quebec suburbs, 
 much of which was destroyed by the disastrous fire of 
 1852. With Eobert Grilmore, he took an active part in 
 promoting a petition to the Legislature, to establish a 
 " House of Industry" in Montreal. He was an ardent 
 supporter of the Presbyterian cause. He voted for re-
 
 120 
 
 taining Mr. Young in November, 1800, and contributed 
 a pound to the debt the same year. He also gave a pound 
 to the fund for Mr. Young's family, in 1802. He sub- 
 scribed two guineas annually for Mr. Somerville's sti- 
 pend, and gave three pounds for the steeple and bell. In 
 1807, he purchased pew No. 11, which remained in pos- 
 session of his family up to 1844. 
 
 There is one feature of interest about this subscriber, 
 that does not obtain regarding any of his contemporaries : 
 his daughter yet resides among us, and is able to take an 
 intelligent interest in all that is going on in both church 
 and state. Mary Ann Strother, married to Robert Unwin, 
 in 1842, has a recollection of worshipping in the old 
 church, so long ago as 1807. And yet she had the satis- 
 faction of being present at the Centennial services, in the 
 old edifice, in March last. She was also present at the 
 inauguration of the new St. G-abriel Church, on the 26th 
 September, 1886. To her the writer is indebted for a 
 large amount of information regarding old persons and 
 events ; and he has found her statements always borne 
 out by documentary evidence, so accurate is her memory, 
 at the advanced age of 84 years. Through her we can 
 almost grasp the citizens of the last century by the hand, 
 so vivid is her portraiture of the people of three genera- 
 tions ago. She has a distinct recollection of seeing as 
 worshippers in the church, Hon. John Molson, Hon. Wm. 
 McGrillivray, Hon. Justice Reid, the Earl of Selkirk, and 
 his son, the Earl of Dalhousie, and Sir Alex. McKenzie. 
 
 Thomas Busby, the subscriber of five guineas, was an 
 early settler in Montreal. He was an Englishman, and 
 attended the services of the " Protestant congregation of 
 Montreal, under Mr. Delisle, in 1785." He signed the 
 address to the Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1789. Besides 
 this contribution to the original building fund, he gave
 
 121 
 
 >k 
 a pound afterwards for clearing off the debt. He was 
 
 a real estate agent, and had in his hands the management 
 
 of the property of the G-rants of Longueuil. He does not 
 
 seem to have occupied a pew in the church, although 
 
 worshipping in it, with other members of Christ Church, 
 
 for eleven years. He was a warden of Christ Church in 
 
 1822. 
 
 Hon. John Molson, the founder of the Molson family 
 in Montreal, was also a subscriber to the building fund, 
 to the amount of five guineas, and for thirty years after- 
 wards, took a lively interest in the prosperity of the con- 
 gregation. He came of a good old English family, in 
 Lincolnshire. His first visit to Canada was made in the 
 year 1782, when he was only eighteen years of age. He 
 resolved to erect a brewery, and returned to England to 
 raise the funds necessary for the accomplishment of his 
 design. He managed to negotiate a loan on the security 
 of his ancestral estate of Moulton ; but the amount he 
 brought oiit with him did not nearly suffice, so that he 
 was obliged to make a second visit to England, for the 
 purpose of financing. The work proved so costly, that 
 he had finally to part with his English property. Hence- 
 forward, Canada was to be the home of the family : the 
 die was cast. One of the disappointments of the situa- 
 tion was that no barley was grown in Canada up till this 
 time. He OA'ercame this difficulty by importing seed 
 barley from England, which he gave to the farmers for 
 nothing, with a promise that he would buy, at a certain 
 price, all that they could raise and would deliver at his 
 works in Montreal. Now, the annual production of this 
 cereal, in Canada, amounts to upwards of 20,000,000 
 bushels. 
 
 But this was not. the only enterprise to which Mr. 
 Molson turned his attention. He built the first steam-
 
 122 
 
 4 
 
 boat that ever plied on Canadian waters. Fulton's 
 steamer was started on the Hudson only in 180Y, and 
 Mr. Molson had the " Accommodation" running to Que- 
 bec in 1809. He brought out with him, from England, 
 two skilled engineers and mechanics, David Brown and 
 John Jackson, and they built the little vessel, 72 feet 
 long, with 16 feet beam, and driven by an engine equal 
 to six horse-power. It gave place, in 1811, to the " Swift- 
 sure," a larger boat, with superior equipments, which was 
 of great service to the Grovernment in the war of 1812. 
 
 The following appeared in the Montreal Gazette of 
 September 27th, 1813 : " Public notice is hereby given, 
 that John Molson, of the city of Montreal, will apply to 
 the Legislature of this Province, during its next session, 
 for a law giving him the exclusive right and privilege of 
 constructing and navigating a steamboat or steamboats, 
 to be constructed and navigated within the limits of this 
 Province, for the space of seven years, to be computed 
 from the first day of May next." He succeeded in securing 
 this monopoly, and the " Malsham," which was the original 
 form of the family name as known in "Wales, and the 
 " Lady Sherbrooke" were soon afterwards put on the route 
 between this city and Quebec. On the 1st December, 1816, 
 his three sons, John, Thomas and William, were admitted 
 into partnership with him, in the brewing and steamboat 
 business. In 1815, the passage to Quebec by steamer cost 
 <€3, and the upward passage <£3 10s. 
 
 Mr. Molson took a prominent part in public concerns. 
 He was a member of the committee of citizens to super- 
 intend the erection of the General Hospital, in 1821. He 
 was a member of the House of Industry, and Vice-Presi- 
 dent of the Montreal Fire Insurance company, in 1820, as 
 also a director of the Savings Bank. He subsequently 
 became President of the Bank of Montreal, at a time of 
 commercial depression, when Benjamin Holmes took the
 
 123 
 
 helm as cashier. Mr. Molson was appointed to a seat in 
 the Legislative Council, and afterwards became a member 
 of the Executive Council. After laying a good founda- 
 tion for the great family history which has since added 
 much to the strength and renown of our city, he died in 
 1837, at the age of tl years. 
 
 The name Molson is one of those that have survived 
 the changes and chances of a hundred years, and like that 
 of McGrill and Gribb, it will be handed down to posterity 
 chiefly through the benefactions made to education and 
 charity. Mr. Molson's son, John, was elevated to a seat 
 in the Legislative Council. The brewery, founded in the 
 same year as the St. Grabriel Street Church, still stands. 
 One of our most successful banking institutions bears the 
 name of Molson. A magnificent mausoleum adorns the 
 hillside in the Mount Royal Cemetery, erected as the 
 depository of the last remains of the members of the 
 family. One of Mr. Molson's daughters is Lady Mac- 
 pherson. But none of these distinctions or honours will 
 help to perpetuate the name of Molson so successfully as 
 the William Molson Hall, of McGill College, the Molson 
 Chair of English Language and Literature, in the same 
 institution, and the Molson farm, on which the House of 
 Industry and Refuge stands, at Longue Pointe. 
 
 Mr. Molson signed the resolution for keeping faith with 
 Mr. Somerville, in 1803, and contributed three pounds 
 annually to that gentleman's stipend. The family owned 
 one of the square pews in the church, No. 13, which they 
 continued to occupy till 1823. 
 
 He was one of the movers in the effort to found a Uni- 
 tarian Society in the city. He, with some others, bought 
 the lot on which the Merchants' Bank now stands, for a 
 church to be connected with that denomination. But the 
 cholera carried off, in 1832, several of the promoters of the 
 movement, and so it fell through at that time. It was
 
 124 
 
 resumed in 1835, but Mr. Molson did not live to see its 
 success. He was at one time Provincial Grand Master of 
 the Freemasons. 
 
 The Hon. John Young subscribed ten guineas. He 
 was a fur trader and capitalist. He was appointed a 
 member of the Executive Council of the Province, and 
 sworn in on the 29th December, 1^94. He occupied the 
 position of an honorary member of the council, from *7th 
 January, 1812, to the 5th February, 181*7, when he re- 
 sumed the duties of an ordinary member. He drew a 
 salary, as an Executive Councillor, from 7th September, 
 1816, to 17th February, 1825. On December 30th, 1812, 
 he received a grant of the township of Sherrington, from 
 Sir Greorge Prevost, baronet, Grovernor-G-eneral, and on 
 March 21st, 1815, a further grant of 17,000 acres, in the 
 township of Liugwick, from the same Grovernor. Mr. 
 Young subscribed again four pounds in 1800, for reliev- 
 ing the burden of debt upon the church. 
 
 Richard Brooks, an Englishman, from Yorkshire, and 
 an English churchman, subscribed two guineas. He was 
 a merchant in the city, and purchased pew No. 78 in the 
 church. He subscribed to the Young fund, in 1802. 
 
 John Finlayson, whose name follows in the subscrip- 
 tion list for five guineas, was a wealthy North-west fur 
 trader. He died a few months after making this contri- 
 bution to the building fund, but his widow continued to 
 be one of the most liberal supporters of ordinances in the 
 St. G-abriel Street Church. She and her family occupied 
 pew No. 32. Sh& contributed her mite to the Young 
 fund in 1802, as well as to the removal of the debt in 
 1800. But she appears to have seceded with the other 
 adherents of Mr. Forrest. A son of his, in the employ of 
 the North-west company, rose to be chief factor at Fort 
 Douglas, on the Red River.
 
 125 
 
 Simon Clarke, who subscribed five guineas, was a 
 native of Yorkshire, England, who had come to Montreal 
 and engaged in the fur trade, before the establishment of 
 the North-west company. He accumulated a large for- 
 tune, and erected a handsome residence at St. Catherine's, 
 on the other side of Mount Royal, called Beaver Lodge. 
 Here, he and his son John after him, who had also been 
 long engaged in the fur trade, and had occupied the posi- 
 tion of chief factor at Fort Pelly, exercised profuse hospi- 
 tality, and this extravagance, together with going surety 
 for friends, soon ran away with even the large means of 
 the family, and their residence passed into the hands of 
 strangers. Mr. John Clarke owned property in Cote St. 
 Antoine, and from him, Clarke Avenue receives its name. 
 The family pew in the church, purchased in 1807, 
 was No. 89. 
 
 Donald McKercher, subscribing five guineas, was a 
 brewer, who afterwards settled on a farm near Lachine. 
 He purchased pew *74. He was one of those who signed 
 the Somerville manifesto, in July, 1803, contributing two 
 pounds towards his salary ; but he afterwards seems to 
 have joined Mr. Easton's congregation, in St. Peter Street. 
 
 Mr. John McArthur, who subscribed five guineas, was 
 an active and influential member of the congregation. 
 He came from Argyllshire, Scotland, to push his fortune 
 in the New World, and settled in Montreal, while still a 
 young man. He kept an inn, wath a gTocery and spirit 
 shop adjoining. He contributed one guinea towards the 
 debt, in 1800, and was one of the six who voted for the 
 retirement of Rev. John Young, in the same year. He 
 was a member of the investigating committee that subse- 
 quently dealt with the Young case ; and when that gen- 
 tleman sent in his resignation, Mr. McArthur headed the
 
 126 
 
 subscription list, for the benefit of the minister's family, 
 with the sum of five pounds. He was a member of the 
 temporal committee from 1800 to 1804, being Vice-Presi- 
 dent a part of the time ; and when the new constitution 
 was adopted, he was chosen, on April l^th, 1804, a mem- 
 ber under it, and continued in office for two years. He 
 was one of the committee who signed the memorial and 
 protest, resolving to stand by Rev. James Somerville, at 
 the time of the opposition to that gentleman, occasioned 
 by the Forrest party, and he subscribed ^£4 6s 8d a year 
 to the minister's stipend. 
 
 Mr. Mc Arthur was ordained an elder, 31st January, 
 1804. On February 26th, 1805, he was appointed repre- 
 sentative elder of the Kirk Session, in the Presbytery, — 
 which would seem to imply that the Presbytery con- 
 tinued to exist after 1803, although there remains no dis- 
 coverable record of its transactions. In 1810, he contri- 
 buted two pounds towards the fund for clearing off the 
 indebtedness of the church, and three pounds for the 
 steeple and bell. His family occupied pew 33. He died 
 on the 7th June, 1811. 
 
 John Fisher, who subscribed eight pounds, was a bro- 
 ther to Duncan and Alexander, two of the original trus- 
 tees of the church. He was a prominent member of the 
 congregation in after years. He was elected to a place on 
 the temporal committee, in 1800, which he occupied till 
 1804. He was also on the special committee regarding 
 Mr. Young, as he had favoured that gentleman's with- 
 drawal in 1800. He, as a member of the committee of 
 manajrement, si2:ned the memorial to the G-overnment in 
 1802, asking that the allowance of fifty pounds, formerly 
 given to Mr. Young, might be continued to his successors. 
 He contributed two pounds to the Young retiring fund. 
 He was one of those who signed the document for assur-
 
 121 
 
 ing Mr. Somerville of the support of the main body of the 
 congregation, before that gentleman's settlement in 1803, 
 and he subscribed three pounds towards his salary. In 
 1804-5, he was again a member of the temporal commit- 
 tee. Mr. Fisher never married. He was connected in 
 business with Mr. "William Hutchison, the late Mrs. 
 Lunn's first husband. Jointly with Mr. William Martin, 
 the elder, he occupied pew No. 1, in the old church. He 
 died on the 29th of May, 1829, aged 10 years. 
 
 John Hunter, who gave eight pounds to the building 
 fund, was a brother of William Hunter, the elder and 
 trustee. The three brothers, William, John and Thomas, 
 between them, contributed seven pounds for liquidating 
 the debt in 1800. They all adhered to Mr. Forrest and Mr. 
 Easton, and became afterwards members of the St. Peter 
 Street Church. 
 
 William Russel has been already mentioned as a bro- 
 ther of John, the trustee of the church. He was a mem- 
 ber of the firm, John Kussel & Co. Dreading the approach 
 of the war with the United States in 1812, he gave up his 
 business in Montreal and removed to Glasgow, Scotland. 
 He occupied pew No. 96. He gave two pounds for the 
 debt in 1800, and two pounds to the Young fund. 
 Although still holding his pew for some years, he wor- 
 shipped with the St. Peter Street congregation, and in 
 1808, the pew passed into the hands of Captain Chisholm. 
 
 G-eorge Stansfield, who subscribed five guineas, was a 
 woollen merchant, of the city. He was a native of York- 
 shire, England. His son, Joshua Stansfield, afterwards 
 extended the business to all classes of goods. 
 
 Jacob Marston, or Marsden, who gave four pounds for
 
 128 
 
 the building of the church, was an Englishman and an 
 officer of the Court of King's Bench. He occupied pew 
 No. 11. A daughter of his was baptized by Mr, Young, 
 in 1Y99. He was high constable of Montreal, in 1820. 
 
 Alexander Robertson, who contributed two pounds, 
 and had pew No. Yl assigned him when the church was 
 first built, was a general merchant of the period. He 
 afterwards formed a partnership with his brothers, James 
 and Patrick, as fur traders. Jointly they occupied pew 
 No. 8. 
 
 Alexander Simpson, the subscriber of two guineas, was 
 a millwright. 
 
 Thomas Sullivan, who subscribed one guinea, was an 
 Irish Protestant, who kept a tavern, and afterwards acted 
 as a real estate agent. At his house, St. Peter's Masonic 
 Lodge held their meetings in 1*794. He afterwards 
 owned pew No. 61 in the church. 
 
 John Neagles, another subscriber of a guinea, was also 
 an Irish Protestant. 
 
 John J. Deihl, the subscriber of two guineas, was a 
 G-erman, who kept a grocery store. 
 
 Andrew "Winklefoss, who gave a guinea for the build- 
 ing fund, was also a G-erman, and kept a grocery store. 
 He made a contribution also to the Young fund, in 1802. 
 
 Jonathan A. G-ray and John Gray, each of whom sub- 
 scribed a guinea, were brothers. Englishmen. They were 
 members of the English church, as was also their brother, 
 E. "W". Gray, Sheriff of Montreal, who owned pew No. 27 
 in the St. Gabriel Street Church, and was a prominent
 
 129 
 
 citizen. John was a North-west trader, and lived at St. 
 Catherine's, now Outremont. He was President of the 
 Bank of Montreal, in 1.820. Jonathan was the foremost 
 notary of the day in the city. He transacted all the notarial 
 business of the Presbyterian church in his time. He died 
 July 31st, 1812, aged 66 years. He performed the duties 
 of coroner for the district, in addition to his notarial func- 
 tions. The He7-ald said of him : " He was one of the oldest 
 and most respectable English inhabitants of this city." 
 H. G-riffin succeeded to his papers and office work. 
 
 In 1808, John Grray and his wife, Mary Pullman, had a 
 son baptized by Mr. Somerville He purchased pew No. 
 89, in the year 1812. 
 
 Dr. Blake, the last on the list of subscribers, who gave 
 a guinea to build the church, was an Irish Protestant. 
 He was a retired army surgeon, but practised his pro- 
 fession in the city. He was a prominent member of 
 St. Peter's Masonic Lodge from 1*7 Y4 onwards to 1'782. 
 A daughter of his married the late Justice Aylwin. 
 His widow, who sat in pew 65 during the Anglican 
 occupation of the church, married Major B. A. Panet in 
 1814. Dr. Blake dictated the inscription to be placed on 
 his tomb, — " The last of the Blakes." 
 
 Samuel Adams, who contributed six guineas to the 
 building fund in 1^92, was a tavern-keeper in the parish 
 of Pointe aux Trembles. 
 
 David Smith, who gave four pounds in 1^792, for the erec- 
 tion of the church, and made a farthfer contribution in 1800, 
 kept an inn at Longue Pointe. He died in 1809. 
 
 Joseph Howard, the subscriber of two guineas, was 
 a merchant in the Berthier district. He died December, 
 
 1*79*7.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Subscribers to the Debt in 1800 — William Logan, Joseph Provan, John 
 Stephenson, Pjiilip Ross, William Demont, John Lockhart Wise- 
 man, James Birss, William Ireland, William Manson, Thomas A 
 Turner, John Blackwood, John Ferguson, William Martin, Robert 
 AiRD, John Aird, R, McClbmbnt, James Smith, Richard Warffe 
 Captain Chisholm, Thomas Portbous, Nicol Fletcher, John Mittle- 
 BBRGBR, John McCord, David Ross, Peter IVIcFarlane and Jambs 
 Henderson. 
 
 "William Logan, a native of Stirlingshire, Scotland, was 
 the eldest son of James Logan, baker, an account of whom 
 has been already given. He came to Montreal w^ith his 
 father, whose trade he had learned, about the year 1784, 
 and ten years afterwards he married, his maternal cousin, 
 Janet E. Edmond, who crossed the Atlantic for the purpose 
 of being joined to him. His father and he carried on the 
 baking business jointly, and soon they acquired a com- 
 petency, and very prudently invested their means in real 
 estate, purchasing, among other properties, the land in 
 the neighbourhood of the city, which is still known as 
 " Logan's Farm." 
 
 Although his name does not appear in the list of sub- 
 scribers to the building fund of the church, while his 
 father's does, the family pew, No. 28, was taken by him, 
 rather than by his father, on the 23rd November, 1Y92, 
 immediately after the church was finished. From that 
 time onwards, he took a lively interest in the prosperity of 
 the congregation, and did his share of its work. He was 
 chosen a member of the Temporal Committee in 1806, and
 
 131 
 
 continued on it till the year 1809. He was elected Treas- 
 urer in the year 1812, and held that important office for 
 three years, relinquishing it only when he resolved to give 
 up business here, and return to dwell in his native land. 
 Desiring to give his sons a better education than could 
 then be furnished in Canada, he first tried the experiment, 
 in 1814, of sending them to board in Edinburgh and attend 
 the famous High School of that city. But he concluded 
 to take his family to Scotland with him the next year, 
 leaving behind him only his eldest son James, to take 
 charge of his father's and uncle's business. 
 
 Mr. Logan bought a small estate near Polmont, about 
 twenty miles from Edinburgh, where he died on the 14th 
 or 15th June, 1841, aged 82 years, and was buried in the 
 Polmont church-yard. 
 
 Mr. Logan contributed two pounds towards the church 
 debt in 1800. He subscribed £2 10s. to the Young fund in 
 1802. Although his father was prominent in opposition 
 to the calling of Mr. Somerville, and seceded with the 
 Forrest party, William Logan signed the document in 
 favour of Mr. Somerville, in July, 1803, and to the min- 
 ister's salary, he afterwards contributed two guineas 
 annually. He gave five pounds for removing the debt in 
 1810, and two pounds to the steeple and bell fund. He 
 acquired pew 2*7 as well as 28. 
 
 Hart Logan was "William's youngest brother. He was 
 a merchant, having for partner, in 1803, Greorge Watt. He 
 acted as Lieutenant of Volunteers, under Lieut.-Colonel 
 Caldwell and Major Dunlop, in the war of 1812-14. He 
 was a liberal supporter of the St. G-abriel Street Church, 
 contributing JEIO to the debt in 1810, aud <£5 for purchas- 
 ing the steeple and bell. He sat with his brother in pew 
 28. After a successful career as a general merchant in 
 Montreal, he established a Counting-House in London, 
 England, in 1815, leaving his nephew James, William's
 
 132 
 
 eldest son, in charge of his business in this city. Of this 
 James we shall have occasion to speak later on. 
 
 But the most celebrated of all the Logans was a younger 
 son of William's, Sir William Edmond, LL.D., RR.S., to 
 whom the Science of Canada is so greatly indebted. He 
 was a native of this city, and was baptized by the minister 
 of the Scotch Church in St. Grabriel Street. The following 
 is the entry of the event : — 
 
 "William Edmond, son to William Logan, of Montreal, baker, and 
 Janet Edmond, his wife, born on the 20th of April last, was baptized in 
 presence of the father and mother this 16th day of Maj^ in the year of our 
 Lord 1798, by 
 
 JOHN YOUNG." 
 
 He obtained his preliminary education at the hands of 
 Alexander Skakel, who kept a successful private grammar 
 school in Little St. James Street. At the age of 16, he was 
 sent, with his brother Hart, to the High School of Edin- 
 burgh, where he distanced all competitors and came out 
 Dux. He took a session in the University of Edinburgh, sit- 
 ting under Professors Playfair and Jamieson, but at the age 
 he then was, trade had more attractions for him than science 
 or learning, and so he gave up what promised to be a bril- 
 liant literary career, and entered, in 1817, the office of his 
 uncle Hart, in London. Here he remained till 1831, but 
 meantime his"^ scientific instincts had been developing 
 themselves, and in the latter year he was appointed 
 manager of the " Forest Copper Works," Morriston, near 
 Swansea, Wales. This was the beginning of his real 
 career. His duties brought him into close contact with 
 the geological facts of the earth's crust, and soon a keen 
 scientific interest in the general phenomena of this " solid 
 globe," far beyond what was involved in his metallurgic 
 operations, was awakened in his mind. He became a geolo- 
 gist, attracting the attention of such proficients in the 
 science as De La Beche, Murchison, Sedgwick and Buck- 
 land.
 
 133 
 
 Sir "William Logan is entitled to the chief credit for the 
 satisfactory condition of the Greological Survey of Canada 
 to-day. It was he who first gave it system, and aimed at 
 its completeness. There had been individual workers 
 before his time, like Dr. Holmes, of Montreal, Dr. 
 Wilson, of Perth, Rev. Andrew Bell, of Dundas, Sheriff 
 Dickson and E. Billings ; but even their researches were 
 comparatively valueless, until the whole geological surface 
 of the country came to be pieced in, and a conjoint view 
 of it was obtained. Parliament having voted a small 
 sum of money to commence operations, by way of secur- 
 ing a comprehensive knowledge of the mineral wealth of 
 the country and its geological character, Mr. Logan was 
 appointed Director of the work in ] 842. Ably assisted by 
 Dr. T Sterry Hunt, who became Chemist to the Survey in 
 1846, and by Richardson, Billings, Dr. Robert Bell, and 
 other 'enthusiasts of science, whom he at different times 
 rallied around him, by the year 1851, when the Grreat 
 International Exhibition was held in London, he was in a 
 position to present a report on the G-eology and Mineralogy 
 of Canada, that attracted the attention of the scientific 
 world, and placed him in the front rank of G-eologists. His 
 reputation was still farther enhanced by the display of the 
 geological and mineral resources of this country, made at 
 the Universal Exposition at Paris, in 1855, on which 
 occasion he was awarded the Grand Gold Medal of 
 Honour, while the Emperor Napoleon III decorated him 
 with the " Cross of the Legion of Honour." 
 
 On the 29th of January, in the same year, he received 
 knighthood at the hands of his own Sovereign, Queen 
 Victoria. But the dignity of knighthood made no difference 
 in the simple and unostentatious ways of this worthy 
 Canadian scientist. He was the plainest of men in his 
 dress, in his daily fare and in his home, if home he may 
 be said to have had, whose summers were spent under
 
 134 
 
 movable canvas, and his winters in a small corner of the 
 Geological Museum, near by his work. It was after he 
 resigned the Directorship of the Survey, in 1869, that he 
 took up his quarters at his own fine residence, E-ockfield, 
 Logan's Farm. The little room, his " den," in which he 
 slept, in the G-eological Museum in St. G-abriel Street, was 
 as well worth seeing as any portion of the interesting 
 specimens gathered from Gaspe to Lake Superior. The col- 
 lection of old boots and other habiliments was wonderful 
 to behold. It was an ideal old bachelor's quarters, for Sir 
 William never married. He was too serious for such a 
 pastime. He died, June 22ud, 1875, greatly beloved by all 
 that knew him. 
 
 Sir \Yilliam was a member of a large number of distin- 
 guished societies. In 1851, he was chosen a Fellow of the 
 Royal Society of London, Sir Eoderick Murchison moving 
 his election. He was also made a Fellow of the Royal 
 Society of Edinburgh, in 1861. He was created a D.C.L. 
 by Bishop's College, Lennoxville, in 1855, and LL.D. by 
 McGill College, in 1856. He was a member of a great 
 many American and Foreign Associations, and received 
 upwards of twenty medals in recognition of the eminent 
 service he had done to science. But, after all, he will 
 probably be better known to the general community, here- 
 after, by his gifts of money for the iKomotiou of education 
 than by even his contributions to the science of his time. 
 In 1864, he founded a gold medal in McGill College, for 
 proficiency in an Honour course, iu Geology and Natural 
 Science in that institution ; and, in 18Y1, he and his 
 brother, Hart, gave $20,000 for endowing the " Logan 
 Chair of Geology," in the same University. Sir "William 
 always evinced a deep interest in the prosperity of the 
 church, in connection with which his boyhood had been 
 spent.
 
 135 
 
 Joseph Provan, although not one of the original sub- 
 scribers to the fund for erecting the church, lived in the 
 city prior to the founding of the Presbyterian cause. We 
 find his name on the list of subscribers to the "Protestant 
 Congregation of Montreal," which afterwards became 
 Christ Church, as early as 1Y85, and again in 1Y88. The first 
 trace we have of his connection with the Scotch Church 
 in St. Grabriel Street, is in the subscription list opened on 
 the 2*7th May, 1800, for removing a debt of <£220 remain- 
 ino" on the edifice at that date. He contributed three 
 pounds on that occasion. But from that time onward till 
 his death, the church had no stauncher or more active ad- 
 herent than Mr. Provan. He voted for Mr. Young in 
 November, 1800. He was married by that gentleman to 
 Susanna Grriswold on the 20th March, 1802. He gave 
 =£3 10s. to the fund raised for Mr. Young's family. He was 
 a strong supporter of Mr. Somerville's coming to Montreal, 
 signing the manifesto in that gentleman's favour, and, 
 subscribing £d 10s. towards his stipend. On Mr. "William 
 England's withdrawal from the congregation, and resigna- 
 tion of his place on the Temporal committee, Mr. Provan 
 was chosen in his stead, on the 1st of June, 1803. He re- 
 mained on this Committee until it was replaced by the 
 committee appointed under the new rules and regulations 
 adopted in 1804. He was chosen a member of the new 
 committee elected by the proprietors of pews on the l*7th 
 of April, 1804. He was also appointed Treasurer of the 
 congregation, an office which he filled with much ability, 
 the accounts being kept by him with great accuracy and 
 clearness. This committee was re-elected in 1805, without 
 any change. On April 15th, 1806, he was again chosen by 
 the proprietors a member of committee, and re-appointed 
 Treasurer, and continued to occupy that most responsible 
 position until the year 1812. He purchased pews Nos. 
 84 and 95, which had originallv belonged to Francis
 
 136 
 
 Winter and George McBeath, who were among the first 
 subscribers to the building fund. 
 
 Mr. ProA^an was a general merchant of high standing. On 
 one occasion he met with rather a serious adventure when 
 crossing the Atlantic. During the rebellion in Ireland, 
 in 1798, he and Francis Hunter,- of whom I shall have 
 something to say at a later period, were fellow passengers 
 on board a small merchant vessel on their way to Canada 
 from Great Britain. A large ship of war was sighted, and 
 there was considerable speculation among the people on 
 board as to the nationality of this cruiser ; but it was con- 
 sidered safe at any rate to try and get away from her. But 
 the man-of-war, which i^roved to be a French ship carry- 
 ing 74 guns, soon overhauled the little merchantman; and 
 made prisoners of all the passengers, whom they conveyed 
 to Brest. The prisoners were well treated. They were 
 set at liberty each morning, but had to return at a certain 
 hour each evening, and be locked up for the night. Mr. 
 Provan and his friend, Mr. Hunter, were ten months in 
 Brest before they got their liberty by being exchanged. 
 
 Mr. Provan died 1st April, 1814, aged 55 years. An "old 
 and respected merchant," the Gazette called him in its 
 obituary notice of his death. He left a son and two 
 daughters. One of the latter married Andrew Patterson, 
 of Quebec, and her daughter again married one of the 
 Denholms. The other daughter became the wife of one of 
 the Pembertons, who, like the Pattersons and Denholms, 
 were merchants of high standing and respectability. 
 
 John Stephenson, who subscribed two pounds to the re- 
 moving of the debt in 1800, and occupied pews 36 and 3Y, 
 was a tobacconist in Montreal. He was an influential 
 member of the church until his death, which occurred 
 in 1821. He contributed two pounds to the Young 
 fund, and was one of the proprietors who signed the
 
 137 
 
 manifesto iu favour of Mr. Somerville, in 1803. He sub- 
 scribed three pounds annually to the stipend, and when- 
 ever any appeal was addressed to the congregation he 
 always made a liberal response. He gave three ppunds 
 for the steeple and bell, and five pounds to clear off the 
 debt in 1810. His second daughter, Joanna, was married 
 to James "Whiteford, of Ste-Rose, in 1815. After his de- 
 cease, his place in the church was occupied by his son, 
 Dr. Stephenson, the foremost medical man of his day, in 
 the city, of whom notice will be taken later on. 
 
 Philip Eoss, who subscribed one pound for the debt in 
 1800, afterwards became a very prominent member of the 
 congregation. He kept a grocer's shop at the corner of 
 McGill and St. Paul Streets. He was married by Rev. 
 Mr. Delisle to Jane Grant, 23rd February, 1784. His 
 daughter married Donald Proctor Ross, a merchant, whose 
 niece and adopted daughter, was the late Mrs. Donald 
 Ross, of View Mount, wife of the founder of the Trafalgar 
 Institute. He stood by Mr. Young in 1800. He was 
 a member of the Temporal Committee from 1800 to 1803, 
 and as such, signed the Somerville resolution. He gave 
 a pound to the Young fund, and signed for himself and 
 William Graham, two guineas a year, for Mr. Somerville's 
 stipend. He was ordained an elder, August 8th, 1812, 
 and lived to be a very old man. He adhered to Mr. Black, 
 when that gentleman separated from Mr. Esson, and 
 resolved to found a new congregation, in 1832. He 
 owned pew No. 75. 
 
 Charles Falconer, plasterer ; John Taylor, blacksmith ; 
 William Christie, grocer ; Alexander Logie, mason ; Chas. 
 Arnoldi, watchmaker ; John Watson, tanner ; William 
 Gilmore, mason; J. Gottfried Glagou, tanner, who was a 
 German ; William Martin, baker ; James Stephenson, who
 
 138 
 
 was iu the shoe trade ; Thomas Prior, tailor ; John Hall, 
 baker ; John Robertson, carpenter ; Duncan McNaughton, 
 gardener ; Robert Simpson, cooper, who was married to 
 Mary .Weight by Rev. Mr. Delisle in 1769, and died in 
 1800, were all active members of the church in Mr. 
 Young's time, contributing to the debt in 1800, and taking 
 their fair share in the business of the congregation. 
 
 "William Demont and Stephen Belair were French Pro- 
 testants, whose names appear in the list of contributors at 
 this period. 
 
 John Lockhart Wiseman, inspector of potash, gave a 
 pound to the debt in 1800, and subscribed a guinea toward 
 the Somerville stipend in 1803 ; but he died on the 16th 
 November, in the same year. 
 
 The name of James Birss first appears on the subscrip- 
 tion list of 1800, for removing the debt. He was then 
 engaged in the cooper business, which we have seen was 
 very extensive in those days, because, not only had the 
 out-going produce of the country to be barrelled, but, 
 owing to the difficulty and risk of transportation over the 
 bad roads, the groceries for the interior had to be sent, 
 for the most part, in small kegs. Mr. Birss went after- 
 wards into the grocery business, in St. Paul Street, in which 
 he greatly prospered. He contributed a pound to the 
 Young fund, iu 1802. His name is not on Mr. Somerville's 
 subscription list in 1803, but in 1804, he bought pew 64, 
 and a few years afterwards half of 65. He was ordained 
 an elder on the 14th of April, 1805, and continued to dis- 
 charge the duties of that office with fidelity and zeal, until 
 his death, which occurred on the 22nd of January, 1821. 
 He was then 52 years of age. His family still occupied 
 pews 64 and 65, until they followed Mr. Black into St. 
 Paul's Church, iu 1832. His son, Mr. J. H. Birss, and his
 
 139 
 
 daughter, Mary, are still hououred members of that con- 
 gregation. Mr. J. H. Birss was present at the Centennial 
 Meetings in St. Gabriel Street Church, in March last, and 
 gave interesting reminiscences of his boyhood in connec 
 tion with the old church. 
 
 William Ireland was another of the subsequent office- 
 bearers of the church, whose name first appears on the 
 subscription list of 1800. Born at Dunfermline, Scotland, 
 about the year 1773, he came to Canada in 1791. He 
 was book-keeper to Forsyth, Eichardson & Company, 
 and, as he lived at No. 6, St. Gabriel Street, not far 
 from the church, his house was made a kind of vestry, 
 for lack of a better, where the ministers kept their 
 gowns and bands. From here they walked, in full 
 canonicals, all the way to the church, and up to the 
 pulpit. In 1805, Mr. Ireland bought pew No. 14, the 
 same that Mr. John McCord had previously occupied, 
 and in the same year he was chosen, both to be a member 
 of the Temporal Committee and an elder. For sixteen 
 years, he took part in the management of the financial 
 busmess of the congregation, acting as secretary to the 
 Temporal Committee. He was ordained an elder at the 
 same time as Mr. James Birss, 14th April, 1805. He died 
 in 1822 of paralysis. His wife's name was Anastasia 
 Genery. His son, William, born 16th January, 1807, 
 and baptized by Mr. Somerville, afterwards became an 
 elder in St. Andrew's Church, Kingston,— worthy son of 
 a worthy sire. He was secretary-treasurer of Queen's 
 University and Chamberlain of the city of Kingston, 
 and died in 1879, leaving a large family of sons and 
 daughters. The eldest daughter is the wife of Rev. 
 Kenneth MacLennan, late of Charlottetown, Prince 
 Edward Island. Two of his sons have held high positions 
 in the banking institutions of the country, and a third
 
 140 
 
 was for many years secretary-treasurer of Queen's Uni- 
 versity, 
 
 "VTilliam Manson, who contributed a pound to the debt 
 in 1800, and subscribed two pounds a year for Mr. Somer- 
 ville's stipend, was a retired soldier, store-keeper in the 
 Store-keeper G-eneral's Department, and had charge of the 
 Chateau de Eamezay, the Government House in Notre 
 Dame Street. He occupied pew No. 40. The widow of his 
 son, Thomas, married Benjamin Workman, on the 24th 
 June, 1823. 
 
 Kenneth Walker, who afterwards became an influential 
 member of the church, also appears on the record for the 
 first time in connection with the eflfort, in 1800, to put the 
 building out of debt. He kept a draper's shop, and an 
 assortment of fancy goods and perfumery, in St. Paul 
 Street. He purchased pew No. 98, in 1801 He sub- 
 scribed a pound annually to Mr. Somerville's salary. *0n 
 14th April, 1833, he was ordained an elder, after the with- 
 drawal of the St. Paul's section of the congregation. We 
 shall hear more about him in connection with the Protest, 
 lodged, in 1844, against the resolution of the majority of 
 the congregation to join the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada. 
 
 Conrad Masteiler, was a wealthy German citizen, who 
 contributed to pay off the debt in 1800, and to help the 
 Young family in 1802. He died in May, 1808, and 
 bequeathed all his real estate in St. Mary Street towards 
 erecting a House of Industry for the city. The property 
 was worth about ,£2,000. The amount not being enough 
 to carry out Mr. Masteller's plan, an act of incorporation 
 was obtained, in 1818, authorizing the appointment of 
 wardens of the House of Industry of Montreal. It was
 
 141 
 
 to be nou-sectarian aud purely national. No appoint- 
 ments were made under it, however, till 1827, when 
 F. Desrivieres, F. de Beaujeau, S. G-erard, J. Bouthillier, 
 H Grates, R. Kimber, H. McKenzie and J. Kimber were 
 named the first wardens. The present Protestant House 
 of Refuge took its origin only in 1862, but Mr. Masteller's 
 generous ideas and liberal bequest laid the foundation 
 for this noble charity. 
 
 G-eorge Martin, who subscribed to the debt in 1800, was 
 a brother of William Martin, the baker, already men- 
 tioned. He was also a baker, and was a member of the 
 Temporal Committee from 1800 to 1803. The two brothers 
 supported Mr. Young, and contributed to the fund for re- 
 moving his family. They subscribed a guinea each to 
 Mr. Somerville's stipend. They were proprietors of pew 
 No. 45. As a member of the Temporalities Committee, 
 G-eorge signed the Somerville manifesto in July, 1803. 
 
 Thomas Turner's connection with the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church began with giving a pound to the debt fund in 
 1800. He was a partner in the famous Commercial House 
 of " Allison, Turner & Co.," general merchants. In those 
 days, there was no division of goods into hardware, gro- 
 ceries, crockery, dry goods, &c. All the large establish- 
 ments kept a little of everything likely to be desired by 
 country dealers. The firm to which Mr. Turner belonged 
 was one of the foremost in the country, in enterprise and 
 success. He was one of the seven gentlemen who signed 
 the call, 6th July, 1817, for a meeting to elect the first 
 Directors of the Bank of Montreal. He was president of 
 the Bank of Canada in 1820, as well as a director of the 
 Savings' Bank, one of the wardens of the Trinity House, 
 one of the Commissioners for the improvement of the 
 inland navigation between Montreal and Lachine, and 
 a member of the Board of Examiners for flour inspectors.
 
 142 
 
 Mr. Turner subscribed one pound a year to Mr. Somer- 
 ville's stipend. He afterwards owned pew 35, formerly 
 the property of Dr. Brown, which he purchased in 1806. 
 His daughter was married to Captain McCulloch. 
 
 John Blackwood, who gave a pound to the debt in 1800, 
 was a merchant, in partnership with his brother Thomas, 
 of whom we shall hear a great deal in connection with 
 the history, not only of St. G-abriel Street Church, but also 
 of the entire Presbyterian cause in Canada. He contributed 
 to the Young fund in 1802, and subscribed three pounds 
 annually for the stipend of Mr. Somerville. Mr. Black- 
 wood was elected a member of the Temporal Committee 
 in 1809, re-elected in 1810 and 1811, when he was made 
 President. He died in 1815. He owned pew No. 67. 
 
 Mrs. Ferguson, who subscribed to the debt in 1800, was 
 the wife of John Ferguson, father of Mrs. Andrew Shaw. 
 When he married her, she was the widow of Alexander 
 Fisher, the mother of John and Daniel Fisher, and of the 
 second Mrs. Hick. Her maiden name was Grrant, her 
 brother being Hon. Alexander G-rant, of L'Orignal. John 
 Ferguson, merchant, contributed to the Young fund, and 
 subscribed two guineas a year towards Mr. Somerville's 
 stipend. He owned pew No. 26. He died on the 15th 
 September, 1810, aged 55 years. 
 
 The William Martin, who subscribed two pounds on 
 the occasion of removing the debt in 1800, was a gentle- 
 man in easy circumstances, having already retired from 
 business with a competency. He acted as precentor in 
 1*79*7. He was a member of the Temporal Committee, ap- 
 pointed 17th August, 1800, which continued to act till 
 1804, and was its Vice-President. When the new com- 
 mittee was chosen, 27th January, 1804, they made him 
 their president ; and after the adoption of the new rules
 
 143 
 
 and regulations, April lYth, 1804, he was re-elected Presi- 
 dent of the committee by ballot. He was one of the three 
 appointed to sign all deeds of pews given at that time. 
 He was again chosen a member of committee by the pro- 
 prietors of pews in 1806, and by the committee was 
 re-appointed President. He was chosen Master of St. 
 Paul's Lodge of Freemasons in 1798, and in 1800, with 
 a few others, he helped to found the G-rand Assembly of 
 the Knights Templar and the Knights of Malta. He was 
 ordained an elder at the same time as John McArthur, 
 31st January, 1804. He was one of the six who voted for 
 the retirement of Mr. Young in 1800, and subscribed five 
 pounds for his family, on his withdrawal in 1802. As a 
 member of committee, he supported the resolution to 
 adhere to the understanding with Mr. Somerville in 1803, 
 and contributed three pounds annually towards his salary. 
 He and John Fisher jointly occupied pew No. 1, after it 
 was given up by Alexander Henry. Two of his sons in 
 succession were named John — the first was baptized by 
 Kev. Mr. Delisle in 1*782, and the second by the same 
 gentlemen in 1784. 
 
 Eobert Aird was another of those who attended the ser- 
 vices of the English Church in 1785, before the establish- 
 ment of the Presbyterian cause. He was a prominent 
 merchant of this city. He was a native of Kilmarnock, 
 Scotland, where he was married to Janet Finlay, in the 
 year 1782. Soon afterwards he removed to Canada, and 
 settled in Montreal. He had several sons and daughters. 
 Only one of his sons was married, Robert, born in this 
 city, in 1799, and baptized by Mr. Young. The sons of 
 this Robert are in the baking and confectionery business, 
 one in Notre Dame Street, and another in St. Lawrence 
 Street. Mr Aird's eldest daughter, Anna, was married 
 in 1812, to Hon. George Markland, of Kingston. Another
 
 144 
 
 daughter, Kosiua, was married to A. L. McNider, a well- 
 known merchant in Montreal, of whom we shall hear 
 more by-and-by. 
 
 Mr. Aird gave two pounds to the debt in 1800, and an 
 equal sum to the Young fund, in 1802. He signed the 
 declaration in favour of Mr. Somerville, in July, 1803, and 
 subscribed two pounds a year for his stipend. He was 
 proprietor of pews, Nos. 43 and 44. He died 25th Sept., 
 1806, but his widow and family continued to occupy those 
 pews. His eldest son, John, contributed to the steeple 
 and bell fund in 1809, and was elected a member of the 
 Temporal Committee in 1812, and again in 1815. He 
 became a member of St. Paul's Lodge of Freemasons in 
 1819, and died in 1823. Mrs. Aird gave ten pounds to 
 clear off the debt incurred by the improvements in 1810. 
 Robert, the younger, died 3rd October, 1867. 
 
 R. McClement, another of the subscribers to the debt in 
 1800, had attended the Protestant congregation in 1789, 
 like the other Scotch Presbyterians of the day He owned 
 a property at Cote des Neiges, where he resided. He died 
 early in the century, leaving his widow in comfortable 
 circumstances. She was a liberal contributor to the church 
 all through life. She was one of those who joined in the 
 call to Mr. Somerville, and subscribed one f)ound annually 
 towards his support. Her daughter, Susannah, was 
 married to James Smith, merchant, father of the late Judge 
 Smith. Mrs. Smith died 12th September, 1816. 
 
 Richard Warffe was an Englishman, a general merchant 
 in the city, who attended the church in 1800. He contri- 
 buted to clear the church of its remaining indebtedness, 
 and voted for the retention of Mr. Young. He had a son 
 baptized by Mr. Young that same year. But he removed 
 to Cornwall shortly afterwards, where he died on the 15th
 
 145 
 
 of April, 181 Y, aged 52 years, after "a tedious, severe and 
 trying illness, which he bore with the utmost fortitude, 
 and true Christian patience, leaving a wife and infant 
 family to lament in him the loss of a faithful and affec- 
 tionate husband and a tender and kind j)arent," the 
 Montreal Herald of May 10th, 181t, tells us. 
 
 Thomas Brackenridge, who subscribed a guinea to clear 
 off the debt in 1800 ; and James Grlen, of the firm 
 "Grrant & G-len ; " were merchants, who assisted the 
 church at this crisis. 
 
 John McDonald, who gave two pounds in 1800, was a 
 carriage-builder. He contributed also to the Young fund 
 in 1802. 
 
 Thomas Taylor, another of the contributors to the debt 
 on the building fund, was a retired army sergeant, who 
 afterwards formed a business partnership with John 
 "Wightman, who gave two pounds on this occasion. Mr. 
 Taylor voted for Mr. Young in 1800. 
 
 Alexander Chisholm, who subscribed a pound to the 
 debt fund in 1800, was a retired officer. He had been a 
 Lieutenant in the Royal G-arrison Battalion, and retired 
 with the rank of Captain. He was the proprietor of pew 
 96. He died on the 16th November, 1813, aged 73 years. 
 
 Another important member, whose name appears for 
 the first time in connection with the movement to lift off 
 the debt in 1800, was Thomas Porteous. He subscribed 
 two pounds on this occasion. At this time he resided at 
 Terrebonne. He owned Isle Bourdon, and ran a ferry 
 across the river at that point. He afterwards removed to 
 the city, and commenced business as a general merchant, 
 at 18 Notre Dame Street. His wife was Olive Everett, 
 
 K
 
 146 
 
 who gave birth to a daughter, Agnes, in 1*798, and 
 baptized by Mr. Young. In 1814, Mary, the eldest 
 daughter of Mr. Porteous, was married to Henry Griffin, 
 notary public, and their son is J. C. G-riffin, the notary 
 public of to-day. 
 
 Mr. Porteous held many offices of trust in his time. He 
 was president of the water works company, organized in 
 1818, which first laid down iron pipes for supplying the 
 city. During the war of 1812-4, he undertook, at the 
 request of the Government, the task of forwarding sup- 
 plies to the troops throughout the country. He was 
 president of the Agricultural Society of Montreal, in 
 1820. He was vice-president of the Savings' Bank the 
 same year. He was also at that time a director of the 
 Bank of Montreal, and of the Lachine Canal Company. 
 He was elected a member of the Temporal Committee of 
 the Church in 1819, and was re-elected the following year 
 when he was made vice-president. He was ordained an 
 elder in the St. Gabriel Street Church, March 21st, 1819, 
 and continued to fill that office till his death, which 
 occurred at his son-in-law's house, 63 St. Gabriel Street, 
 on the 23rd February, 1830. 
 
 Nicholas or Nicol Fletcher, who was chosen a member of 
 the Temporal Committee in 1800, and continued on it till 
 1803, was an innkeeper. He purchased pew 65, at an 
 early period of Mr. Young's ministry. He died April 
 8th, 180t, aged 53 years. 
 
 John Mittleberger, a German, was an old settler in 
 Montreal. He carried on the business of a tailor. He 
 was married to Elizabeth Hogel by Rev. Mr. Delisle, 2*7th 
 March, 1784. He attended the English services before 
 the St. Gabriel Street Church was erected ; but soon after- 
 wards, we find him in possession of pew No. 25, which
 
 147 
 
 he continued to hold. Mr. Somerville baptized a child 
 of his in 180*7. He subscribed two pounds to that gentle- 
 man's stipend. 
 
 Telfer and Mcintosh, who occupied pew 72, were the 
 masons who built the church. Mr. Mcintosh died not 
 long afterwards, but his widow made a contribution to 
 the debt in 1800. Mr. Telfer upheld Mr. Young in 1800. 
 He died on the 24th July, 1805, aged 55 years. His 
 daughter married, in 180*7, Andrew White, carpenter, after- 
 wards one of the elders in the St. G-abriel Street Church. 
 Mr. Telfer contributed to the debt in 1800. 
 
 Duncan Eeid, the occupant of pew No. 77, before the 
 year 1800, was a farmer in the parish of Lachine. He was 
 married to Mary Kand in 1781 by Rev. D. C. Delisle. He 
 died on the 22nd October, 1798 ; but his w^idow occupied 
 the seat until 1809, when it was purchased by James 
 Cars well. 
 
 James Henderson, who was one of the Temporal Com- 
 mittee from 1800 to 1803, was a sergeant of the 41st 
 Regiment. He w^as married by Mr, Young in 1801. 
 
 Peter McFarlane's name does not appear among the list 
 of subscribers to the church either in 1792 or 1800 ; yet 
 he belonged to the congregation during this period. He 
 was one of the sixteen members of the Temporal Com- 
 mittee appointed in 1791. He voted for the retention of 
 Mr. Young in November of that year. He subscribed 
 a guinea annually to Mr. Somerville's stipend. He was 
 one of the oldest British residents in the city. He was 
 married by Rev. D. C. Delisle, first, to Mary Groodburn, in 
 1769, and, after her death, to a widow named McNamara, 
 in 1789. He was a tailor, and died in 1811, at the 
 advanced age of 86 years. He occupied pew 32 jointly 
 with Mrs. Bland.
 
 148 
 
 Among other subscribers to the building fund in 1800 
 was David Ross, attorney. His grandfather was a banker 
 in Tain, E-oss-shire, Scotland ; and his father, John Ross, 
 was a volunteer with the ^8th Eraser Highlanders at the 
 taking of Quebec, under "Wolfe, 1759, Mr. Ross' brother, 
 John, was prothonotary of the Court of King's Bench for 
 the district of Quebec, and a prominent member of St. 
 Andrew's Church, Quebec, of which his son, Hon. David 
 A. Ross, Minister without a Portfolio in the present 
 Mercier government, is a respected elder. David Ross 
 married, in 1803, Jane, daughter of the Hon. Arthur 
 Davidson, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, one of the 
 Justices of the Court of King's Bench for the Montreal 
 district, whose wife was Jane Fraser, daughter of Major 
 Malcolm Fraser, of the 78th Highlanders, a member of 
 the Lovat family. Mr. Ross had a large family ; but his 
 only representative in the city to-day is the able physi- 
 cian, Dr. G-eorge Ross, Professor of Clinical Medicine in 
 McGrill University, son of David Ross' eldest son, Arthur. 
 Mr. Ross was a prominent member of the Bar in the 
 district of Montreal, and was acting Attorney-G-eneral in 
 1820. It was he who was entrusted with guarding the 
 interests of the St. Gabriel Street Church, in the matter 
 of securing the rights of the congregation to all the land 
 conveyed by their deed, on the Champ de Mars side, — in 
 succession to Robert Russell, in 1808. He was a warm 
 supporter of Mr. Somerville, to whose stipend he contri- 
 buted two pounds annually. He occupied pew No. 4, 
 along with James Smith. His two sisters were married 
 to the two ministers of St. Andrew's Church, Quebec, — 
 one to Dr. Spark, and the other to his successor. Dr. Hark- 
 ness. After the death of Dr. Harkness, his widow married 
 StafF-Surgeon Montgomery of Quebec. 
 
 Another name belonging to this period, was that of
 
 149 
 
 John McCord, senior, a native of Antrim, Ireland, Patentee 
 of the undivided half of the Gaspe property, known as the 
 " O'Hara and McCord Patent," who was born in lYll, and 
 who died at " The Grange," Montreal, on the 14th October, 
 1793. On the 1st of January of that year, he purchased 
 the large square pew, No. 14, in the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church ; and Hon. James Leslie, who was connected with 
 the family by marriage, spoke of their attendance at the 
 church in his time, which must have been after 1808, 
 although Mr. "VY. Ireland had acquired pew 14 before that 
 date. The McCord family seem to have been Presby- 
 terians at this time, otherwise it is hard to account for 
 their sitting in the St. Gabriel Street Church, when the 
 first Christ Church (the Jesuits' chapel) was near by. 
 
 No family in the district has, perhaps, taken a more 
 prominent part than Mr. McCord's in the affairs of the 
 country. Of his two sons, John, the eldest, died at Quebec, 
 without issue in 1822 ; but Thomas, his second son, who, 
 owned a large portion of Griffintown, and represented 
 the West Ward of the city in the Provincial Parliament, 
 and was afterwards Police Magistrate of Montreal, an ofiice 
 which he held at the date of his death, in 1824, and after 
 whom McCord Street is called, had two sons, both of whom 
 rose to seats on the Bench, Hon. John S. McCord, and Hon. 
 Wm. King McCord. Hon. Thomas McCord, son of the latter, 
 also became a judge, while his daughter married the Hon. 
 Justice Polette. The representative of the family in the 
 city now is ex- Alderman David E. McCord, a prominent 
 member of the Montreal Bar, son of the Hon. Justice 
 John S. McCord, and of his wife, Anne Koss, daughter of 
 David Ross, advocate.
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Eev. Jambs Sombrville's Birtu, Education and Licensure— Comes to 
 Canada — Chosen Successor to Mr. Young — His Literary and 
 Scientific Tastes — His IVIarriage — Originates Natural History 
 Society and Montreal General Hospital — His Benefactions xkd 
 Death. 
 
 After the departure of the Rev. Johu Young, in August, 
 1802, the church was vacant for several months. The 
 number of candidates in those days vv^as smaller than that 
 offering for such a position in our time, yet it was at least 
 great enough to perplex the congregation. The following 
 intimation was read from the pulpit on the 29th May, 
 1803:— 
 
 "The congregation will please to take noticee that they 
 have had a trial of two ministers, namely, Mr. Somerville 
 and Mr. Forrest. A number of the hearers of this church 
 have requested that the votes of the people be taken, that 
 their choice may be known. Accordingly, two gentlemen 
 will be ai)pointed early this week for that purpose, to wait 
 upon every member of this church. So you will make up 
 your minds on this important business, that you may be 
 ready to give your votes." 
 
 This was scarcely the regular mode of x^rocedure in 
 Presbyterian congregations, where a call is formally 
 moderated in under the authority of a Presbytery. But 
 any church in a new country must do the best it can in 
 exceptional circumstances. If there was not a call in due 
 form tendered on this occasion, there was obtained at least 
 an undoubted expression of the voice of the j)eople. The
 
 151 
 
 result of the rote was, that Mr. Somerville was chosen by 
 the majority. The minority, as has been too often the case 
 in Presbyterian communities, did not acquiesce in the 
 decision to call Mr. Somerville, but resolved rather to 
 withdraw from the church. Three of the elders, Messieurs 
 England, Hunter, and James Logan, grandfather of Sir 
 William Logan, and John Boston, afterwards sheriff, were 
 among the adherents of Mr. Forrest. 
 
 There was a difficulty at this time also, as at a later date, 
 about the possession of the key of the church. Mr. Hunter 
 had it in his keeping and refused to give it up. A meet- 
 ing of the proprietors was held on the 23rd July, 1803, 
 when it was unanimously resolved by those present " that 
 every support should be given to Mr. Somerville, as the 
 person duly appointed as minister of this congregation to 
 the exclusion of every other person, and that none other 
 be admitted or received to perform Divine worship with- 
 out their consent. And as the said William Hunter now 
 refuses to deliver up the keys of the said church, it is re- 
 solved that other sufficient locks and keys be provided for 
 the security of the said church, and of the possession of the 
 said proprietors therein." This resolution was signed by 
 the members of the Temporal Committee, John McArthur, 
 George Martin, Benaiah Gibb, John Fisher, Philip Ross and 
 William Martin — by the two remaining members of the 
 session, Duncan Fisher and William Forbes — and by 
 nineteen other gentlemen : Hon. James McGill, Hon, John 
 Richardson, John McKindlay, John Ogilvy, Isaac Todd, 
 William Logan, John McKinstry, Robert Aird, James 
 Cowie, William Graham, Thomas Oakes, James Strother, 
 John Ferguson, Joseph Provan, James Dunlop, Donald 
 McKercher, Hon. John Molson,^Simon McTavish, and John 
 Stephenson. 
 
 Several months previously, the congregation had appar- 
 ently made up their mind to call Mr. Somerville, as the 
 following memorial shows : —
 
 152 
 
 " To His Excellency, Sir Robert Shores Milnes, Baronet, 
 Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Lower Canada, 
 &c., &c., &c. 
 
 The Memorial of the Subscribers, Presbyterian Protest- 
 ants residing in the city of Montreal, as well on their 
 own behalf as on behalf of the other Presbyterians of their 
 congregation, 
 
 Humbly Sheweth : — 
 
 That His Excellency, the Right Hon. Lord Dorchester, 
 late Grovernor of this Province, was graciously pleased, in 
 the year 1794, to grant to the Rev. John Young, then 
 minister of the Presbyterian Church for the city of Mont- 
 real, the sum of fifty pounds per annum, commencing on 
 the first day of May, in the said year, and which sum hath 
 been annually paid to the said John Young by His 
 Majesty's Receiver G-eneral of this Province. 
 
 That the said John Young formally resigned his charge 
 of minister of said church on the *7th day of August last, 
 retired a few days afterwards from Montreal, and is now 
 settled with his family at Niagara in Upper Canada ; and 
 your memorialists entertain no idea that he will ever 
 return to this place. 
 
 That your memorialists being so circumstanced, and 
 being more solicitous to have a clergyman of their own 
 persuasion, of good life and morality, have lately had atrial 
 of the Rev. James Somerville, a minister of the Presbyterian 
 Church, who gave the whole congregation the greatest 
 satisfaction, and whose conduct and loyalty appear most 
 exemplary, but who, from engagements he is now under at 
 Quebec, cannot immediately take charge of the said Presby- 
 terian Church and congregation of Montreal. But your 
 memorialists do look to him with confidence as the person 
 who in the spring is to take charge of the said church. 
 
 Your memorialists, therefore, humbly pray that Your
 
 Committee on behalf 
 of the Congregation. 
 
 153 
 
 Excellency will be graciously pleased to retain the said 
 annual sum of fifty pounds, unappropriated, in order that 
 the sum may be hereafter appropriated to the laudable 
 purposes for which His Excellency, Lord Dorchester, in his 
 wisdom granted the same. 
 
 And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever 
 pray. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 Adam Scott, 
 Jos. Provan, 
 John Fisher, 
 
 B. GiBB. 
 
 Montreal, 15th November, 1802." 
 
 This Memorial was the answer returned by the congre- 
 gation to the following letter addressed, on behalf of 1:he 
 Lieutenant-Governor, by the Hon. James McG-ill to John 
 Fisher, "President" of the Temporal Committee of the 
 Church : — 
 
 " Montreal, 13th November, 1802. 
 " Gentlemen— I am desired by His Excellency the Lieu- 
 tenant-Governor to inform him whether Mr. Young, the 
 Presbyterian clergyman, left this place with or without 
 the approbation of his congregation ; at what time he left 
 Montreal ; and if any idea is entertained of his returning 
 —to which inquiries, I presume, you can give satisfactory 
 answers. I request you, therefore, to communicate them 
 without delay ; nor do I imagine it will be improper to add 
 the measures you have discussed in consequence of Mr. 
 Young's absence or resignation. 
 
 "I am, very respectfully. Gentlemen, 
 
 " Your very obt. and humble servant, 
 " James M'Gill. 
 "Messrs. John Fisher and others, 
 forming the Committee of the 
 Presbyterian Congregation of Montreal."
 
 154 
 
 It is important to note the date of this petition. It shows 
 that Mr. Somerville had ah-eady been virtually invited to 
 become pastor of the church, months in advance of the 
 time when the congregation were called upon to choose 
 between him and Mr. Forrest, and if any one was to blame 
 for the disagreement that led to the secession in 1803, it 
 must have been those who allowed themselves to become 
 partizans of Mr. Forrest, notwithstanding the previous 
 understanding come to with Mr. Somerville. 
 
 Mr. James Somerville, the first regularly inducted min- 
 ister of the St. Grabriel Street Church, was a native of Lan- 
 arkshire, Scotland, and was brought up in one of those pious 
 cotter homes which Eobert Burns has rendered memora- 
 ble. The ambition of his parents, as it always has been 
 of so many of their class in that country, was to see their 
 son " wag his pow in a pu'pit." He was accordingly sent 
 at an early age to Grlasgow University, for he had already 
 completed his course in Arts when he was only seventeen 
 years old. The two professors who seem to have made the 
 deepest impression upon his mind were Mr. Young, who 
 then taught G-reek in the University, and was the compiler 
 of a very accurate, though brief lexicon of that language, 
 which is still in considerable use, and Mr. Anderson, Pro- 
 fessor of Natural Philosophy, who enjoyed a great reputa- 
 tion as a teacher of Physics towards the close of the last 
 century. To quote the language of the late Dr. Wilkie of 
 Quebec, Mr. Somerville's early friend, and a native of the 
 same village, who wrote an unpublished sketch of his life 
 after his decease : " The last (Prof. Anderson) had more par- 
 ticularly fixed his attention, and had led him to direct his 
 thoughts so much to objects of external nature as to derive 
 from the view of their magnificent arrangements a large 
 share of his enjoyments. By a regular contemplation of 
 the beauty, wisdom and beneficence which they indicated, 
 he confirmed his trust in the Divine protection, and pro-
 
 155 
 
 moted that equanimity of temper for which, through life, 
 he was remarkable. His habitual contemplation of the 
 works of nature, and of matters of fact, contributed, we 
 may well suppose, to foster that love of truth, that total 
 absence of exaggeration, that simplicity of manners, for all 
 which he was most happily distinguished." Dr. "Wilkie 
 adds : "The predictions of Professor Young had inspired 
 him with a taste for philosophical discussions which he 
 retained through life. Upon finishing his collegiate 
 studies he entered upon a regular course of classical read- 
 ing."— -Ln this way he laid the foundation of that general 
 culture which fitted him to occupy a high position among 
 the most accomplished men of his time in Canada. 
 
 Mr. Somerville afterwards took a course of divinity under 
 Professor Findlay of G-lasgow, and was licensed to preach 
 by the Eelief body of Presbyterians, in 1^99. The fact of 
 having been educated in the Grlasgow Univel-sity, through- 
 out his professional as well as literary training for the 
 ministry, made it the easier for him, though brought up 
 in the Relief Church, to accept a call from the St. Grabriel 
 Street Church, which was then counted as belonging to 
 the Church of Scotland, and to receive ordination at the 
 hands of ministers of the Church of Scotland. There were 
 but few congregations at that time in connection with the 
 Relief section of the Church, and they did not offer much 
 of a career to young men of ability and scholarship. Mr. 
 Somerville soon grew tired of acting as a probationer in 
 these circumstances, and gladly availed himself of an offer 
 that came to him through a Glasgow friend, to proceed to 
 Quebec, in order to undertake the education of the chil- 
 dren of the Scottish lumber merchants resident there. He 
 took ship for Canada at a time when it was more of an 
 undertaking to cross the Atlantic than it is now to go 
 round the world, and landed at Quebec on the 3rd of June, 
 1802. He was then twenty-seven years of age. He en-
 
 156 
 
 terecl immediately upon his task of organizing a school, 
 which was the precursor of all the educational efforts in 
 the ancient capital, in which the Scottish citizens have 
 borne a prominent part. Dr. Wilkie, who succeeded him 
 in his school, remarks that Mr. Somerville had a peculiar 
 aptitude for teaching, and adds : " The encouragement he 
 met with was every way equal to his expectations. His 
 success was proportionate to his exertions, which were 
 great. He was held in high esteem by the principal families 
 residing in the city, — and his memory was long cherished 
 in succeeding times by the young persons who had the 
 happiness of receiving his instructions." Among his 
 pupils, at that time, was the late Archibald Ferguson, 
 elder in St. Paul's Church, and father of Professor Ferguson 
 of Kingston, who accompanied Mr. Somerville to Montreal, 
 after his settlement in St. G-abriel Street Church, in order 
 to continue to* enjoy the benefits of his tuition. 
 
 Being a preacher, however, his services were in request 
 at a time when there were so few of his order in Canada. 
 On coming to Quebec, he connected himself with St. 
 Andrew's Church, of which Rev. Alexander Spark, D.D., 
 was pastor, and thus became a member of the Church of 
 Scotland, as it existed in Canada. The ministers who 
 then represented that Church in this country held out to 
 him cordially the right hand of fellov/ship, although, as a 
 licentiate, he belonged to the Eelief Section of the Presby- 
 terian family. It was on Dr. Spark's recommendation that 
 he was invited to preach in the St. G-abriel Street Church, 
 shortly after Mr. Young had taken his departure. The con- 
 gregation immediately resolved to invite him to become 
 their minister. The terms of the Deed of the Church, as 
 given at pages 64 and 65, did not preclude the calling 
 of a probationer from the Relief body ; all that it pre- 
 scribed, was that he should have been regularly licensed 
 by a Presbytery in the British Dominions. Mr. Somer-
 
 15*7 
 
 ville indicated his williugness to accept the call, but in- 
 timated that he felt bound in honour to complete his ser- 
 vice as a teacher at Quebec for the entire year for which 
 he was engaged before leaving Scotland. It was in the 
 interval, that Rev Eobert Forrest visited Montreal and 
 preached in the Church, making a favourable impres- 
 sion on a portion of the people, and creating division, 
 a kind of result too often seen in the experience of con- 
 gregations. Mr. Somerville was ordained to the pastorate 
 on the 18th of September, 1803, Rev. John Bethune of 
 "Williamstown, the founder of the congregation, and Rev. 
 Alexander Spark, St. Andrew's Church, Quebec, officiat- 
 ing on the occasion. It was generally understood that 
 Mr. Somerville was then ordained to the Ministry of the 
 Church of Scotland, and he so understood the matter all 
 his life, although the question was raised after his death. 
 The experience Mr. Somerville had gained as a teacher, 
 even though it was only for a short time, did much to 
 confirm his taste for science and learning, and to strengthen 
 the bias towards such pursuits he had early shown. Many 
 of his friends were, indeed, of opinion that he made a mis- 
 take in quitting the teaching for the clerical profession ; 
 but he himself would never admit it. The Scottish ele- 
 ment being, as has been seen, always proportionately large 
 among the mercantile class of Montreal, Mr. Somerville, 
 as the only representative of the Scottish clergy in the 
 city for many years, naturally had a good deal of influence 
 in the community, and he seems to have entirely deserved 
 the respect shown him. He took a leading part in all 
 movements for promoting a wholesome state of society. 
 To this end he connected himself with various organiza- 
 tions, the Freemasons among the rest. His, too, was the 
 first name on the roll of the Montreal Curling Club, organ- 
 ized in 1807. In 1809, he succeeded in establishing a 
 literary society having its headquarters in this city. Dr.
 
 158 
 
 "Wilkie will tell us its history : — " He coveted the society 
 of well informed persons and the free communication of 
 ideas. Hence sprung up in his thoughts the conception 
 of the Symmathetical Society, formed for the purpose of 
 promoting mutual improvement, and possibly to be the 
 germ of some greater association He laid hold of the 
 thought with eagerness, and communicated it to a very 
 few gentlemen, in whom he had confidence, in Montreal, 
 and to on^ or two residing at a distance. The proposal 
 vp'as zealously embraced by the few friends to whom it 
 was explained, and carried out with considerable regularity 
 for a few years. A number of essays were furnished from 
 time to time by each of the gentlemen associated, and 
 these were pretty fully discussed at the meetings of the 
 society. Remarks were likewise communicated in w^riting, . 
 and a regular account of all the transactions recorded by 
 one of the members appointed to act as secretary. A few 
 of these papers were afterwards printed in the Canadian 
 Review, in 1824. The siibjects discussed were chiefly sci- 
 entific, literary or commercial." His biographer tells us : 
 " During his whole life he was wont, when his health 
 permitted, to take daily exercise in the open air. In his 
 rambles he used to carry a small hammer, with which he 
 amused himself in examining the interior appearance of 
 stones and rocks. If this was not done in a strictly scien- 
 tific manner, it served at least to diversify his recreations 
 and give them activity. Sometimes he collected plants 
 and flowers, and he had ever a just appreciation of the 
 beauties of natural scenery. Sometimes he was joined, 
 in his rambles, by one or more of his clerical brethren, 
 who, it is well known, were always attracted by his lively 
 conversation." It would appear, then, that Mr. Somerville 
 was studying the earth's structure before the formation 
 of the " Geological Society" of Grreat Britain, and while 
 Hugh Miller was still in petticoats. To the end of his
 
 159 
 
 days, lie continued to indulge a taste for natural history ; 
 and some old persons survive to tell how, in their youth, 
 they used to see him strolling through the fields, picking 
 up flowers and stones, and looking at them intently, 
 thus confirming the rumors that were abroad touching 
 his mental equilibrium. Mr. Somerville kept a diary from 
 the time he was twenty-two years of age, and amongst 
 other things noted in it was the state of the weather, to 
 the influences of which his frame was keenly suscept- 
 ible. This record he kept till within forty-eight days of 
 his death. It was probably not very scientific, as he is not 
 likely to have possessed very accurate instruments ; but 
 such as it was, in the absence of any better meteorological 
 statistics, it would be at least curious, if not valuable, 
 could it be recovered : so far, however, the effort to trace 
 its fate has been unsuccesful. 
 
 When Mr. Somerville died, in 1837, he left the most of 
 his property to religious and benevolent institutions. Dr. 
 "Wilkie will tell how he was led to do so : " It has been 
 seen throughout the course of this narrative, that his mind 
 was eminently sociable. Being at the same time of a 
 strongly benevolent cast, his sociability gave rise finally, 
 or at least greatly contributed, to two most excellent insti- 
 tutions — ' the Natural History Society' and the 'Montreal 
 G-eneral Hospital.' His practice of rambling in the fields 
 in quest of objects suitable for the study of Natural His- 
 tory, has been already noticed. His attractive conversa- 
 tion naturally drew to his society others who possessed 
 similar tastes, particularly his two brethren in the Church, 
 and some of other professions. One gentleman, especially, 
 of highly scientific attainments, (known to be A. Skakel, 
 a teacher in this city) assisted to give accuracy and order 
 to their observations. A considerable collection of natural 
 objects was, in consequence, formed ; a place was found 
 necessary for their reception, the assistance of others was
 
 160 
 
 solicited aud obtained, and out of these humble endea- 
 vours arose, on the 16th May, 1827, the ' Natural History 
 Society of Montreal.' Thus, the little rill issuing from 
 the mountain's brow gathers increase of waters as it rolls 
 on, and, in the end, becomes a potent stream, fertilizing 
 the regions through which it flows, and pouring a navi- 
 gable flood into the ocean. In consequence, probably, of 
 his connection with the origin of this institution, and cer- 
 tainly from his devotedness to the cause of knowledge 
 and truth, he left a munificent bequest for the endow- 
 ment of a lectureship in furtherance of its objects." It is 
 in these terms that Dr. Wilkie, writing shortly after 
 Mr. Somerville's death, sets forth his claims to be 
 gratefully remembered by " The Natural History Society." 
 Mr. Somerville's sympathetic nature and public spirit, 
 seem to have had much to do also with originating the 
 " Montreal G-eneral Hospital." Here is what the memoir, 
 from which I have already quoted, says : " He always 
 considered the first suggestion of the Montreal Greneral 
 Hospital, as due to himself ' The first idea of it,' he said, 
 ' was suggested by my servant falling sick of an infectious 
 fever. She had no friends in the city. I could not turn 
 her out of doors. I was apprehensive for my own family. 
 I thought how advantageous it would be for the patient, 
 and how satisfactory to my own mind, if there was an 
 hospital to which she could be sent, where she would re- 
 ceive the necessary attention and care, while my family 
 would run no risk of infection. Others might be in sim- 
 ilar circumstances. I proposed the subject to some medi- 
 cal gentlemen and also to my colleague, who always has 
 been forward to promote objects of public utility. The 
 scheme was followed up with zeal and liberality. An 
 institution arose far surpassing his utmost expectation.' 
 Such was the development in his truly Christian mind of 
 an institution which has since grown to be one of the
 
 161 
 
 honours of Canada, an institution of which Montreal will 
 always be proud, and to which the late Hon. Mr, Kich- 
 ardson, after all highly valued labours, had the honour of 
 making an important addition." Assuming the accuracy 
 of Dr. Wilkie's information, here is another and still 
 stronger ground why not only the citizens of Montreal, 
 but the people of all the outlying districts, should do 
 honour to the memory of Mr. Somerville. 
 
 By his will, drawn up on the 21st February, 1833, four 
 years before his death, he left bequests in the following 
 order, and to the following amount : — 
 
 " For the purchase of a ground lot and erection of a 
 manse, for the use of the minister of the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, ' during thirty years, the object of my warm and 
 constant solicitude,' XI, 000 ; 
 
 " To support a lectureship for the benefit of the Natural 
 History Society of Montreal, i:i,000 ; 
 
 " To Mr. Wilkie, at Quebec, ' my friend from early life,' 
 <£1,000 ; 
 
 " To the Rev. Alexander Mathieson, of Montreal, ' many 
 years an intimate friend,' =£100 ; 
 
 " To the late Thos. Blackwood, Esq., ' one of my oldest 
 and most confidential friends at Montreal,' iJlOO ; 
 
 " And to the Trustees of the Montreal G-eneral Hospital, 
 as residuary legatees, all that may remain, after paying 
 off all the above mentioned legacies." Dr. "Wilkie, who 
 knew the value of Mr. Somerville's estate, adds the re- 
 mark : " The remainder falling to the G-eneral Hospital, 
 must, it is believed, be very considerable, and will, no 
 doubt, be suitably recorded." In those days however, 
 no special notice was taken of legacies, and so what 
 was realized from the estate cannot now be ascertained; 
 but the fact that the Hospital was made residuary legatee, 
 implies, in itself, that the amount designed by Mr. Somer- 
 L
 
 162 
 
 ville for that iustitutiou, must have been larger than he 
 gave for any other single object. 
 
 Mr. Somerville was twice married. His first wife was 
 Mariamne Veitch, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who 
 had come to reside with a relative in Quebec. To this 
 lady he was united on the 8th of July, 1805, two years 
 after his settlement in Montreal. She is described by Dr. 
 "Wilkie as a very superior woman ; but he enjoyed the 
 comfort of her society for only a single year. She expired 
 on the 16th of August, 1806, a few days after having given 
 birth to a daughter, named from herself, Mariamne. 
 
 " He entered a second time into the married state," says 
 Dr. Wilkie, " on the 4th of April, 1808, with Charlotte 
 Blaney. This lady appears to have been an orphan, but 
 brought up and educated by Mrs. Perry, well known at 
 that time in Montreal, for her piety and exemplary con- 
 duct, who acquired a moderate independence, by means 
 of her industry and prudent conduct. With this wife he 
 lived thirteen years in the strictest bonds of conjugal feli- 
 city." Mrs. Somerville brought her husband a son, named 
 Alexander "William, born August 2nd, 1814. When this 
 child was only four years old, his mother fell into a de- 
 clining state of health, and died in her husband's arms, 
 on the 1st of August, 1819, on board the steamer on its 
 upward trip from Quebec, whither she had gone, in the 
 hope that fresh air and change would strengthen her. 
 
 Mr. Somerville's health had broken down on one or two 
 occasions, from excessive mental efibrts, as early as 1809. 
 The amount of his work in the year 1815 may be esti- 
 mated from the number of entries in the church registers, 
 amounting to 58 marriages, 51 burials, and 115 baptisms. 
 His temperament was acutely nervous, and when the 
 domestic afflictions, mentioned, overtook him, added to the 
 burdens of his pastorate, his health gave way under the 
 pressure. It was then that E-ev. Henry Esson was procured
 
 163 
 
 as his colleague. They worked together with a large 
 measure of harmony till 1822, when Mr. Somerville retired 
 on an allowance of <£150 a year ; but continued to receive 
 the <£50 additional giren by the G-overnment, in consider- 
 ation of the service rendered to the Imperial troops by the 
 ministers of St. G-abriel Street Church. Although ab- 
 solved from the duty of preaching for the rest of his life, 
 he remained, in the eye of the law, the senior minister of 
 the congregation to the day of his death. 
 
 In the year 1827, his valuable and faithful friend, Mrs 
 Perry, who had retired from business in Montreal, and 
 gone to reside in Edinburgh, departed this life. She left 
 a large share of her means to the family of her late adopted 
 daughter. But it was characteristic of her good sense and 
 tender sympathy that she left =£4,500 to Mariamne, Mr. 
 Somerville's daughter by his first wife, a larger sum than 
 she willed to the son of Charlotte Blaney, because that 
 young lady was physically infirm, as well as a most at- 
 tractive person. These legacies are mentioned, because 
 a good deal of the late history of the old church in St. 
 Gabriel Street, was indirectly shaped by them. 
 
 As Mr. Somerville's years advanced, his nervous ailments 
 became more serious, — and sometimes bordered on mental 
 alienation. He had alternate seasons of melancholy and 
 exhilaration. But those who knew him, say that even at 
 the times when his mental aberration was most apparent, 
 he never lost his intellectual activity, and amusing inci- 
 dents are related that show his ready wit. One of these 
 will sufiice. While no restraint was put upon his freedom, 
 his friends had provided him with a body servant, whose 
 instructions were never to lose sight of him, but yet never 
 obtrude his presence upon the minister, nor make him 
 think himself watched. This servant, on one occasion, 
 was an Irishman, not long out from the Emerald Isle, who 
 continued to wear the long heavy coat he brought with
 
 164 
 
 him across the sea, even during the heat of summer. The 
 man, thus equipped, had charge of Mr. Somerville, on a 
 broiling July day. The minister set out for a walk along 
 the Cote St. Paul road, and proceeded at a rapid pace, evi- 
 dently determined to have a little fun at Pat's expense. 
 He walked aimlessly a long distance, and then made a 
 detour, returning to his quarters by another route, all the 
 time chuckling with delight at the discomfiture of his 
 guardian, down whose face the sweat was running in 
 copious streams, in his efforts to keep sight of his master. 
 
 The year 1832 was marked by another sad event in 
 Mr. Somerville's family. This was the death of his son 
 in his nineteenth year. He M'as already well advanced in 
 the study of medicine, and had it in view to proceed to 
 Edinburgh, there to complete his professional training, but 
 he caught an infectious fever in the course of his practice 
 as a student, and died on the 30th of November. This 
 was a crushing blow to the tender hearted father ; but a 
 still severer one soon succeeded. His dear Mariamne, all 
 the dearer to him on account of her bodily infirmity, was 
 taken from him, twelve weeks after her brother ; and his 
 house was left unto him desolate. He fell heir to the 
 money of his children ; and it was with the means 
 thus put at his disposal that he made the benefactions 
 with which his name is associated in Montreal. 
 
 In our time the amounts bequeathed by Mr. Somerville 
 to public objects, do not seem large ; but fifty years ago, 
 they must have been counted considerable, when there 
 was comparatively little realized wealth in this country, 
 and money was so much more valuable, relatively, than 
 it is now. Though not appearing very large to the present 
 generation, they were timely; and the several sums, applied 
 to the respective objects contemplated in the final bene- 
 volent disposal of his means, were productive of more im- 
 portant and lasting results to those public objects than
 
 165 
 
 five times the amount would be to-day. His thoughtful 
 generosity put the institutions which it aided on a pros- 
 perous footing ; and once they got fairly under weigh, 
 their success became assured. 
 
 The chapter is incomplete without a portrait of Mr. Som- 
 erville, but if one was ever taken, no trace of it can now 
 be found. In the absence of his likeness, we may be thank- 
 ful for the following brief pen-portrait of him, byDr.Wilkie: 
 
 " He was a little under the middle stature, of a vigorous 
 but not athletic form. His features were perfectly regular, 
 and had a most prepossessing appearance. His eye was 
 uncommonly quick and penetrating. His hair, till he 
 passed the meridian of life, was black and glossy, with 
 an easy curl. 
 
 " When Mr. Somerville was in health, and settled at 
 home, he was exact and methodical in his daily readings. 
 He commenced each day with perusing a portion of the 
 sacred writings. This practice he had continued through 
 life, whenever health and leisure permitted. Upon finish- 
 ing the task he had assigned to himself for the day in this 
 department, he entered in his journal the remarks which 
 occurred to him on the general spirit of what he had read. 
 These remarks were exceedingly brief, and referred exclu- 
 sively to practical matters. Having made this entry, he 
 proceeded to another department of his reading, — some of 
 the periodicals, perhaps, of the day, or some of the standing 
 works of English literature. By this happy distribution 
 of his time, his remembrances of Divine truth were con- 
 stantly kept alive, and his intimate acquaintance with the 
 current literature of the age was never left behind. 
 
 " His mind was well informed and his understanding 
 clear, quick and j^erspicacious. He fastidiously shunned 
 at all times to express any opinion on subjects with which 
 he had not, at least, a reasonable acquaintance, and held ail 
 such pretence in contempt. His piety was real and deeply 
 felt, but incapable of the slightest show or ostentation."
 
 166 
 
 Such was the man, and such was the work he achieved. 
 He deserves to he remembered by the citizens of Mont- 
 real, not because he was a man of brilliant intellect or of 
 surpassing powers in any way, but because, by his high 
 character and attainments, he maintained the credit of the 
 order to which he belonged, and exercised a widesi)read 
 and wholesome influence over the English-speaking so- 
 ciety of this city, when it was a community so small that 
 every clergyman had a personal acquaintance with all 
 its members. This was the formative stage in the history 
 of Montreal. After the lapse of eighty-three years, from the 
 date of the beginning of his ministry, it is, of course, impos- 
 sible to put one's finger on any tangible results of his 
 pastorate in the spiritual life of the community. The 
 influences he and his contemporaries exerted are indis- 
 tinguishably blended in the life of to-day, as the echoes of 
 the past go to form the murmur of the universe. But 
 all the testimony we can gather goes to show that he 
 served his generation faithfully according to the will of 
 Grod, — entering fully into all enterprizes and undertakings 
 which aimed at the moral and social welfare of the com- 
 munity, as well as discharging with ability the duties 
 pertaining to his office in the more restricted sphere of 
 his own church. 
 
 After his decease, the congregation to which he had 
 ministered so long and faithfully, erected a tasteful mural 
 tablet to his memory, with the following inscrii^tion : — 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of the late Rev. James Somer- 
 ville, who was born in the village of Tollcross, near 
 G-lasgow, 1st April, 1775 ; ordained Minister of this 
 Church, 18th September, 1803, and died 2nd June, 183*7, 
 aged 62 years ; 
 
 " This Tablet has been erected by this Congregation, 
 in token of their gratitude for the munificent legacy of 
 One Thousand Pounds, bequeathed by him for the pur-
 
 167 
 
 pose of building a Manse for the accommodation of the 
 future Ministers of St. G-abriel Street Church ; 
 
 " Having" been bereaved of his children, he consecrated 
 at his death the whole of his property, of which the 
 greater part was the bequest of disinterested friendship, 
 to the cause of Science, Friendship, Humanity and Piety." 
 
 His friend, Dr Wilkie, to whom, as has been seen, he left 
 a handsome legacy, erected a very tasteful monument to 
 his memory in the old Protestant burying ground on Dor- 
 chester street ; but when it was converted into DufFerin 
 Square, in 1875, there was a general demolition of the old 
 tombstones, and among other sacred memorials destroyed, 
 was the Somerville monument, before the attention of any 
 person interested in its preservation was called to the mat- 
 ter. In the absence of any kindred of Mr. Somerville left 
 in the couutry,the St. Gabriel Church authorities took action 
 and had his remains removed to Mount Royal Cemetery, a 
 few members of the congregation subscribing about $100 
 for the purchase of a suitable lot in which to deposit them. 
 But his bones now lie in a nameless grave, while there are 
 on all hands granite and marble memorials over the dust 
 of citizens of less account. The St. Grabriel congregation 
 have done their part. And now it remains for those 
 specially , interested in the management of the G-eneral 
 Hospital and the members of the Natural History Society, 
 institutions that profited at least as largely by Mr. Som- 
 erville's generosity as St. G-abriel Street Church did, to 
 unite in erecting a simple and inexpensive monument 
 over the grave of this benefactor of the community.
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 EeV. J. SOMEEVILLE RECOMMENDED BY ReV. Dr. SpAKK — FiRST TROUBLE OVER 
 
 THE Possession of the Keys of the Church — Mr. Somervillb's 
 Letter on the Situation — His Ordination and Induction— The 
 Second Presbytery of Montreal — Rev. Robert Forrest and Rev, 
 Robert Easton, Secession Ministers from Scotland — Erection of 
 St. Peter Street Church — ]\Ir. Easton's Address on the occasion — 
 The Difficulty about getting Registers by all, except ministers 
 OP the Churches of Rome and of England — The Character of the 
 Adherents of St. Gabriel Street and St. Peter Street Churches 
 
 EBSPECrrVELY. 
 
 Reference has already been made to the ^Yant of unan- 
 imity on the part of the congregation in the settlement of 
 Mr. Somerville. As the first secession took place incon- 
 sequence of opposition to his ordination and induction as 
 pastor, it is only justice to his memory that his attitude 
 in the matter should be made known. 
 
 It has been stated already that Rev. Dr. Spark of Quebec 
 received Mr. Somerville on his arrival in that cit}^ with 
 great cordiality, inviting him to preach in the pulpit of 
 St. Andrew's Church, and extending to him other friendly 
 offices. Mr. Somerville became amember of St. Andrew's 
 Church, and his name appears on a petition from that 
 congregation to the G-overnor, in 1802. AVhen Mr. 
 Young left Montreal, and the Scotch congregation in St. 
 G-abriel Street applied to Dr. Spark for aid in their 
 emergency, he could not do otherwise than recommend 
 the friend he had so lately met with, and whose good 
 qualities he had already had many opportunities of 
 observing. Mr. Somerville was invited through Dr. Spark,
 
 169 
 
 to preach in Montreal, which invitation he accepted in. 
 the autumn of 1802, conducting divine service twice on 
 the Sabbath after his arrival and returning to Quebec the 
 same week. 
 
 " The specimens aiforded by his appearance in the 
 Church in St. G-abriel Street, the general turn of his frank 
 and open and grave conversation, the ample recommend- 
 ations he had brought with him, both from Quebec and 
 from his native country, appeared to give satisfaction to 
 the majority of the congregation. In consequence, an 
 expectation of a future mutual connection was formed, on 
 both sides, and preparations were made for a call being 
 presented in due time." Completing the year's service 
 as a teacher in Quebec, he removed to Montreal in the early 
 part of June, 1803. Although not inducted, he entered 
 immediately upon the discharge of such duties as a licen- 
 tiate could regularly perform, — visiting the sick, consoling 
 the afflicted, and preaching on the Lord's Day. In this 
 way, an acquaintance was formed between him and his 
 future flock, prior to the formal creation of the pastoral 
 tie. It was at this stage that a subscription list was 
 opened, in order that some guarantee should be provided 
 for his support. A number of substantial householders 
 and heads of families bound themselves to pay for this 
 purpose a definite sum annually for three or five years. 
 
 The Eev. Dr. Spark was Mr. Somerville's patron ; but 
 the Rev. Dr. Mason of New- York, who had also been com- 
 municated with at the time of Mr. Young's withdrawal, 
 recommended the congregation to call one of the young 
 preachers of the Burgher Secession Church, whom he had 
 induced to come from Scotland to America. This was the 
 Rev. Robert Forrest, already mentioned. His appearance 
 made a favourable impression upon those who for a time 
 were disposed to contend for the possession of the build- 
 ing on St. Grabriel Street, and, as has been seen, secured 
 the keys of the Church.
 
 170 
 
 The congregation of Christ Church were now worship- 
 ping in the Scotch Church, and Messrs. Hunter, England 
 and James Logan had obtained the keys from John G-er- 
 brand Beek, one of the Church Wardens, at the conclusion 
 of the Church of England service, on 21st July, 1803. 
 This action led to the serving of the following protest on 
 Mr. Hunter : — 
 
 " By this Public Instrument of Protest or attestation, — 
 
 Be it known and made manifest to all persons to whom these presents 
 shall come or may concern, that on the Twenty-second day of July, in the 
 year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and three, at the request 
 of Duncan Fisher of the city of Montreal, Cordwainer, William Forbes of 
 the same place, cooper, two of the elders of the Scotch Church in this 
 city, and William Martin of the same place, gentleman, one of the mem- 
 bers of the committee appointed to regulate the temporal affairs of the 
 said Church. We the subscribing Public Notaries of the Province of 
 Lower Canada, residing in the said city of ]Montreal, by lawful authority 
 duly admitted and sworn, went to the house of William Hunter, merchant 
 in Montreal, and then and there speaking to him personally, demanded of 
 him the keys of the said Church of Scotland or Scotch Church, which were 
 delivered to him yesterday (the 21st inst.), by John Gerbrand Beek, Es- 
 quire, one of the Church Wardens of the Protestant congregation in this 
 City, whereunto the said AVilliam Hunter answered that he was desired 
 by Mr. Logan and Mr. England to get the keys of the Church from Mr. 
 Beek, and that he cannot deliver them to any person, except said Mr. 
 Logan or Mr. England. Which answer not being satisfactory, we, the said 
 notaries, at the request aforesaid, have protested and by these presents do 
 most solemnly protest, as well against the said William Hunter, as against 
 all others whom it doth, shall or may concern, for all cost, charges, dam- 
 ages, interest, expenses, hurts and injuries, already suffered or that shall 
 or may hereafter be suffered by the said Duncan Fisher, William Forbes 
 and "William ^lartin, in their capacities aforesaid, or others concerned, 
 for or upon account of the premises : Thus done and protested in Mont- 
 real aforesaid on the day and year first before written, a copy of these 
 presents having been left with the said William Hunter, at his dwelhng 
 house in Montreal — that he and all others concerned may not plead igno- 
 rance in and about the same. 
 
 In test, veritatis, 
 
 J. A. Gray, Not. Pub. 
 Thos. Baekon, Not. Pub."
 
 Ill 
 
 The following letter, written by Mr. Somerville, shortly 
 before leaving Quebec, will explain the situation at the 
 moment. Besides the opposition, to his settlement of which 
 he was aware, the question how his ordination could be 
 best secured, troubled, him and the congi^gation. 
 
 Quebec, loth June, 1803. 
 
 Dear Sir. — I received yours in due course. Mr. Bethune and Mr. Spark, 
 I believe, will have no difficulty now in joining in my ordination, provided 
 the congregation or myself make none. The principal objection which 
 Mr. Spark had, was, I believe, on account of jMr. Young. That objection 
 is now removed by Mr. Bethune's letter. As for the congregation at 
 Montreal, why I really do not know what would please them in all points. 
 It would appear that a number of them are, at best, very unsteady, to Bay 
 no worse. I could wish, very much, that some plan could be fallen upon 
 for putting it out of everybody's power to say a single word as to the legal- 
 ity of my ordination. Going to Scotland, could it be done, would be the 
 most effectual way, and also the most respectable. I could wish, very 
 much, this measure could be put in practice. It would remove every 
 doubt, and add a degree of respectability to the business which it can 
 hardly have in any other way. I was licensed by the Relief Presbytery 
 of Glasgow, and I have certificates from that Presbytery, and also from 
 the Eelief Presbytery of Edinburgh. The only difference between the 
 Eelief and the Church of Scotland is, in the article of presentations by 
 Patrons, which does not exist in this country. Of course, I consider my- 
 self a proper candidate for any congregation who may choose to call me. 
 Ordination implies the being received by that Presbytery, by which you 
 are ordained. Of course, if that Presbytery be a regular, lawful Presby- 
 tery, the person ordained by them must be regularly and legally ordained. 
 
 I do not wish to come to Montreal, even though I were invited, till the 
 business of my ordination be settled,— that is, whether it is to be in this 
 country, or if I am to go home. It is disagreeable, to my mind, even to 
 be suspected of wishing to intrude myself upon the people of Montreal. 
 
 If I come to Montreal, it shall be openly and honourably. I feel it my 
 duty to inform the committee, that I am not at all anxious to change my 
 situation. I am here, I believe, usefully employed, and I am very com- 
 fortably situated. My income is such as supports me decently, and why 
 should I be anxious to change. I feel gratitude to the people of Montreal 
 for their kindness and attention to me, and certainly consider myself as 
 bound to do everything in my power for them, as far as is consistent with 
 propriety, and that duty which every man owes to himself. 
 
 I am, youra truly, 
 
 J. SOMERVILLE.
 
 112 
 
 On the 18th of September, 1803, the proposed Presby- 
 tery met, aud was constituted at Montreal, consisting of 
 E-ev. Alex. Spark, Rev. John Bethune, and Duncan Fisher, 
 the elder, representing St. Gabriel Street congregation. 
 Mr. Spark had b^en ordained in the Church of Scotland. 
 He came to Quebec first, as a teacher, in 1^80, taking five 
 mouths on the voyage from Aberdeen, his native city. 
 He returned to Scotland in 1783, and returned to Quebec, 
 an ordained minister, in 1786. Although still prosecuting 
 educational work, he relieved Rev. G-eorge Henry, the 
 minister in charge of the Scotch Church, Quebec, of the 
 heavier part of his duties, and when that gentleman died 
 in 1795, Mr. Spark succeeded him. He had a fine turn 
 for business, and conducted the correspondence with the 
 G-overnment, on behalf of his church, with great tact and 
 energy. He died suddenly of an apoplectic fit, March 
 7th, 1819, while on his way to conduct service in the 
 church in the afternoon. Since page 50 of this book was 
 written, I have gathered from the Christian Recorder, 
 published at York (Toronto), in 1819, four years after 
 Mr. Bethune's death, that he had been originally ordained 
 by a Presbytery of the Established Church in Scotland, 
 for a congregation of his countrymen in South Carolina. 
 
 At the meeting of Presbytery for Mr. Somerville's ordina- 
 tion, a letter was produced from the Rev. Robert Findlay, 
 D.D., Professor of Divinity, under whom Mr. Somerville had 
 studied, and from whom he had already produced the usual 
 testimonials. From the tenor of this letter, the two min- 
 isteiis and the elder present considered themselves justified, 
 in the existing circumstances, in forming themselves into 
 a Presbytery. The following is the minute framed on the 
 occasion : — 
 
 " Montreal, 17th September, 1803. 
 
 The former Presbytery of Montreal, having been by un- 
 fortunate circumstances dissolved, the Rev. Mr. John
 
 1^3 
 
 Bethune, Minister of the Grospel at Grlengary, in Upper 
 Canada, formerly a member of the said Presbytery, and 
 the Eev. Mr. Alexander Spark, Minister of the Gospel at 
 Quebec, conceiving it would be for the good of religion to 
 form a connection and constitute themselves into a Presby- 
 tery, did accordingly meet at Montreal, this 7th day of Sep- 
 tember, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- 
 dred and three ; and after prayers, the said Ministers, 
 together with Mr. Duncan Fisher, took their seats. The 
 Rev. Mr. John Bethune was chosen moderator, the Rev. 
 Mr. Alexander Spark, clerk. Absent, the elder from Grlen- 
 gary, and the elder from Quebec. The Presbytery agreed 
 that they shall be known and addressed by the name and 
 style of The Presbytery of Montreal.'''' 
 
 " Mr. James Somerville, preacher of the Gospel, pre- 
 sented a petition to the Presbytery, the tenor whereof 
 as follows : — 
 
 Montreal, September 17th, 1803. 
 To the Moderator and remanant members of the Presbytery of Montreal, to meet 
 this day in Montreal 
 
 The Petition of James Somerville humbly sbeweth, 
 
 That in the month of June last your petitioner was invited by the 
 congregation of Montreal to come and take upon him the pastoral charge 
 of their church. That in consequence of said invitation, which will be 
 laid before you, your petitioner since the middle of July last has officiated 
 publicly in said church. Your Petitioner, however, not being in full 
 orders, cannot discharge the requisite duties of his office, which occasions 
 no small inconvenience to the members of said congregation. Your 
 Petitioner, therefore, prays and entreats that the Presbytery will take 
 his case and the case of the congregation under consideration, and, if 
 your Petitioner shall be deemed duly qualified, he prays that you may 
 proceed to his ordination with all convenient speed : And your Petitioner, 
 as in duty bound, will ever pray. 
 
 (Signed) J. Somerville.' 
 
 " And a call having been presented to the Presbytery 
 by the congregation of the Church ot Scotland in Mont- 
 real, inviting the said Mr. Somerville to be their minister.
 
 174 
 
 The Presbytery having taken said petition and call into 
 consideration, agreed to receive him on trials for ordination. 
 " And the said Mr. Somerville having delivered dis- 
 courses on the following subjects prescribed him, viz. : 
 a Homily Psalm 136 : 1 — an exercise and additions on 
 G-al. 3 : 8 — a lecture on Luke 12 : 13-21 — and a sermon 
 on G-al. 4 : 18, the Presbytery having approved of the 
 same, put to him the necessary questionary trials, in all 
 which he gave satisfaction, they appoint Sunday, the 18th 
 instant, between the hours of ten and twelve in the fore- 
 noon for his ordination, adjourned till to-morrow, the 
 18th instant, and concluded with prayer." 
 
 " Montreal, 18th September, 1808. 
 " The Presbytery met according to adjournment. The 
 Revd. Mr. John Bethune, Moderator, the Revd. Alex. 
 Spark, Clerk, and Duncan Fisher, Elder. Read the 
 minutes of the last meeting. After a sermon, preached 
 by the Revd. Mr. Alex. Spark, from 1 Cor. 14 : 33, agree- 
 able to the resolution of yesterday, Mr. James Somerville 
 was solemnly ordained and set apart by prayer and im- 
 position of hands to the sacred office of a minister of the 
 G-ospel. The Revd. Mr. John Bethune presided and gave 
 the charge." 
 
 Having completed the work for which it was specially 
 constituted, namely the ordination and induction of Mr. 
 Somerville, the Presbytery adjourned to meet on the third 
 Monday in February, 1804. There has been no record dis- 
 covered of this meeting to which the adjournment took 
 place, or of any subsequent meetings of this Presby- 
 tery of Montreal ; and it is probable that it never met, 
 except for dealing with emergencies such as that for which 
 it was formed. 
 
 It will be noticed that no mention is made of the Church
 
 115 
 
 of Scotland in the title of this Presbytery. This is to be 
 accounted for probably, in the main, from the fact that as 
 the Church of Scotland, at that date, embraced by far the 
 larger part of the Presbyterians of that country, the 
 seceders not yet having become very numerous ; so that 
 it might be taken for granted, without a statement of it, 
 that a Presbytery, formed by Scottish ministers belonging 
 to the Established Church, would be held to represent that 
 Church. There may, however, have been a design in 
 omitting any reference to the Church of Scotland, so as to 
 unite all the Presbyterians in the community, some of 
 whom had come from Ireland, some from the United 
 States, and some had belonged to the seceders in the 
 mother country. Comprehensiveness had all along been 
 studied. In the original deed, the general designation is 
 used " The Presbyterian congregation," although the pre- 
 ponderating influence and sentiment are indicated in the 
 qualifying words added, that its affairs were to be managed 
 " conformably to the usages of the Church of Scotland, as 
 bylaw established." At that stage in the history of British 
 colonies everything was tentative. The constitution of 
 both Church and State affairs, in the dependencies, grew 
 out of events as they came about, as was the case with the 
 British Constitution itself There seems to have been at 
 first no thought of a separate and independent Colonial 
 Church. The letter of Mr. Somerville shows that the 
 setting up of a Presbytery in Montreal was only a make- 
 shift, to be adopted because the more desirable course ap- 
 peared, for some reason, impracticable. The ideal, clearly 
 cherished by him and the other parties to the transac- 
 tion, was ordination in Scotland, and by the Established 
 Church. 
 
 The Eev. Robert Forrest, in whose favour the first 
 secession from the Church in St. Grabriel Street took place, 
 visited Montreal, and preached in the Church, in April,
 
 116 
 
 1803. He continued to officiate for five Sabbaths, whereas 
 Mr. Somerville had been heard only for a single day. This 
 circumstance gave a chance to the leaven of discontent to 
 operate ; yet, as has been seen, Mr. Somerville was the 
 choice of the large majority of the congregation. Mr. 
 Forrest had meantime withdrawn to the United States ; 
 but when the resolution was arrived at, preferring his 
 rival, he returned to Montreal, and rallied his friends, 
 who assembled in the same room in Notre Dame Street, in 
 which Mr. Bethuue had held services seventeen years be- 
 fore. He did not remain long with his friends here. Re- 
 ceiving a call from a congregation in New York, in the 
 autumn of the same year, he accepted it, and bade fare- 
 well to Montreal. The Rev. Robert Easton, formerly 
 Minister of Morpeth in Roxboroughshire, in connection 
 with the Associated Reformed Synod of Scotland, suc- 
 ceeded Mr. Forrest, in 1804. He and his congregation 
 continued to worship in the room, aforesaid, until the 8th 
 of March, 180Y, when the Church in St. Peter Street 
 was opened for worship. As this was a movement that 
 carried important consequences with it, originating, as 
 as it did, the St. Andrew's and American Presbyterian 
 Churches, it demands a more extended notice. 
 
 The following extract from the Montreal Gazette of the 
 21st October, 1805, throws light on the situation : — 
 
 " On Tuesday, the 15th inst., the corner-stone of a new 
 Presbyterian Church in St. Peter Street, Montreal, was 
 laid by the Rev. Robert Easton, who delivered the follow- 
 ing speech, printed at the request of the Committee of 
 Managers : — 
 
 " Brethren, 
 " I congratulate you upon the commencement of a 
 building, designed for the benefit of society in matters of 
 infinite importance. Every wise man admits, that what-
 
 Ill 
 
 ever tends to form virtuous principles in the human heart, 
 and to direct the exercise of them through the various re- 
 lations of human life, should be embraced and pursued 
 with ardour. The public institutions of religion, when 
 conducted in a proper manner, have eminently this effect. 
 By a display of the most excellent truths, they enlighten 
 and elevate the faculties, and soothe the sorrows of the 
 miind ; they furnish the most cogent arguments against 
 profanity and vice ; they are the most effectual means of 
 promoting the great ends of civil government, — as habits 
 of industry, subordination and honesty are put by them 
 on the strongest of all hinges, the love and fear of the 
 authority of Heaven. By including, in this account of 
 Religious Institutions, the doctrines taught in the West- 
 minster Confession of Faith, and the Eules of Presbyterian 
 Church government, you have the whole of my private 
 and official principles ; and you perceive the only purposes 
 to which this building will be applied. I say, the only 
 purposes, — for I am confident that, during my own min- 
 istry in it, impiety and vice, disloyalty and turbulence 
 will be equally reprobated. And I wish to Heaven that 
 a stone of it had nerer been laid, if it is ever to be the 
 instrument of diffusing poison through the veins of reli- 
 gious and civil society. But I fear no such consequence ; 
 because the congregation has resolved, and measures are 
 already taken, to place it perpetually under the care of a 
 regular body in Scotland, whose evangelical and loyal 
 character is well knowm to the Christian world. . , . 
 
 " Let us always strive to merit the approbation of our 
 fellow citizens, and of the officers of government, by a 
 peaceable, friendly and virtuous behaviour ; joining with 
 all good men in whatever may promote the common wel- 
 fare ; and marking, with the utmost detestation, every- 
 thing of an opposite tendency. . . <, . 
 
 "Perhaps, your great interest, my friends, in the politi- 
 M
 
 lis 
 
 cal state of Religion in this country, may require that 
 subject to be noticed on this occasion. But the question, 
 you know, of clerical privileges, is still undetermined. 
 Let us be thankful thus far, that we can meet together for 
 public worship, without any annoyance ; and though I 
 am denied at present the legal exercise of some of the cler- 
 ical functions, yet, it is by a law which does, in the most 
 ■unequivocal terms, exclude every other Protestant clergy- 
 man, who is not of the Church of England. Let us wait 
 with patience : real grievances will be redressed ; for we 
 are under the protection of a sovereign who cherishes all 
 his dutiful subjects, and whose person and enlightened 
 government may Heaven preserve against the mischiev- 
 ous designs of foreign envy, ambition and tyranny, to dis- 
 pense the blessings of impartial justice, tranquillity and 
 joy to millions of grateful people." 
 
 Reading between the lines, it is not hard to understand 
 the reasons for dwelling on the points emphasized in this 
 address. The people who had gathered around Mr. Forrest 
 and Mr. Easton were mostly either American by birth, 
 and so accustomed to a diflferent ecclesiastical atmosphere 
 from that of the Church of Scotland all their lives, or 
 were in sympathy with the secession churches of the 
 mother country. Attempts had evidently been made by 
 some parties in the community to discredit them, as if 
 they were disloyal and dangerous elements in society, 
 and belonged to no responsible section of the Church of 
 Christ ; while the Church in St. Grabriel Street was looked 
 np to with respect, as representing the Established Church 
 of Scotland. Mr. Easton endeavours to parry these thrusts 
 by pointing to the Westminster standards to which they 
 adhered, and intimating that the congregation had it in con- 
 templation to seek a connection with one of the organiza- 
 tions in the old country. 
 
 The other point referred to is one of historical interest.
 
 1^79 
 
 The right of marrying and burying persons belonging to 
 their congregations, had been claimed and exercised 
 by all the clergymen of the Church of Scotland, settled in 
 the countries situated on the St. Lawrence, from 1759 
 onwards. In the spring of 1806, an event occurred which 
 raised the question of the validity of these Acts. Registers 
 had hitherto been issued to these ministers in Quebec as 
 well as in Montreal. Those belonging to the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church are complete from the year 1795. Soon after 
 the passing of the Constitutional Act of 1791, a statute 
 was enacted in Lower Canada for the more secure regis- 
 tration of births, marriages and deaths. This Act limited 
 the registration of births to the clergymen who performed 
 t)ie Christian ordinance of Baptism. The Judges of the 
 Court of Queen's Bench were constituted the authority 
 to sanction the holding of registers. In the district of 
 Quebec, a minister belonging to some other denomination 
 than the Churches of England and .Scotland, who- had 
 been refused a register, notwithstanding, ventured to 
 perform some acts of clerical duty requiring registration. 
 The Eight Reverend Bishop Mountain caused proceedings 
 to be taken against him. The Chief Justice, in delivering 
 the sentence of the Court, condemning the unfortunate 
 dissenter to six months imprisonment, attempted, in a 
 speech of considerable length, to establish the position that 
 the Church of England was the only established Church 
 of the country, and that all persons not belonging to it or 
 to the Church of Rome, of which the rights were guaran- 
 teed by the capitulation and by the subsequent treaty 
 with the King of France, came under the denomination 
 of dissenters. Further, his Honour stated, that, conse- 
 quently all clerical acts requiring registration, that had 
 been performed by others than clergymen of the said 
 established Church, or of the Church of Rome, were irregu- 
 larly performed, and liable to be called in question. To
 
 180 
 
 prevent confusion," he added, " a bill will be introduced 
 this eveninff into the Leo-islature to leo-alise all such acts." 
 A bill was accordingly introduced by Bishop Mountain* 
 which passed the Council ; but it was rejected in the 
 Lower House, on the ground that the rights of the Church 
 of Scotland had always been admitted in the province, 
 and ought not now to be questioned. 
 
 It is this opinion of the Chief Justice that Mr. Easton 
 refers to, as one of hardship ; but he seems to take some 
 comfort from the thought that the implied disability ex- 
 tended to the hitherto favoured Presbyterian Churches 
 that claimed to represent the Church of Scotland, as w^ell 
 as to the dissenters from that Church. 
 
 As it M^as under the patronage of Rev. Dr. Mason that 
 Mr. Easton come from Scotland and settled in Montreal, 
 he and his congregation received substantial support from 
 friends in the United States. Of the i:i500, which the 
 new Church erected by the congregation in St. Peter Street 
 cqst, ^6600 was collected from the American people, with 
 the understanding that it was to be a vSecession Church, 
 and to remain in that connection. 
 
 The connection was, however, only one of sympathy 
 rather than a legal one ; and, as a matter of fact, the con- 
 gregation early became a second Scottish one, to which a 
 certain class of the people of that nationality went, because 
 they felt more at home in it, although the edifice in St- 
 Grabriel Street was specially known as " the Scotch 
 Church." 
 
 In his evidence in the suit, Kemp a's. Fisher, in 1860, the 
 late Hon. James Leslie being asked : 
 
 " Of the three Protestant Churches you recollect to have 
 been in existence when you came to Montreal (in 1809), 
 which was most particularly known as the Scotch 
 Church ? " — " Answer : I consider that it was the St. 
 G-abriel Street Church. It was as much known as the
 
 181 
 
 Scotch Church, as Christ Church was known as the 
 English Church ; although there were two Scotch 
 Churches, namely, this and the St. Peter Street one, 
 known as Mr. Easton's Church." — Question : " Was there, 
 between these two Scotch Churches, any recognized dis- 
 tinction as to which particular denomination or body 
 each was more* especially identified with, or so reputed?" 
 Answer : "The St. G-abriel Street Church was considered 
 the Church which was attended by the higher classes of 
 the Presbyterian community, and Mr. Easton's Church by 
 the tradesmen and mechanics of the Presbyterian faith." 
 
 But while the new Church in St. Peter street may have 
 attracted a majority of the families of the class indicated 
 by Mr. Leslie, it certainly did not embrace them all, as 
 the records of the St. Grabriel Street Church show that a fair 
 proportion of all ranks and conditions in the community 
 attended its services. Nor was the latter without a consi- 
 derable sprinkling of Presbyterians from the United States. 
 Nahum Mower, Nahum Hall, Cornelius Peck, Romeo 
 "Wadsworth, Nathan Pierce, John Westover, Jonathan 
 Hagar, J. "W. Northup, Zabdiel Thayer, Joshua Henshaw, 
 Jacob De Witt, Jabez De Witt, Samuel Hedge and Elisha 
 Lyman are, among other names, manifestly of New England 
 origin, to he found in connection with St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, long after the erection of the Church in St. Peter 
 Street. Yet, doubtless, Mr. Leslie's recollections fairly re- 
 presented the general character of the two congregations 
 respectively. 
 
 Mr. Easton's Ministry in St. Peter Street Church con- 
 tinued until 11th July 1824, when the congregation, by a 
 majority,voted themselves in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, taking the name of St. Andrew's Church. The 
 people dealt handsomely by him on his retirement at that 
 date, afibrding him an annuity of <£150, which he received 
 up till his death, in 1851. His name must ever be associ-
 
 182 
 
 ated with the planting of the first offshoot from the 
 parent tree in St. Grabriel Street. The plant grew vigor- 
 ously until, at the date named above, it threw off a shoot 
 in turn, out of which has grown up the stalwart American 
 Presbyterian Church of to day. But the St. Andrew's and 
 American congregations are entitled to have a chapter to 
 themselves, as influential factors in the history of the first 
 century of Presbyterianism in Montreal.
 
 CHAPTEK XII. 
 
 Eight Hev. John Strachax, Bishop of Tokonto— A Candidate for St. 
 Gabriel Street Church in 1802— His Letter of Application— 
 His birth, edvcation and position in Sc»tland — His relations 
 to the Presbytfjiian Church— His subsequent career in Canada. 
 
 The date 1803 was, we have seen, an important period 
 in the history of the St. Gabriel Street Church, involving 
 almost a crisis in its affairs, by reason of the defection of 
 three of the elders and a good many members, owing to 
 the choice of Rev. James Somerville as minister, by the 
 majority of the congregation, rather than of Rev. Robert 
 Forrest, whom they favoured. It is an interesting fact, in 
 the light of subsequent events in Canada, that a third can- 
 didate offered himself for the position on that occasion, 
 although the communication from him came too late for 
 action to be taken on it, the faith of the congregation having 
 been already pledged to Mr. Somerville. This was no less 
 important a j)ersonage than Mr. John Strachan, afterwards 
 the Right Reverend the Bishop of Toronto. The letter 
 was dated " Kingston, 21st September, 1802," and was ad- 
 dressed to Thomas Blackwood, who became afterwards so 
 prominent in church circles in Canada. After some pre- 
 liminary remarks, Mr. Strachan proceeds to define his 
 ecclesiastical position : — 
 
 " I am not licensed to preach, but that -would not occasion more delay 
 than taking orders, the latter of which cannot be obtained in the Church 
 of Scotland before a settlement is procured ; whereas both can be obtained 
 at one and the same time, Avere we agreeing in other respects. The most 
 respectable method would be to take orders in Scotland, were the delay at
 
 184 
 
 all admissible. This would not take up above four months at furthest; 
 and, a? I take it for granted that the members of the church would prefer 
 one educated and ordained at home to a foreigner, this does not api^ear 
 an objection of great magnitude, especially when I recollect that I could 
 be ready before they coulil procure another from Scotland. If it should, 
 however, appear imjiroi^er to leave the church vacant so long, orders, I 
 suppose, may be procured in this country, in a short time. You will oblige 
 me in communicating what of this letter you think proper, to the com- 
 mittee, should they fail in their present solicitation, and it appear to you 
 likely that I may succeed. ****** You will oblige me much 
 by writing, as soon as you can, concerning the church, as it is probable by 
 this time, the matter is determined one way or other; and you will easily 
 conceive that a state of suspense is not very agreeable. If the gentleman 
 has accepted their proposals, it will be unnecessary to mention anything 
 about me. If not, I can appear personally and procure the necessary 
 qualifications, as soon as their determination concerning me shall be 
 known. I ask your forgiveness for so much trouble, and am, 
 
 " My dear sir, &c., 
 
 " JOHN STRACHAN." 
 
 Ill a letter to the same correspoiident, of " 13th October, 
 1802," he expressed regret at his want of success iii obtaiii- 
 ing a settlement iii this city. The following are his words : 
 
 " Montreal affords the advantage of a Library, a luxury unattainable in 
 this Province. The excellent society was a second inducement of much 
 weight, and even the exj^ectation of a jaunt across the Atlantic is to a 
 Scotchman, 5'ou know, a matter of no small importance. My engagement 
 here expires in winter, but that is no bar to an immediate change, was a 
 proper situation casting up."' 
 
 Mr. Blackwood, in furnishing these extracts from the 
 originals in his possession, which he had carefully pre- 
 served along with many other letters from Rev. Dr. 
 Strachan, to Rev. Dr. Harkness of Quebec, in a communi- 
 cation dated " Montreal, 22nd January, 1828," makes this 
 "N B." : 
 
 " Before the letter of 21st September, (1802) came to hand, tlie Rev. 
 James Somerville had been recommended from (.Quebec, and had preached 
 to the congregation, who had approved of him ; so that according to Mr. 
 Strachan's suggestion, noinddic mention was made of him, it being 'unue-
 
 185 
 
 cessary.' However, certain of his speeches and writings of late years, now 
 renders it proper to bring to light a circumstance which would otherwise, 
 probably, never have been known, excei^t to some of his particular friends 
 and acquaintances. 
 
 " T. B." 
 
 Mr. Blackwood took the further precaution of having 
 a notarial copy made of these letters, in the office of Mr. 
 Griffin, N. P., of this city, so that they should remain of 
 record. 
 
 The fact of the existence of these letters was made 
 known at a time when Dr. Strachan, then Archdeacon of 
 York, was fulminating at all the other denominations of 
 the country in general, and, in particular, at the Presby- 
 terians claiming connection with the Church of Scotland, 
 who were demanding recognition as of equal status, in 
 Canada, with the members of the Church of England, and 
 as possessing as valid rights in the income from the 
 Clergy Reserves. He was not a little disconcerted by the 
 discovery of this correspondence, on the part of Hon. 
 William Morris and others, who were waging a vigorous 
 warfare against him, in defence of the claims of the repre- 
 sentatives of the Church of Scotland in the Canadas, as 
 may be gathered from the following extract from a speech 
 made by him in the Legislative Council of Upper Canada, 
 on the 6th of March, 1828, by way of explanation and 
 apology :— 
 
 " But I am accused of being an apostate from the Kirk of Scotland. Were 
 this true, I need not be ashamed of doing what Archbishops Tillotson and 
 Seeker, and Bishop Butler, have done before me, but my case is exactly 
 this: My mother belonged to the Relief denomination, and was peculiarly 
 mild in her religious ojiinions. My father was attached to the Non-Jurants, 
 and although he went occasionally with my mother, he was a frequent 
 hearer of the late Bishop Skinner, to whose church he was in the habit of 
 carrying me. He died when I was very young, but not before my mind 
 was impressed in favor of Episcopacy, and imj^erious circumstances sepa- 
 rated me from my mother, who, nevertheless, lived to bless me on taking 
 orders in the Church of England. My religious principles were well
 
 186 
 
 grounded at a very early period, but I readily confess that in resi^ect to 
 church government, they were sufficiently vague and uninformed; for, to 
 this important subject, my attention was never particularly drawn till I 
 came to this country, when my venerated friend, the late Dr. Stuart, of 
 Kingston, urged me to enter the church, and as- I had never yet commun- 
 icated, that excellent person, whom I loved as a father, admitted me to 
 the altar, a little before I went to Quebec to take Holy Orders, in 1803 • 
 Before I had determined to enter the Church of England, I was induced, 
 by the advice of another friend, the late Mr. Cartwright, a name dear to 
 this Province, to make some enquiry resj^ecting the Presbyterian Church 
 of Montreal, then vacant. I desired a friend, under the seal of confidence, 
 to make these. His answer was that Mr. Somerville had been appointed, 
 and having thanked him for his trouble, I never more thought of the 
 matter. Not so this friend ; for he has not only kept my letter twenty- 
 five years, but he brings it out in the midst of this controversy, for the 
 purpose of injuring me, and shows it to my enemies, though he and I had 
 been living in the habit of friendly intercourse, and in the interchange of 
 good offices for nearly thirty years. Such are the baneful consequences 
 of religious controversies. 
 
 But if any shall infer from the friendship I have always shown to the 
 Kirk of Scotland, and my moderation in the present controversy, that I 
 am luke-warm in the cause of the Established Church, or that I want de- 
 cision and fortitude to avow my principles, they will find themselves 
 egregiously mistaken. In private life, I shall continue kind, as I have 
 ever been, to all denominations, but in supporting the just rights of the 
 Established Church, I shall proceed boldly and fearlessly, and spurn, as 
 I have hitherto done, that cold, calculating, selfish prudence, which would 
 deter me from standing up in her defence." 
 
 The lameness of this defence, I shall endeavour to 
 point out by-and-by. But I must insert here what his 
 biographers have urged in this connection. His old pupil 
 and successor in the See of Toronto, son of the founder of 
 Presbyterianism in Montreal, Dr. Bethune, in his memoir 
 of Bishop Strachan, lays stress upon the fact which the 
 Bishop, in the speech above quoted from, cited in his life- 
 time, — that Dr. Strachan's father, though living " in the 
 midst of Presbyterians," was *' attached to the non-jurors ; 
 and in principle and practice, might be regarded as an 
 Episcopalian." Of the Bishop's mother, he remarks that 
 she " appears to have maintained through life her connec-
 
 187 
 
 tion with the Presbyterians ; but, though differing from 
 her husband in religious creed, she lived with him in the 
 utmost harmony and affection ; and each was kindly tol- 
 erant of the other's opinions." He adds, without vouch- 
 ing for its truth, what I would beg leave to say, would 
 need indubitable evidence to make it credible — "it is 
 stated as a curious fact, that she used to make her children 
 every night, before going to bed, sign themselves with 
 the sign of the cross." 
 
 " The father's religious predilections," the biographer 
 goes on to say, " were, at an early age, shared by his son, 
 the subject of this memoir, who frequently accompanied 
 him tt) St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel in the Grallowgate 
 (Aberdeen), and was a gratified hearer of the then Bishop 
 Skinner. No doubt, the foundation was, at that time laid 
 of those partialities which ripened afterwards into so deci- 
 ded and zealous an adoption of the principles of the 
 church." 
 
 Further on. Dr. Bethune quotes the testimonial which 
 young Strachan obtained from Hev. Dr. Barclay, minister 
 of the Parish of Kettle, on the occasion of his leaving there 
 to sail for Canada, July 20,' 1799 :— 
 
 " The bearer, Mr. John Strachan, student in divinity, taught our school 
 at Kettle, for about two years, with much approbation and success ; always 
 conducting himself with decorum and respectability in his private deport- 
 ment; and is hereby heartily commended to the notice and attention of 
 all into whose hands these presents shall come." 
 
 Bishop Bethune remarks on this document : " The word- 
 ing of this testimonial incidentally disproves the statement 
 which, in various quarters, has been affirmed and believed, 
 that the late Bishop of Toronto was once a licentiate, or 
 probationary minister of the Church of Scotland. He 
 merely, as we have seen, attended the Divinity Lectures 
 at St. Andrews ; but had never taken orders or received a 
 license to preach in that church."
 
 188 
 
 Feunings Taylor, in his sketch of Bishop Strachan, one 
 of the " Last three Bishops appointed by the Crown for 
 the Anglican Church of Canada," declares that Mr. Strachan 
 " had by no religious act of his own become a member of 
 any religious body." And he adds : " Thus it would ap- 
 pear that while, on the one hand, Dr. Strachan, oh his own 
 confession, had deep religious feelings, on the other, 
 he showed by his conduct that he had no well defined 
 theological principles. The latter were an after-growth, 
 the result of clearer knowledge and closer study." In 
 another place, the same writer remarks : " Change of 
 opinion, if it really took place, formed no exception, in the 
 case of Mr. Strachan, to the rule which commonly governs 
 all such changes ; that is to say, — it was gradual, but pro- 
 gressive, unobtrusive, but continuous, where controversy 
 was rather avoided than sought for, and conviction like 
 conversion, was a process rather than a surprise." 
 
 The best friends of the good Bishop could wish that he, 
 in his own lifetime, and his biographers after him, had 
 rested his case altogether on the position taken by Fennings 
 Taylor, in the last sentences just quoted. The right of any 
 one, and especially of a young man, to change his opinions, 
 and surrender the views in which he has been trained, 
 cannot be questioned. Freedom of enquiry is the birth- 
 right of every man. And the particular change which 
 took place in Mr. Strachan's case, was neither so rare nor 
 so strongly reprobated among men, as to render it imper- 
 ative for him and his biographers to do more than assert 
 his right to make it, for good cause shown, without any 
 recourse to hedging with respect to facts and former 
 opinions. But it was the boast of Bishop Strachan's 
 friends, before the fact of his candidature for the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church had been divulged, that he " never 
 ratted." He was pointed to as one who was unswerving 
 in his views. "Whereas, here was an instance of serious
 
 189 
 
 "ratting " at the very beginning of that career which was 
 held to be so undeviating in its course. 
 
 Two or three circumstances seem to have been forgotten 
 or overlooked by the worthy Bishop and his eulogists. 
 The letter to Mr. Blackwood gives no hint of any non- 
 juring proclivities or of Presbyterian dissent either ; but 
 the entire drift of the communication leads to the con- 
 clusion that he wished the Presbyterians of Montreal, at 
 least, to count him as of the Church of Scotland, and as 
 in a situation in which he was assured of license and or- 
 dination in that church for the mere asking. This implies 
 that his divinity course was sufficiently complete for him 
 to be able to claim licensure ; and, further, that this course 
 was taken under the cognizance of the Church of Scotland, 
 as we know it was, in the National University of St. 
 Andrews. The same thing is implied in Dr. Barclay's 
 certificate. He is therein spoken of as a " Student in 
 Divinity," from which the inference is plain, that he was 
 a student in divinity, recognized as such by the church of 
 which Dr. Barclay was a minister. Some persons, it ap- 
 pears, had circulated a rumour in Bishop Strachan's life- 
 time, that he had been a probationer or licentiate of the 
 Presbyterian Church ; but those who were acquainted 
 with the facts, did not need to put any unfair report like 
 that in circulation. All that they had to do was to take 
 the status of Mr Strachan, as he gave it himself, exactly 
 eight months before the date of his ordination by the 
 Right Reverend Bishop Mountain, of Quebec. 
 
 But that is not all. Fennings Taylor claims that Mr. 
 Strachan " had by no religious act of his own become a 
 member of any religious body." Dr. Strachan, too, when 
 Archdeacon of York, alleged that he " had never commun- 
 icated," until Dr. Stuart "admitted" him "to the altar" 
 a little before he went to Quebec, to take holy orders. 
 Why, herein is a marvellous thing, that a student of
 
 190 
 
 Divinity, who had gone through a course, so that he could 
 assure a congregation that if they called him he could 
 qualify in the matter of license and ordination in four 
 months, yet had never communicated, when it always 
 has been assumed that students have entered into fellow- 
 ship with a congregation before being admitted to the 
 Theological classes ! And it is, if possible, still more mar- 
 vellous that he should have been, according to the show- 
 ing of the biographers themselves, a schoolmaster succes- 
 sively in two Scottish parishes, and yet not have been a 
 member of that church, when everyone acquainted with 
 the subject ought to have known, that at that time, no one 
 could be admitted to occupy so important a parochial 
 position, without at least professing to belong to the 
 Established Church, and " declaring his willingness to 
 subscribe the Confession of Faith, or the formula of the 
 Church of Scotland, and to submit himself to the govern- 
 ment and discipline thereof." Did Mr. Strachan get into 
 office at Kettle, under false pretences ? And did he desire 
 to get into office in Montreal, under false pretences ? Those 
 who allege that he never was a member of a Presbyterian 
 Church, in order to free him from the imputation of 
 " ratting," may choose on which horn of the dilemma to 
 hang him. 
 
 The truth seems to be that when Mr. Strachan came to 
 Canada, and afterwards when he offered his services to 
 the St. G-abriel Street Church, the state of his mind, like 
 that of his friend Chalmers in his early ministry at 
 Kilmany, was more intent upon securing academic dis- 
 tinction or professional advantages, as a teacher or 
 preacher, than upon the primary consideration of doing 
 good to his fellow men. Disappointed first in the 
 matter of the assistantship to Professor Brown, of 
 Glasgow, which at one time seemed within his grasp 
 and then escaped him, and afterwards in the promise
 
 191 
 
 of having a new college to establish in Canada, on the 
 strength of which he came to this country, but which 
 also failed him, he was casting around him for some 
 new opening into which he might enter, when the 
 St. G-abriel Street Church vacancy occurred. The position 
 of minister in that church was then one of the few prizes 
 which the country could offer to men's ambition. Mr. 
 Strachau sought it, but was too late in entering the field. 
 The next step to which he seemed shut up, was to try the 
 Church of England, what preferments it might be able to 
 throw in his way. Circumstances having brought him 
 within the pale of that church, his logic set to work, 
 no doubt unconsciously, to justify the step he had 
 taken, not as his first but his second choice, and to fortify 
 his new position. It was then he reached the " well de- 
 fined theological principles," which Fennings Taylor, 
 probably with truth, describes as " an aftergrowth," but 
 whether as " the result of clearer knowledge and closer 
 study," is another question. We may be allowed to apply 
 to this case the phrase which the London Times coined to 
 describe the change which came over Mr. G-ladstone's 
 views regarding the Irish question— the " conviction " 
 may have been "self-imposed." 
 
 It would be altogether pleasanter to write only of 
 the excellencies of this extraordinary man ; but, inas- 
 much as he sought, in his own lifetime, to make little of 
 his former ecclesiastical relations, in a manner unworthy 
 of him, and his biographers, after his decease, did not ad- 
 mit, as with a good grace they might have done, the facts 
 as to his Presbyterian status, I have felt that the imper- 
 ative demands of historical truth must be met by the 
 foregoing criticism. 
 
 But, making due allowance for the zeal for the cause 
 with which Mr. Strachan identified himself, in the cir- 
 cumstances already narrated, such zeal as usually charac-
 
 192 
 
 terizes proselytes, we find much to admire in his character ; 
 and imagination fails to conceive how the face of the 
 entire subsequent history of ecclesiastical affairs in this 
 country, might have been changed, had this man with 
 his, as yet, undeveloped potency and remarkable energy 
 and vigour of character, been chosen for the influential 
 pulpit of the St. G-abriel Street Church, instead of the 
 comparatively feeble, although most amiable, accom- 
 plished, and worthy Mr. Soraerville. 
 
 This redoubtable Canadian ecclesiastic first saw the 
 light at Aberdeen, Scotland, the nursery of not a few 
 famous men, on 12th April, 1778. He was matriculated 
 at an early age, in King's College there, from which he 
 graduated M A., in 1797. Obtaining a situation as teacher 
 near St. Andrews, at c£30 a year, he was able, in 1797, to 
 enter the Divinity class in the University, although his at- 
 tendance was irregular, owing to his duties as a Parish 
 schoolmaster. However, he took out his class-tickets, and 
 delivered the prescribed discourses, and so secured his 
 standing as a student of Divinity. The Parish school of 
 Kettle, the annual income of which was £60, becoming 
 vacant, he was the successful candidate in a public com- 
 petition, although a mere lad. It was here he laid the 
 foundation of his reputation as a successful instructor of 
 youth, having for pupils, amongst others, David Wilkie, 
 afterwards so celebrated as a successful delineator of 
 Scottish life, and Commodore Barclay, sou of the i^arish 
 minister, who lost both his arms in an engagement on 
 Lake Erie, in the war with the United States, in 1812. 
 
 He had, in the meantime, made the acquaintance of 
 Thomas Chalmers, afterwards the famous Scottish preacher 
 and divine, who was at about the same stage of profes- 
 sional preparation as Mr. Strachan himself, and of Thomas 
 Duncan, subsequently Professor of Mathematics in the 
 University of St Andrews. All three were, at this
 
 193 
 
 period, aspirants after literary fame and academic distinc- 
 tion ; and, "when the offer came from Canada of a position, 
 as a teacher, that might ultimately lead to the establish- 
 ment of an important Educational Institution in that 
 country, it was first made to Mr. Duncan, then to Mr. 
 Chalmers, but both declining it, Mr. Strachan was next 
 approached on the subject, and he accepted. 
 
 He reached Kingston on the 31st December, 1VY9, to 
 find that he had to settle down to work as tutor in a 
 private family, that of Mr. Eichard Cartwright, grand- 
 father of Sir Richard Cartwright, ex-Minister of Finance, 
 instead of engaging in the more ambitious enterprize 
 for which he had crossed the Atlantic, of founding 
 a college for the superior education of the youth of the 
 colony. He remained in this position until his ordination, 
 and it was in the interval he offered himself to the St. 
 Grabriel Street congregation. The change in his ecclesias- 
 tical views he ascribed to the influence of the Rev. Dr. 
 Stuart, Rector of Kingston, who, like himself, had been a 
 Presbyterian in his youth. The day of his ordination, he 
 was appointed to the English Church at Cornwall, making 
 the fifth clergyman of that communion then in Upper 
 Canada. To fill up his time and supplement his income, 
 he established a school, and was fortunate enough in a 
 few years to attract capable pupils from all parts of the 
 country. Among them, as we have already seen, were 
 three of the sons of Rev. John Bethune, the founder of 
 the Presbyterian cause in Montreal. James Duncan Gribb, 
 son of Benaiah G-ibb, and George G-regory, son of John 
 G-regory, boys belonging to the St. G-abriel Street Church, 
 were also educated by him ; as were Sir John Beverley 
 Robinson, Chief Justice McLean, Sheriff McLean, Col 
 Gugy, Justices Macaulay, Yankoug^net, Jones and Ridout, 
 Hon. George H. Markland, Hon. John Macaulay, and 
 many others, who afterwards occupied a high position 
 
 N
 
 194 
 
 in the public affairs of the country. His biographer, Bishop 
 Bethune, says that Mr. Strachan never overlooked the 
 interests of the church of his adoption while engaged in 
 his educational work. His "desire" was "to select from 
 his pupils those who had a taste and qualification for the 
 sacred ministry." He was a born educator, and acquired 
 a remarkable ascendancy over the youth under his in- 
 struction. It used to be said of him that he invariably 
 stood by his old pupils in after life, and they, as loyally, 
 stood by him, and thus they climbed the ladder of power 
 together, hand in hand. 
 
 In 1807, he married the widow of the late Andrew 
 McG-ill, of Montreal, which was another point of contact 
 with the Scotch Church in St. G-abriel Street, on the part 
 of Dr. Strachan. This event was an important one in his 
 career. The second daughter of Dr. "Wood, of Cornwall , she 
 was young, beautiful and accomplished ; and, as her late 
 husband had left her rich also, she was a meet companion 
 for Dr. Strachan all through the distinguished career 
 which he afterwards ran. She died in 1865, 81 years of 
 age, after 58 years of wedded happiness with Bishop 
 Strachan. Through his relation to the McGrill family, 
 we may also trace his influence over the early fortunes 
 of McGill College, of which he was offered the first 
 Principalship, but, declining it, was appointed Professor 
 of History and Civil Law in 1823. In 1807, he was 
 made LL.D. by the University of St. Andrew's, where his 
 friend. Professor Duncan, had found a sphere for his 
 talents. In 1811, the University of Aberdeen conferred 
 upon him the degree of D.D. It cannot be charged, there- 
 fore, that if he turned his back upon his country's faith, his 
 fellow Scots gave him the cold shoulder in consequence. 
 The Rev. Dr. Stuart, of Kingston, died in 1811, and 
 although Mr. Cartwright would have preferred to see his 
 friend. Dr. Strachan, appointed to the vacancy there ; yet,
 
 195 
 
 out of deference to the wishes of the widow of the late 
 rector, her son, the Eev. Greorge O'Kill Stuart, who had 
 been in charge of the church at York, which was then, 
 every way, inferior to Kingston, was chosen successor to 
 his father ; and Dr. Strachan was translated from Corn- 
 wall to York, at that time a little town of a few hundred 
 inhabitants, yet an important place, as it was the seat of 
 the Legislature. He lived to see it grow into a great 
 Toronto, " the Queen City " of the Province, and no one 
 felt more pride in its prosperity than he. Some great men 
 have been the creatures of circumstances. That cannot 
 be alleged of Bishop Strachan : he rather dominated his 
 surroundings. Yet, unquestionably, he arrived at York 
 just at the moment when his opportunity also arrived. 
 War having been declared between the United States and 
 G-reat Britain, on the 18th June, 1812, the whole country 
 was thrown into a ferment. At such a time, the true 
 leaders of men are forced to the front. Dr. Strachan's 
 voice sent ringing tones throughout the Province, sum- 
 moning the people to the defence of their hearths and 
 homes. His facile and vigorous pen was that whi(;h took 
 the clear lead on the occasion. He entered the lists with 
 Thomas Jefferson, of Monticello, Ex-President of the 
 United States of America, in the discussion of the inter- 
 national points in dispute, and was able to hold his 
 own in the controversy with that distinguished states- 
 man. He founded " The Loyal and Patriotic Society 
 of Upper Canada," and by his courage, activity and 
 diplomatic skill, he saved Toronto from destruction 
 in 1813, when it was taken by the United States 
 troops. He thus earned an influence in the country ; and 
 he was afterwards rewarded with such honours as the 
 rulers of the day had it in their power to bestow. 
 In 1818, he was appointed a member of the Executive 
 Council of the Province, which was charged with the
 
 196 
 
 administration of public affairs. Towards the end of 
 1820, he was nominated to a seat in the Legislative 
 Council, and for twenty years took an active part in 
 framing the laws of the country. As many of the old 
 fur traders were amongst his warmest friends, he espoused 
 their cause against Lord Selkirk with characteristic 
 warmth and vigour ; and, it may be added, with a good 
 deal of unfairness. The worthy Bishop, with all his clear- 
 ness of intellect, was manifestly not a prophet, as the fol- 
 lowing declaration of his, made in 1816, in connection 
 with the Red River controversy, shows : — " The Grovern- 
 ors and Adventurers trading to Hudson's Bay, may con- 
 gratulate themselves on receiving =€10,000 for a portion 
 of their supposed territory, which, for the purpose of 
 colonizing, is not worth so many farthings ; but to sup- 
 pose, as your Lordship seems to do, that any sum of 
 money can remedy the disadvantages arising from a situa- 
 tion so remote is exceedingly absurd." He then adds that 
 no British Colony will ever approach nearer to it than 
 twelve or thirteen hundred miles, — and urges in effect 
 that the population of the older Canadian settlements 
 could not be expected to spread into it " for at least a 
 thousand years." To this pamphlet, Archibald McDonald 
 replied, with great ability, in a series of letters to the 
 Montreal Herald. 
 
 Bishop Strachan was stoutly loyal to British Institu- 
 tions. He was greatly enamoured especially of the con- 
 stitution of England — King, Lords and Commons, with 
 the Church closely allied to the State, and Bishops sitting 
 in the Legislature. He entered heartily into the views of 
 Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe, when in his address at the 
 first Parliament of Upper Canada, in 1792, he declared it 
 was his desire to see reproduced in the Provincial consti- 
 tution, " the very image and transcript of that of Great 
 Britain." As a foundation for this ideal, the Bishop planned
 
 19t 
 
 to have parishes erected after the model of those of Eng- 
 land, and Grrammar schools established in the great 
 centres of population, to be crowned with a University — 
 all under the control and supervision of the Church of 
 England. But he was baffled in his main schemes, as we 
 shall see when we come to discuss the Clergy Reserves 
 question. He was instrumental in having District 
 schools erected at Cornwall, Kingston and Niagara, and, 
 at a later period, in founding Upper Canada College in 
 Toronto. The University of King's College was established 
 in 182Y, as the coping-stone of the educational edifice 
 which he had planned, — one of its provisions being that 
 the Archdeacon of York, the dignity to which he had just 
 been elevated, should be at all times its President. But, 
 in 1849, the Reformers, whom he thought dreadful people, 
 being in power, dropped the name of King's College, and 
 called the institution "The University of Toronto." Farther, 
 they not only abolished the Episcopalian faculty of Di- 
 vinity which he had created, but went so far as to declare 
 clergymen ineligible to a seat in the senate of the Univer- 
 sity. It was then he started the movement for the erec- 
 tion of Trinity College, Toronto, putting down ^4,000 for 
 himself to head the subscriptions. He afterwards raised 
 for it in England, by his own exertions, $60,000. 
 
 In August, 1839, Archdeacon Strachan was consecrated 
 Bishop of Toronto, with the whole of Upper Canada for 
 his See. 
 
 In 1836, the Legislative Assembly remonstrated against 
 his holding a seat, along with the Roman Catholic Bishop 
 of Regiopolis, in the Legislative Council ; and the views 
 of the popular house of Parliament were upheld by Lord 
 G-lenelg, the Colonial Secretary of the day. This put the 
 lively little Bishop on his mettle ; he stood upon his rights ; 
 he had been appointed by his sovereign at no solicitation 
 of his own, and he was not going to abandon his position
 
 198 
 
 at the beck of Canadian agitators. And he maintained 
 his ground, until the terms of the Union Act were passed 
 in January, 1840. He protested vigorously against the 
 Union, as it was his opinion that the interests of Protest- 
 antism would have to be sacrificed to the overshadowing 
 influence of the Church of Rome in the councils of the 
 country. He took substantially the same view that the 
 Mail is propounding so eloquently to-day. From this time 
 forward, his schemes in the matter of an Established 
 Church and an Anglican University having been thwarted, 
 he withdrew largely from public affairs and gave himself 
 up to the duties of his Episcopal office, which he dis- 
 charged with singular laboriousness, fidelity and zeal. 
 He died on 1st November, 186*7, in the 90th year of his 
 age. 
 
 It might be safe to say that no person in Canada has 
 ever wielded so all-powerful an influence in the directing 
 of public affairs, as he did, for a period of nearly thirty 
 years. And he remained essentially a Scot to the end of 
 his days. His accent was broadly Aberdonian to the last. 
 He had the taste for controversy that is supposed to belong 
 to his countrymen. There was no mistaking his face for 
 that of an Englishman or an Irishman : it was of the dis- 
 tinctively Scottish type. And although he roused the ire 
 of good Presbyterians in 1838, by charging Calvin with 
 " pride " in opposing Episcopacy, and was wont to say to 
 his Presbyterian fellow countrymen, when he met them, 
 half in jest and half in earnest, " have you not by this 
 time purged yourself of the heresy of John Knox ? " in 
 everything, save Episcopal ordination, he remained a dis- 
 ciple of Calvin and Knox. His preaching was of the 
 orthodox Scotch type ; as his character was the product 
 of ages of such teaching. Namby-pamby sentimentalities 
 never yet yielded a John Strachan ; and if the Knox- 
 Calvin element had been taken away, there would have 
 been little left, and it not the most estimable part of him.
 
 199 
 
 In spite of his high toryism and lofty notions on Epis- 
 copacy, he was kind and gentle towards his clergy, and 
 full of consideration for their comfort. Many character- 
 istic anecdotes are told of him. He would not yield to 
 popular clamour in anything. A deputation once waited 
 upon him to complain of the tiresomeness of their clergy- 
 man's preaching, alleging that he had delivered the same 
 discourse over so often that it had become familiar to them 
 as the Lord's .Prayer. The Bishop heard all they had to 
 say, and then asked the spokesman, ""What was the text ?" 
 He hummed and stammered, and had to confess that he 
 ^ould not recall it. Then, addressing the next man, he 
 asked, " "What was the text ?" and so he went round them 
 all, without eliciting an answer, and concluded by bid- 
 ding them go home and ask their minister to go on 
 preaching that same sermon until they had at least learned 
 the text. 
 
 But he could take the clergy " down " as well as the 
 people. His mission and confirming tours were most 
 laborious campaigns, and it was found to be a very serious 
 undertaking for those who went with him to continue 
 bearing him company to the end ; as he often had as many 
 as three appointments on a single day. Various were the 
 excuses they had to contrive for breaking off their engage- 
 ment and returning home. A clergyman, who afterwards 
 rose to a high dignity in the church, came to the Bishop 
 on one of these tours, with a letter in his hand, and a very 
 solemn expression in his face, saying, " My Lord, I have 
 just received a letter from my wife, and I am sorry to say 
 she is very ill and requires my presence at once." "Aye, 
 aye," replied the far-sighted ecclesiastic, " I've been ex- 
 pecting that letter for several days." He had noticed 
 tokens of weariness on the part of his chaplain. 
 
 " My young friend, you have preached only half of the 
 Gospel this morning," he said to one whom he regarded
 
 200 
 
 as an extremist iu his teaching, " I must preach the other 
 half this afternoon." 
 
 " Sit doon, sir, ye're talking nonsense," was rather a 
 laconic method of bringing a wordy harangue to an 
 abrupt conclusion. "Well, I am in the hands of the 
 meeting," replied the speaker. " Nae, nae, ye're not, ye're 
 in my hands, — sit doon, sir," reiterated the Bishop in 
 Rhaetian tones.
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Friendly Relations between the English and Scotch Churches in Mont- 
 real — Rev. D. C. Delislb, the first Protestant Clbrgitvian in the 
 City — Succeeded by Rev. James Tunstall, and he by Rev. S. 
 Jehoshaphat Mountain, D.D.— Medieval Claims of Church of 
 England resisted by the Church of Scotland — Christ Church 
 Congregation worship in St. Gabriel Street Church from 1803 
 to 1814 — Opening of the first Christ Church. 
 
 At this particular period, the members of the Church of 
 Scotland were thrown into very intimate relations with 
 those of the Church of England. Indeed, from the first, 
 there was a good understanding between the representa- 
 tives of these two influential religious communities. The 
 fact that a large proportion of the prominent British mer- 
 chants in the city were Scotch, and had been brought up 
 as Presbyterians, contributed not a little to the creation of 
 a friendly feeling on the part of the English Church 
 towards their Scotch neighbours. Many of those who went 
 to make up the " Protestant Congregation of Montreal" 
 had been Presbyterians in their youth, and became con- 
 nected with the Episcopal Church out of necessity, as the 
 first Protestant congregation planted in the city, and the 
 only one for several years. Among the " Protestant inhabit- 
 ants of Montreal " that subscribed the address to the 
 Bishop of Nova Scotia, in 1Y89, were Adam Scott, Alex- 
 ander Henry, James McGill, James Finlay, Thomas 
 Forsyth, James Dunlop, John Lilly, James Laing, James 
 Morrison, J. Gr. Turner, John Eussel, William Hunter, 
 John McArthur, Eobert Simpson, Finlay Fisher, William
 
 202' 
 
 England and John Kay, all Scottish Presbyterians, — Mr. 
 Scott, occupying at that time the position of a church- 
 warden. Several of them returned, decidedly, to the 
 Church of their fathers, as soon as Mr. Young began 
 his ministry in Montreal ; while others of them appear 
 to have been divided in their allegiance between the two 
 communions — not breaking off their connection with the 
 Church of England entirely, and yet giving countenance 
 and aid to the movement to establish a Presbyterian 
 cause in the city. The fur traders being Scotch, for 
 the most part, and the early supporters of the Church 
 of England, but being also generally Presbyterian in 
 their views and sentiments, and worshipping half the 
 day according to the forms of the one Church, and the 
 other half after those of the other, constituted so many 
 middle men, and were the means of bringing both the 
 clergy and the membership of the two communions into 
 close and friendly contact. At that early period, the found- 
 ation was laid of that good understanding which has 
 almost always since subsisted between both the clergy and 
 the laity of these churches in the city. Then, when 
 the relations of the two Christian communities elsewhere 
 had been strained, owing to the agitation of public ques- 
 tions at issue between them, more than once, in the history 
 of the past, there never was a suspension of intercourse 
 between them in Montreal. Courtesy has uniformly char- 
 acterized the bearing of Episcopalians to Presbyterians 
 here ; and one element governing the situation probably 
 has been the considerable number of Scotch families em- 
 braced, from one cause or another, in the Anglican com- 
 munion, leavening it with a sentiment more cordial, 
 especially towards Presbyterians, than it has exhibited in 
 some other places. Then, the mental hospitality displayed 
 by the Scots in connecting themselves with the (^-hurch of 
 England, and even taking office in it, before any Presby-
 
 203 
 
 terian congregation was organized in the city, was beauti- 
 fully reciprocated, we have seen, by the assistance many 
 Episcopalians rendered in the building of the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church, and by the occupation of pews in it after- 
 wards, thus begetting respect for their communion in the 
 hearts of those who had been accustomed to give no 
 quarter to prelacy. The early free commingling of the 
 adherents of the two churches produced a tolerant spirit, 
 which has happily continued in good measure down to the 
 present day. 
 
 The first Protestant Minister resident in Montreal was 
 the Rev. David Charbrand Delisle. He was one of three 
 clergymen, of Swiss extraction, who were employed by 
 the Church of England to labour among the French 
 Canadians. He must have commenced his work shortly 
 after the conquest, as he began to keep a Register for the 
 " Parish of Montreal " on October 5th, 1166, and he had 
 probably been engaged in ministerial work some time 
 before things were matured enough to warrant this step. 
 The advent into Canada of French Protestants, at this 
 juncture, as representatives of the Church of England, was 
 in pursuance of the policy of the British authorities, who 
 hoped, and expected, by means of clergymen speaking 
 their own language, to convert the French Canadians to 
 Protestantism, and thereby secure their loyalty to Eng- 
 land. This hope of winning the habitants to the faith of 
 the Church of England, was doomed to disappointment, 
 and after a fifty years' trial it was entirely abandoned. 
 
 Mr. Delisle filled the double office of Rector of the 
 Parish of Montreal and Chaplain to the Garrison. For 
 fifteen years, he and his people were beholden to the Recol- 
 let Fathers for accommodation. But in 1789 they peti- 
 tioned Lord Dorchester for the use of the chapel belonging 
 to the Jesuits' College, which stood near about where the 
 Court House now stands, and was Government property, —
 
 204 
 
 alleging in their plea the hardship of being so long neces- 
 sitated to lie under obligation to their Roman Catholic 
 neighbours for a place of meeting. The Grovernor Greneral 
 granted their request on the 14th September, 1*789, and 
 they set to work to fit up the chapel for public worship, 
 which they did at considerable expense ; and it was 
 opened for divine service on the 20th of December, 1*789. 
 Four days previously they resolved to adopt the name of 
 " Christ Church." Up to this time they were known as the 
 '' Protestant Congregation of Montreal." Mr. Delisle was 
 an ardent Freemason, and was a prominent member of 
 St. Peter's lodge from September, 1780, to August, 1*782, 
 at which date he asked leave to withdraw from it, on the 
 ground that it was inconvenient for him to continue his 
 attendance at meetings. Many of those afterwards 
 prominent in the St. G-abriel Street Church were married 
 by him ; Peter McFarlaue and Mary Groodman, in 1*769 — 
 Robert Simpson and Mary Weight ; Simon Fraser and 
 G-enevieve Lefevre, in l*7tO — John Porteus and Josette 
 Cargueville, 1Y*71 — Thomas Porteous and Mary G-erard, 
 in 1*773 — Donald Grant and Jane Baker ; James McGill 
 and Mrs. Charlotte Guillemin, in 1776 — John Grant and 
 Margaret Beattie, in 1777 — John Gregory and Isabella 
 Ferguson, 1778 — Joseph Frobisher and Charlotte Jobert 
 in 1779 — Rev. John Bethune and Veronique Waden, on 
 80th September, 1782 — Thomas Sullivan and Margaret 
 Dackstader; Dr. Blake and Mary Suuderland,in 1783 — Alex. 
 Henry and Mrs. Marie Lavoie; Philip Ross and Jane Grant, 
 in 1784 — Alex. Henry (again) and Mrs. Julia Kitson,l785 — 
 Peter McFarlane (again) and Mary Ann McNamara, widow, 
 in 1789 — Benaiah Gibb and Katherine Campbell, in 
 1790 — Samuel Gerard and Ann Grant, in 1792 — Thomas 
 Busby and Margaret La Casse ; John Grant and Catherine 
 Campbell, in 1793. Mr. Delisle also baptized two children 
 for Robert Aird, the first, John, in 1782, and the second.
 
 205 
 
 John, in 1^84. Two of Rev. John Bethune's children, 
 Mary and Christie, were also baptized by him. In 1Y91, 
 Rev. James Tunstall became assistant to Mr. Delisle, and 
 on the death of the latter he succeeded to the Rectorate, 
 with Rev. Philip Toosey as curate. 
 
 We have seen that Bishop Mountain had endeavoured 
 to reproduce on Canadian soil all the distinctions and 
 privileges claimed by the parochial clergy of the Church 
 of England at home ; and in consequence had sought to 
 inhibit, in the Quebec district, any other Protestant denom- 
 ination from obtaining Registers in which to insert Acts 
 of Marriage, Baptism, or Burial. The avowed aim of the 
 Pitt Ministry was to reproduce English institutions in 
 Canada. Its constitution was to be the very image and 
 transcript of that of G-reat Britain, as one of the Canadian 
 Grovernors put it. With this view, Bishop Mountain 
 was assigned a seat in both the Executive and Legislative 
 Council of Lower Canada, in the year 1Y96, as a Lord 
 Spiritual in the community, corresponding to ihe Arch- 
 bishop of Canterbury, in England, who, in virtue of 
 his office, has a right to a seat in Her Majesty's Privy 
 Council, The Bishop of Quebec was, therefore, only 
 carrying out the policy prescribed to him, when the British 
 G-overnment gave him his appointment, in the high claims 
 which he asserted. In 1791, two years before there was 
 a Bishop in Quebec, and while Montreal was included in 
 the Diocese of Nova Scotia, there seems to have been an 
 attempt made to claim superior privileges in this city also, 
 although apparently with indifferent success. At a meet- 
 ing of the Churchwardens and Yestry of Christ Church, 
 on Sunday, October 23rd, 1*791, " the Church clerk hav- 
 ing represented that the funerals, marriage and baptism 
 service are sometimes performed without his attendance 
 or his being notified, the churchwardens resolve that the 
 same is irregular, and to signify their sentiments thereof
 
 206 
 
 to the ministers." This was in the days of Rev. John 
 Young, and he and his people were equal to the occasion. 
 On November 5th, 1791, " the churchwardens' letter, of 
 2Yth October, to the elders of the Presbyterian Church, 
 being returned to them open, by the hands of Mr. Bowen, 
 the Church clerk, with a verbal message from Mr. Young, 
 the minister, they consider the same as a refusal of the 
 proposal to join together moneys collected in charities." 
 The Presbyterians of the Church of Scotland asserted their 
 independence on this occasion, although they did not 
 obtain Registers until 1796. There was to be a long and 
 bitter contest before the Church of England would sur- 
 render their exclusive pretensions ; but the representatives 
 of the Church of Scotland never, for a moment, acknow- 
 ledged those claims, nor faltered in holding that, as mem- 
 bers of one of the National Churches of the United King- 
 dom, they were entitled to the same rights and privileges in 
 the Colonies as the Church of England enjoyed. In our days, 
 when all Protestant communions here are on an equality 
 in the eye of the law, it is difficult to realize how reason- 
 able men could at any time have put forth the mediaeval 
 claims which the Episcopal Church so long did in this 
 country. But whatever irritation may have existed else- 
 where on account of the high pretensions of the Church of 
 England, things seem to have settled down easily in this 
 city, and as there were no very serious practical matters 
 involved in the question, for many years, there was a tacit 
 acknowledgement of the fairness of the claims put forward 
 on behalf of the Church of Scotland. 
 
 As has been already remarked, Rev. John Young was 
 called upon, on several occasions, to officiate for the Rector 
 of Christ Church at baptisms, and burials, in the years 
 1798 to 1800. The good understanding, thus seen to exist 
 between the two communions, made the arrangement, by 
 which they should occupy the church in St. Grabriel Street
 
 201 
 
 jointly, quite an easy one. And it said much for the good 
 sense, not to say Christian charity of the clergymen of the 
 two churches, that they were willing to accommodate 
 each other — and these kindly relations lasted for eleven 
 years. Rev. James Somerville was the minister of the 
 St. G-abriel Street Church during this period, and Rev. S. 
 J. Mountain, D.D., was the Rector of Christ Church. 
 
 Dr. Mountain was the elder brother of the first bishop 
 of Quebec, and was one of the thirteen Mountains that 
 were carried in the same ship across the Atlantic, and 
 landed at Quebec on All Saints Day, 1*793. He was of 
 Huguenot extraction, and was of the same family as Michel 
 de Montaigne, the celebrated essayist. Jacobe de Mon- 
 taigne being obliged to leave France, for conscience sake, 
 settled in the County of Norfolk, England ; and his 
 descendants, accommodating themselves to their new sur- 
 roundings, not only gave their French name an English 
 dress, but became stoutly loyal to the institutions of the 
 country of their adoption. The Rev. Jacob Mountain, one 
 of them, entered the ministry of the Church of England, 
 an act that showed that the family had become thoroughly 
 imbued with the sentiments of their new found home ; for 
 the English Church embodies the peculiar bent of the 
 people's mind more thoroughly, perhaps, than any other 
 institution in existence among them. Jehoshaphat Moun- 
 tain, who occupied the pulpit of the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, one-half each Sunday for nearly eleven years, was 
 the eldest son of this Jacob Mountain, and was born at 
 Norwich, England, where his father was Rector of the 
 Parish of St. Andrew's. "When his brother was appointed 
 bishop of Quebec, and ordained to that office on the 7th of 
 July, 1793, Jehoshaphat resolved to accompany him to 
 Canada, and share with him in the labpurs, which, as a 
 missionary bishop, he had to lay his account for, in a 
 sparsely settled colony. A good anecdote is told in con-
 
 208 
 
 nection with the selection of Dr. Jacob Mountain for the 
 newly erected Canadian See. It is alleged that he was 
 presented at Court to George III, just at the the time 
 when the Royal mind was occupied with procuring a suit- 
 able clergyman for the position in question, in response 
 to petitions from the colony. As the story goes, the 
 king remarked that he wished he could find a clergyman 
 who would be willing to go to Canada, to fill the ofiice of 
 Bishop of Quebec, when Dr. Mountain quickly answered, 
 '' Say unto this Mountain, remove hence to yonder place; 
 and it shall remove ; " and the royal mandate accordingly 
 went forth. If this did not take place, it ought to have 
 taken place. It would have been a display of ready wit, 
 not unworthy of a scion of the House of the Montaignes. 
 
 There was a special fitness in the coming of this family 
 of French descent, to a province in which French customs 
 and laws, as well as the French language, predominated. 
 And they proved a decided acquisition to Canada. They 
 were all imbued with a missionary spirit, and gave them- 
 selves up heartily to the promotion of the spiritual 
 interests of the country. Of the seven clergymen of the 
 Church of England in Lower Canada in 1813, four were 
 Mountains. The estimation in which Dr. Mountain was 
 held in this city may be inferred from the following 
 obituary notice, which appeared in the Herald of April 
 12th, 1817 :— 
 
 " Died here, on Thursday last, aged 70, the Rev. Jehosha- 
 phat Mountain, D.D., official of Lower Canada, and Rector 
 of Christ Church in this city. He was a man endeared to 
 all his friends and relations by extraordinary generosity 
 and warmness of heart : the former had only to make their 
 wants known to him, and he assisted them more than they 
 expected ; he anticipated the wishes of the latter. In him 
 the poor have lost a steady friend — their loss is irrepara- 
 ble. He was industrious in finding them out ; his donations
 
 209 
 
 were distributed with great judgment and regularity ; his 
 liberality knew no distinction of countries or sects, and his 
 bounty went quite beyond what, in common cases, would 
 be called charity. The energies of this excellent man's mind 
 were much impaired and debilitated of late years by the 
 declining nature of old age, leaving little more than the 
 inherent wish (which seemed to be in him) of protecting 
 the poorest classes. He met death with uncommon com- 
 posure, and even with cheerfulness, wishing to see every 
 one who enquired after him, a pleasing omen to his afflicted 
 family, that he reclined on his Saviour, and that his spirit 
 was about to join those of good men made perfect. Some 
 are to be found who denied Dr. Mountain the qualities for 
 which his character was so superior, and for which his 
 memory will be recollected with blessings ; but let them 
 remember that a life passed like his must not be tarnished 
 by little singularities or by their unguarded way of repre- 
 senting trivial incidents. May they meet death with the 
 same mind as he did, and leave behind them half as many 
 proofs of their excellence. 
 
 " His was the first corpse ever brought into the new 
 Christ Church. He was the first minister of the Church. 
 It was the first time the organ was played upon such an 
 occasion, and it was by his liberality it stands there. He 
 was the venerable head of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Churches in these provinces in rank as well as in years. 
 The powerful effects of these circumstances, few could 
 withstand, the silent tear bedewed each countenance while 
 viewing the awful and affecting spectacle before them." 
 
 Dr. Mountain was succeeded as Rector by Rev. John 
 Leeds, who had been his curate for some time. In 181^, 
 shortly before Dr. Mountain's decease, a somewhat vigor- 
 ous correspondence was carried on in the Herald, touching 
 the fidelity to duty of the Anglican clergymen of the city. 
 The accusation was that they had refused to attend the 
 o
 
 210 
 
 funeral of Conrad Happel, a respectable G-erman citizen, 
 who had claims vipon their attention, as their critics 
 alleged, — necessitating the calling in of Mr. Somerville to 
 discharge the last offices. Mr. Leeds, it was said, declined 
 to go to perform the burial service, because it would inter- 
 fere with his dinner. He contradicted this statement ; 
 but the attack made upon him injured his usefulness, and 
 so, after a year's occupancy of the position of Rector, an 
 exchange was effected between him and the late Dean 
 Bethune, as has been already noticed, — he removing to 
 Brock ville. 
 
 The following interesting minute is found in the records 
 of the Temporal Committee of the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church : — 
 
 " 13th June, 1803. 
 
 " The secretary produced a note from the Vestry and 
 Churchwardens of the Church of England of this city, 
 in name and on behalf of their congregation, addressed 
 to the elders and committee of the Church of Scotland, 
 stating the destruction of their church by the late fire, 
 which has deprived them of their place of divine worship ; 
 and requesting the use of our church for that purpose, 
 and other parochial duties, until they are otherwise pro- 
 vided." 
 
 " The elders and committee having taken the said request 
 into due consideration, and willing to give every aid in 
 their power to promote religion and the good of the Church 
 of England, as neighbours and fellow-citizens, have unani- 
 mously resolved that the said request be granted, so far as 
 the committee and session are concerned, until we are 
 provided with a clergyman of our own, and afterwards, 
 on such days and at such hours as may be agreed on by 
 both parties." 
 
 The arrangement was satisfactorily made and continued
 
 211 
 
 for years, forming one of the many interesting episodes in 
 the history of the venerable edifice. 
 
 On the 29th December, 1804, a meeting was held of 
 those interested in the erection of a Protestant Episcopal 
 Church. Rev. Dr. Mountain presided, and among others 
 present were Joseph Frobisher, E. W. Grray, David Ross, 
 and John Piatt, whose connection with the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church has been noted. A committee was ap- 
 pointed to prepare plans and prosecute the undertaking. 
 The committee called for tenders in January, 1805, but 
 the congregation was so comfortably housed in the Scotch 
 Church, and the two clergymen and their flocks got along 
 so amicably, while meeting at separate hours in the same 
 edifice, that the new Christ Church was a long time in 
 building. Money was not very plentiful among the ad- 
 herents of that church, and so long as the arrangement 
 with the Presbyterians continued satisfactory, there was 
 no great urgency to push on the erection to completion. 
 
 It would seem that from 1803 to 1809, the members of 
 Christ Church paid nothing for the accommodation afford- 
 ed them in the Scotch Church, further than bearing the 
 expense of heating the building during the hours they 
 occupied it ; but, when it was resolved, in 1809, to put a 
 tin roof upon the St. G-abriel Street Church, and make 
 extensive repairs and additions to the interior, assistance 
 was sought by the temporal committee from their Episco- 
 pal friends, and it was proposed that, for the future, Christ 
 Church should pay <£50 a year as their contribution to 
 the repair fund. Accordingly, certain of the proprietors 
 of the Scotch Church expressed their willingness to give 
 up their pews to the churchwardens of the Episcopal con- 
 gregation, during their usual hours of service. 
 
 When the repairs were completed, the following letter 
 was sent from the temporal committee to the authorities 
 of Christ Church : —
 
 212 
 
 " Montreal, 11th Nov., 1809. 
 
 " Gbxtle>lbn, — I am desired by the Coinmitttee of Proprietors of the 
 Scotch Presbyterian Church of this city, to intimate to you that the said 
 Church, having undergone the neceessary repairs, will be opened for divine 
 service on Sundav, the 12th inst. 
 
 WILLIAM IRELAND, 
 Secretary. 
 Messrs., the Wardens of "I 
 the English Church, Montreal." j 
 
 It was some months, however, before the arrangements 
 were perfected, and. meantime, the following letter was 
 received from the English Churchwardens : — 
 
 " Montreal, 27th Aug., 1810. 
 
 " Gbntlesiex, — The Episcopal congregation, being desirous of returning 
 to your Church until their Church can be finished, request, by the subr 
 scribing Churchwardens, to be informed on what terms you will allow the 
 church service to be performed there. Also, that we should be allowed to 
 fix and raise such rates on the pews in the said church, as shall be requisite 
 to raise a fund to enable us to pay the rent and discharge the contingent 
 expenses attending the said church. 
 
 A speedy answer will greatly oblige, 
 Gentlemen, 
 Your most obedient and humble servants, 
 
 J. G. BEEK, 
 JAMES WOOLRICH, 
 GEO. CLARK." 
 
 The following was the answer : — 
 
 Montreal, 4th September, 1810. 
 " Gentlejibn, — We received your letter of the 27th ult., but before we 
 could give an answer, it was necessary' to consult tlio proprietors of pews in 
 the Scotch Church, in order to get their consent, that you should have the 
 free use of the i)ews so iis to enable you to fix and raise such rents on them, 
 as may be necessary for the purposes you mention. Having now got the 
 consent of nearly the whole, you may have the free use of the Scotch 
 Church during Sunday for the performance of divine worship, at any time 
 between half-past twelve and three, p.m., for which you will pay to us, or 
 either of us, in the course of this month, the sum of £50 currency, and, 
 also, one-half the fire- wood that may be required to keep the church warm 
 during the winter.
 
 213 
 
 Some proprietors of seats wish to reserve them for their own use, during 
 your service ; others have given them up to particular people, but in either 
 case, it is understood that the occupier shall pay you the annual rent that 
 you shall fix for such class of pews ; but which, it is understood, shall not 
 exceed what may be a reasonable estimate for the purposes expressed in 
 your letter ; and we herewith hand you a list of the pews, specifying those 
 that are retained or given to particular people on these conditions. 
 
 Notwithstanding what is said above, with respect to the time of divine 
 service, it is understood, that when either of the clergymen are to admin- 
 ister the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, they shall, on such occasions, 
 accommodate each other as to times. 
 
 We are, Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient servants, 
 
 A. AULDJO, 1 
 
 J. OGILVY, I Committee for Man- 
 
 J. BLACKWOOD, \ aging the Temporalities 
 
 T. BLACKWOOD, | 0/ the Church. 
 
 W. IRELAND. J 
 
 " To Messrs. J. G. BEEK, 
 
 JAS. WOOLRICH, 
 GEO. CLARK. 
 
 These proposals being mutually satisfactory, an arrange- 
 ment was entered into that lasted until the new Christ 
 Church was ready for divine service, in 1814. The follow- 
 ing account of the opening of that fine edifice, which used 
 to stand on Notre Dame street, about where Henderson 
 and Company's Fur "Warehouse now is, and which was 
 destroyed by fire on the 10th of December, 1856, appeared 
 in the Gazette of Thursday, the 13th October, 1814 :— 
 
 " The new Episcopal Church was opened for divine service on Sunday 
 last. An appropriate and excellent sermon was preached on the occasion 
 to a large and respectable congregation, by Rev. Dr. Mountain. This truly 
 elegant structure reflects the highest credit on the taste of the Directors 
 who had the superintendence of its construction, and, when finislied, will 
 be a handsome ornament to this growing and important city." 
 
 The Imperial Parliament voted .£4000 " towards furnish- 
 ing the Protestant Parish Church* in Montreal," and sub-
 
 214 
 
 scripiions were also obtained from individual friends in 
 England. The church served its day well ; but when it 
 was burnt, the authorities resolved to anticipate the move- 
 ment of the population towards the suburbs, and so selected 
 the site of the present Christ Church, the foundation stone 
 of which was laid on 21st May, 1857. The old Christ 
 Church had doors opening on both Notre Dame and St. 
 James Streets ; and apropos of this fact, a good story is 
 told of a Highland Regiment, at one time quartered 
 in the city. The great body of the men were Scotch 
 Presbyterians, as their Colonel also was ; but the orders 
 of the Commandant of the District were that the Church 
 parade should be to Christ Church. These orders were 
 obeyed ; the regiment marched along and entered the 
 church at the Notre Dame street door, but went on, tramp, 
 tramp, right through the building and out of the door at 
 the farther end, into St. James Street, turned to the right, 
 and walked straight to St. G-abriel Street Church, where 
 they joined in a service that was more to their mind.
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The Business of the Church transacted by the Elders — The Rules and 
 Regulations, framed in 1804, gave proprietors of Pews supreme 
 CONTROL — A Committee constituted the Executive of the Congre- 
 gation, WITH large powers — Those Rules asd Regulations de- 
 nounced, after 1844, as erastian by Mr. Esson — Revised akd 
 altered essentially in 1845— The last By-Laws, drawn up in 
 1867. 
 
 It was in 1804, within a few months of the beginning 
 of Mr. Somerville's ministry, that the first attempt at 
 drawing up a constitution for the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church was made. Up till that time, the elders of the 
 congregation appear to have been charged with the chief 
 responsibilities of the church. There was, indeed, a tem- 
 poral committee in existence during the period of Mr. 
 Young's incumbency, and they had to undertake very 
 serious work, we have seen. But their sphere of operations 
 was not well defined ; the elders were the recognized 
 authorities of the congregation, and from them the pew 
 rights of the proprietors were held, in the first instance, 
 as the following form of deed used in 1792, shows : — 
 
 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, Montreal: Pew No. 34. 
 
 KNOW all men by these presents, that we the Undersigned, Elders of the 
 Presbyterian Protestant Church in the city of Montreal, named The 
 Church of Scotland, for and in consideration of the sum of (Nine Pounds) 
 lawful money of the Province of Lower Canada, in hand paid to the Trea- 
 surer of the said Church, before the execution of these presents, Have and 
 hereby Do, Grant, Bargain, Sell and Assign unto A. B., (of the city 
 of Montreal, a pew, number thirty-four) in the said Church ; to have and 
 TO HOLD the said Pew unto the said A. B., his Heirs, Executors, Admin-
 
 216 
 
 istrators and Assigns, for ever, subject to the following Charge where- 
 unto the Purchaser doth hereby voluntarily bind himself, his Heirs 
 and Assigns, that is to say : — To the annual payment of Four pounds 
 six shillings and eight pence, lawful Money aforesaid, being the annual 
 rate of the said Pew, towards defraying the Minister's stipend, Gerk's 
 salary and other incidental charges ; which sum shall be paid on the 
 first day of January in each year to the Treasurer of the said Church, 
 the first payment to be made on the first day of January next. 
 Provided nevertheless, that the said annual payment shall only extend 
 and be binding on the present purchaser during his life, or his residence 
 in this Province, and not on his Heirs and Descendants, unless they 
 choose to become Proprietors of said Pew at the above rate. 
 
 And whereas the above annual payment is to be considered as part of 
 the consideration IMoney whereon the sale is made ; Therefore, in case of 
 non-payment thereof to the Treasurer of the said Church, the property of 
 the said Pew is to revert to the Church, to be sold by the Elders thereof to 
 the highest bidder, sul>ject to the same rate ; the arrears then due to be 
 paid out of the produce, and the residue should any there be paid to the 
 former Proprietor. Ix Witness whereof the said Elders and the Purchaser 
 have to two parts hereof severally set their hands and seals, at Montreal 
 aforesaid, this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord One 
 Thousand seven hundred and ninetv-two. 
 
 Signed, Sealed and Delivered ^ C. D. [L.S.] 
 
 E. F. [L.S.] 
 
 A. B. 
 
 In presence of > 
 
 I hereby transfer all my right, claim, and title to Pew No. 34, in the 
 Church of Scotland in this city, over to Mr. Alexander Glass, of the same 
 place, grocer, having received value for the same. 
 
 Montreal, 21st Aug., 1822. 
 
 For self and heirs of the estate of the late A. B., 
 
 A. B. 
 
 This was a safe course for a colonial congregation to take. 
 Everything done at that period was imitative. The essen- 
 tial feature of our church is government by representa- 
 tives of congregations, called elders. A Presbyterian 
 Church, planted in a new community, may not always be 
 able to conform to its prototype in every particular ; but 
 it will at least have its " elders." True, their office is, for
 
 21*7 
 
 the most part, a spiritual one ; the oversight of the flock, 
 the care of of the young, ministration to the poor and visit- 
 ing the sick, are their special functions. Yet, in Scotland, 
 it often happened, at the end of last century, that the 
 management of parochial affairs generally, so far as they 
 affected the congregation, was in the hands of the Kirk 
 Session. The practice with which the people, therefore, 
 were acquainted in the mother country, rather than the 
 theory of the Church of Scotland, was that which they 
 naturally followed, when they first organized a Presby- 
 terian congregation in Montreal. The elders were made 
 the administrators of its affairs generally, temporal as well 
 as spiritual. 
 
 When, in the course of events, the cause grew, as it 
 did under the popular preaching of Mr. Young, and the 
 rapid increase in the Scottish population, this simple and 
 primitive arrangement was found insufficient. Men, 
 whose religious qualifications were high, did not neces- 
 sarily display any special aptitude for business, and, there- 
 fore, were not always those whom the congregation would 
 select to manage their temporal affairs. Hence followed the 
 appointment of a temporal committee. But that committee 
 must often have been at sea to know how far their duties 
 carried them, and it would be inconvenient to be calling 
 the people together, from time to time, to obtain instruc- 
 tion from them, on every matter that emerged. The natural 
 thing to do was to get general instructions from the 
 congregation, covering such matters as experience had 
 shown to be likely to arise in the ordinary administration 
 of affairs. Accordingly, it was resolved, at a meeting of 
 the proprietors of pews, on the 14th February, 1804, to 
 have " Rules and Regulations " drawn up for the guidance 
 of the Committee. They are given in full, as the history 
 of the congregation was largely shaped by them.
 
 218 
 
 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE PROPRIETORS OF THE 
 SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MONTREAL. 
 
 WE, the Subscribers, Proprietors in the Scotch Presbj'terian Church of 
 Montreal, being persuaded that it will be for the interest, peace and pros- 
 perity of the said Church that the conditions under which we hold our 
 property be fully understood and ascertained, have for these purposes 
 agreed to and adopted, and do hereby agree to and adopt the following 
 Articles : — 
 
 1st. Every person liaving purchased a Pew or Pews in the said Church, 
 and paid for the same, and who shall produce a deed deemed sufficient by 
 the Committee of the Church, is a Proprietor, and shall be qualified to 
 vote for and be chosen a Member of the Committee, or appointed to any 
 other oflice relative to the direction or government of the Church. 
 
 2nd. There shall be a Committee of the Church to regulate all the tempor- 
 alities thereof, which Committee shall be chosen from the Proprietors at 
 large, at a General Meeting annually held for that purpose, on the Third 
 Tuesday of the month of April each year, notice having been given of said 
 General Meeting the two Sundays preceding, from the Pulpit or Precentor's 
 Desk ; and the said Committee shall consist of five Members, which 
 Members so named and chosen by a majority of the Proprietors then pre- 
 sent, shall be considered duly elected and qualified to regulate everything 
 relative to the temporalities of the said church, during twelve calendar 
 months after said election, and afterwards until a new Committee shall be 
 chosen. Three Members, including a President or Vice President, shall 
 form a quorum, and be fully competent to transact liusiness. 
 
 3rd. The Committee, as described in the preceding article, are empow- 
 ered to sell Pews, execute Deeds and Leases of Pews, collect moneys, pay 
 moneys, order repairs of the Church, call Public Meetings, and do all and 
 everything respecting the temporalities of the said Church. 
 
 4th. There shall be a Treasurer of the Church chosen annually by the 
 Proprietors at the General INIeeting, who shall receive and pay all moneys 
 by order of the Committee only, and shall render an account of his trans- 
 actions to the Proprietors at the Annual Meeting, but shall furnish the 
 Committee with a statement of the funds in his hands whenever they 
 require it. 
 
 5th. Every Proprietor of a Pew or Pews present at a General Meeting 
 shall have one vote only, and when two or more Proprietors hold a Pew 
 they shall have but one vote, they agreeing amongst themselves, by bal- 
 lot or otherwise, who shall give that vote ; and in case of any misunder- 
 standing amongst such Proprietors on this j)oint, until they make it appear 
 they have agreed, they shall have nq vote. It being hereby provided that 
 such disagreement shall not be construed to be any privation of their 
 rights as Proprietors at the General Meetings, nor shall it influence or 
 retard any business on which a General Meeting may be held or called.
 
 219 
 
 6th. In case of a vacancy in the Church by the death of a Minister or 
 otherwise, in the election of a person to supply the said vacancy, the Pro- 
 prietors shall vote in conformity to the regulations specified in the fifth 
 article. 
 
 7th. To prevent anything like mistake respecting the electing of a Min- 
 ister, it is hereby provided and always to be understood, that no Proprie- 
 tor, as is pointed out iu the 5th article, upon any pretence whatever, shall 
 give his vote to any person, but to one who shall have been regularly bred 
 to the Ministry, and who shall have been licensed by some regular Pres- 
 bytery in the British Dominions, he producing credentials to ascertain the 
 same, and who shall profess to be of the persuasion, and who shall adhere 
 to the laws, government, and mode of worship of the established Church of 
 Scotland, properly so-called and denominated and known to be such, and 
 also a natural born subject of His Majesty. And further, no person shall 
 be considered duly elected as Minister of the said Church, without having 
 a number of votes, at least equal to a majority of the whole number of 
 Proprietors entitled to vote had they been present. 
 
 8th. The Rents of the Pews and other Revenues of the Cliurch shall be 
 appropriated to the support of the Minister, and to the defraying any inci- 
 dental expenses which may be incurred respecting the said Church, such 
 as Clerk's and Sexton's salaries, necessary repairs, &c. 
 
 9th. It shall be the business of the Committee to see all the money rela- 
 tive to the Funds of the Church regularly collected, and the Minister's 
 salary fixed and paid, and if it shall so happen that there is a deficiency in 
 the Funds appointed for the aforesaid purposes, the Committee shall call 
 a General Meeting of the Proprietors to provide for the same. 
 
 10th. Every Proprietor in the Church may transfer his property to 
 another, by sale, gift, or last testament ; but no transfer can be valid, but 
 on the express condition of the new Proprietor's being approved by the 
 Committee and subscribing these Articles. 
 
 11th. If any Proprietor shall refuse or neglect to pay the annual Rent 
 fixed on his Pew, agreeable to his deed, when become due, the said Pro- 
 prietor so refusing or neglecting shall immediately lose all right to vote or 
 act as a Proprietor in any matter respecting the said Church ; and if the 
 said Proprietor, so refusing or neglecting, continue to refuse and neglect to 
 pay the said annual Rent, for the space of twelve calendar months from 
 the time the said annual Rent shall become due, then the Committee, after 
 two notices'from the Pulpit or Precentor's Desk, shall sell the said Pew to 
 the highest bidder, and the money therefrom arising shall belong to the 
 Church. 
 
 12th. The preceding Articles shall not have any retrospective influence 
 whatever on what has been already done and passed, and no addition 
 or change respecting them shall take place, unless the said addition or 
 change ehall have been made at a General Meeting of the Proprietors.
 
 220 
 
 13th. "Wb the Pkoprietobs of the said Church, being convinced of the 
 utility and propriety of the preceding Articles being fully understood and 
 attended to by every Proprietor in this Church, and as we conceive it will 
 greatlj' tend to the preservation of harmony, and to the advancement of 
 religion among the IMembers thereof, 
 
 We nBREBv Resolve, That every Proprietor, and also every one who 
 shall become a Proprietor, shall subscribe this and the preceding Articles, 
 as a proof of his approbation of the same, and of his determination to 
 abide by them, and until such time as this is done, none shall be considered 
 as competent to give any vote, in the General Meeting of the Proprietors 
 or in any matter whatever respecting the said Church. 
 
 In Witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our proper names, 
 this fourth day of April, in the year of Our Lord, 1804. 
 
 The deeds of Pews, granted to proprietors, after the 
 adoption of the foregoing " Rules and Regulations," ran in 
 the same terms as those issued by the eiders in 1792, except 
 that for the words, " Elders of the Presbyterian Protestant 
 Church in the city of Montreal, named the Church of Scot- 
 land," were substituted, " three of the Committee named 
 and appointed by the proprietors of the Scotch Presby- 
 terian Church, in the city of Montreal." A clause w^as also 
 added, in 1804, to the deeds : — 
 
 " And also upon this condition, that the purchaser, bis heirs and assigns 
 shall be held and bound by, and duly comply with, the foregoing Rules 
 and Regulations for the government of the said church, made on the 4th 
 April, 1804; and also to all such other Rules and Regulations as shall or 
 may hereafter, from time to time be made, and adopted for the said 
 purpose." 
 
 This was an anomalous constitution for a Presbyterian 
 Church to set up. No special qualification was laid down 
 for the proprietors of pews, further than that they were 
 the highest bidders for those pews when auctioned off, and 
 afterwards paid their rents regularly. The holders of pews 
 might be Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, Methodists or 
 Baptists, or of no creed at all ; and yet, not only were all 
 the minor interests of the church in their hands, but they 
 were the parties that even chose the minister. And, then,
 
 221 
 
 the regulation which made it indispensable that no min- 
 ister should be elected, unless the number of votes cast for 
 him was more than one half of the legally qualified voters 
 on the list of proprietors, put it in the power of a minority 
 to block the way to the settlement of a minister for an 
 indefinite period. If, at the first, the congregation, as we 
 have seen, threw more upon the spiritual office-bearers, the 
 elders, than was implied in their office, now they rushed 
 into the opposite extreme, and put the spiritual rights 
 and liberties of the people in peril, or at least placed them 
 at the mercy of persons whose only qualification was that 
 they could afford to pay the highest price for a pew. It is 
 true, the proprietors did not dare go outside the Presby- 
 terian Church for a minister : he had to be a licentiate of 
 some church within the British dominions, and to " profess 
 to be of the persuasion, and to adhere to the laws, 
 government and mode of worship of the Established 
 Church of Scotland." But every one knows that men 
 might be found having these qualifications, whom it might 
 be very undesirable, notwithstanding, to place over a 
 congregation — they might have little godliness about 
 them, and fail in preaching the Grospel, and yet be selected 
 for the very colourlessness of their teaching, by men who 
 had not the true spiritual interests of the community at 
 heart. And the anomalousness of the constitution, in this 
 respect, led to grave difficulties in after years. Indeed, so 
 long as these " Rules and Regulations " were in force, the 
 congregation was virtually governed by the temporal com- 
 mittee. It was all powerful, and the Kirk Session was 
 relatively insignificant, if it was not almost suppressed. 
 The explanation of the willingness of the congregation 
 to vote themselves, under such a constitution, is to be 
 found in the state of matters at that period in the Church 
 of Scotland. The heritors of the parish had a great deal 
 to do with regulating its affairs, and the appointment of
 
 222 
 
 the miuister was nominally in the hands of a lay patron, 
 who might or might not be a member or adherent of the 
 Church of Scotland, although he must always be a Protest- 
 ant. In the constitution of the St. Gabriel Street Church, 
 the proprietors of pews are accorded the same powers as 
 were vested in the heritors and patrons in the mother 
 country. But the great difference in the situation was lost 
 sight of. The heritors and patrons had all of them a deep 
 stake in the parish, whereas a few proprietors in the St. 
 Gabriel Street Churh had only to pay some twenty, thirty, 
 or forty dollars, to be endowed with this important fran- 
 chise. And what is still more to the point, in Scotland the 
 Presbytery had an influential voice in the settlement of a 
 minister, and could refuse, for cause shown, to ordain and 
 induct even such as were licentiates, and had a presenta- 
 tion from the patrons. " The right of collation " lay with 
 the Presbytery ; it was their prerogative to judge of the 
 fitness and qualifications of the Presentee. But if the 
 majority of proprietors in the St, Gabriel Street Church 
 chose a licentiate, no appeal from their decision was possi- 
 ble on the part of the membership of the congregation, or 
 by the minority of the proprietors. 
 
 We have seen that Bishops Mountain and Strachan en- 
 deavored to transplant into Canadian soil the Church of 
 England, as it existed at home, and to reproduce, on this 
 side the Atlantic, even those special features of the mother 
 church, which were the products of a state of society differ- 
 ent from that existing in Canada. But they were not the 
 only persons that made mistakes in this direction. The 
 early Presbyterian congregations, planted in this country, 
 in like manner, sought to copy the ecclesiastical arrange- 
 ments of Scotland, and failed to distinguish between what 
 was of the essence of the mother church, and what was 
 merely adventitious in its constitution, and the outgrowth 
 of past ages of circumstances that had no parallel in
 
 223 
 
 Canada. It was made part of the constitution of St. 
 Andrew's Church, Quebec, for instance, that the sanction 
 of the Grovernor General of Canada should be obtained 
 before any minister could be settled in that congregation. 
 This was supposed, at the time that constitution was 
 framed, to be the proper thing to do, in order to secure 
 recognition by the Grovernment, and certain pecuniary 
 advantages. The preferences of the bulk of the people of 
 the church were considered of little account ; and the 
 members seem to have acquiesced easily in this state of 
 things. Certainly they did not consider it a hardship not 
 to have a controlling voice in the selection of a pastor. 
 The present state of public sentiment on this question 
 emerged slowly into force. In the Church of Rome, of 
 course, the clergy were sent to the parishes from without ; 
 and when the authority of the Pope was thrown off in 
 England, the King assumed the appointing power — and 
 in Scotland some external source of clerical supply had to 
 be found to take the place of that which had been cast off. 
 The great feudal Lords, as in general the best educated 
 gentlemen in the community, and, on the whole, the most 
 competent judges of the qualifications of ministers, rather 
 than the people themselves, were entrusted with the nomi- 
 nation of the religious teachers of the people. It was, 
 therefore, quite natural that the Presbyterians, who had 
 been bred under this state of opinion in the mother country, 
 should think it desirable to reproduce in Canada also, a 
 nominating power, apart from the membership of the 
 the congregation, for the selecting of ministers. In the 
 case of the St. G-abriel Street Church, the pew-owners had 
 this power bestowed upon them ; and no provision was 
 made in their constitution for the exercise of authority over 
 the congregation of a Presbytery or other church court. It 
 is clear, then, that this constitution was unconstitutional. 
 That is to say, it went in the teeth of a clause in the deed
 
 224 
 
 of the church which made it imperative that the minister 
 should " adhere to the laws, government and mode of 
 worship of the Established Church of Scotland," which 
 implies that the people, as well as the minister, were 
 amenable to those laws, and so were bound to give heed 
 to the authority of the Presbytery and other church courts 
 that might be organized over them. It is true, they prac- 
 tically recognized the jurisdiction of the Synod of the 
 Presbyterian Church in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, after it was erected in 1831, and that of the 
 Presbytery to which the Synod assigned the congregation, 
 by submitting to its enactments, and by sending the 
 ministers and elders of the congregation as representatives 
 to take part in its deliberations ; but by no formal act did 
 the proprietors of pews place themselves under the control 
 of a Presbytery or Synod. This was one of the pleas urged, 
 at the time of the disruption, in favor of the right to secede 
 to the Presbyterian Church of Canada — " this congregation 
 have never pledged themselves, as will be manifest from 
 the Records of the congregation, to any connection what- 
 ever." And the Proprietors, about the same time, prefaced 
 a resolution by these qualifying words : " recognizing no 
 jurisdiction or authority whatever over St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, either by the Synod of Canada, in connection 
 with the Established Church of Scotland, or by any of the 
 Presbyteries constituting said Synod." Although their 
 meaning, probably, was that, from the time of the disrup- 
 tion onwards, they did not recognize the jurisdiction in 
 question, yet the words might have a retrospective appli- 
 cation fairly enough. 
 
 As early as 1831, Mr. Esson felt that the constitution was 
 faulty. In his brief account of the Scottish Church of St. 
 Gabriel Street, in the city of Montreal, Lower Canada, 
 drawn up in obedience to a request of the " Very Reverend 
 the Synod of Canada," dated October 31st, 1831, he makes
 
 225 
 
 this observation : — " A corporation of some sort is much 
 wanted, with power to hold property for ecclesiastical 
 purposes. The Rules and Regulations for the government 
 of our church, the substance of which has already been 
 given, look very well on paper, but do not appear suffi- 
 cient in practice, else, how came the church to be shut up 
 and kept closed for such a long time ?" Farther on, he 
 remarks : " When we take an impartial view of the divi- 
 sions and difficulties with which the congregation has at 
 different times been distracted and agitated, ever since the 
 church was built, it is reasonable and rational to suppose 
 that there is something wrong in its constitution, — some 
 root of gall and bitterness lurking there. A tree is known 
 by the fruit it bears — ' do men gather grapes of thorns, or 
 figs of thistles ; ' else how came the church to be shut up 
 and kept closed for such a long time ?" After the congrega- 
 tion had given in its adhesion to the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada, notwithstanding the protest of a minority, in 
 1844, and Mr. Esson had been appointed Professor in charge 
 of the students in training for the ministry, in connection 
 with the recently constituted Synod, he wrote to Mr. Wm. 
 Murray, from Toronto, on May 1st, 1845, regarding the 
 " Rules and Regulations " which we are now discussing : 
 " The constitution of the church is absurd — it is not only 
 Erastian, but it is almost un-Christian, for a Heathen might 
 be a proprietor, if you retain that constitution." Again he 
 urged : " There must be an entire abandonment of the old 
 constitution, otherwise your church is more Erastian than 
 that from which you have separated, and against which you 
 have protested." In a letter to the same gentleman, a few 
 days afterwards, he returns to the? subject : " It is all impor- 
 tant that you leave not one relique of the Erastian constitu- 
 tion of your church, or anything unsound or unpresbyterial 
 in its actual order or working, to be made a handle against 
 you." At this time, the movement to organize an entirely 
 P
 
 226 
 
 new congregatiou had beguu, and was showing activity. 
 At the head of it were Messrs. John Redpath and J. R. 
 Orr, two honoured Christian gentlemen, familiar with 
 Presbyterian principles, to whom the " Rules and Regu- 
 lations " were accordingly offensive. They, and others 
 associated with them, in the endeavour to establish a con- 
 Erresration holding well-defined Free Church views, seem 
 to have concluded that it would be impossible to purge 
 the St. Gabriel Street Church constitution of the leaven of 
 Erastianism, in which they regarded it as steeped, and 
 hence they resolutely refused to commit themselves to 
 covinting the old church on St. Grabriel Street as the only 
 and all sufficient representative of the principles involved 
 in the disruption in Scotland Besides, Mr. Redpath never 
 concealed his apprehension that it might be found in the 
 end that the minority of the congregation still claiming 
 . connection with the Church of Scotland, would be re- 
 instated by the Civil Courts in possession of the Church 
 and Manse. His mind was made up, therefore, that the 
 wisest and best course for the Free Church sympathizers 
 was to commence on an entirely new foundation. He 
 succeeded in impressing these views on many of the other 
 leaders of the movement in Montreal, as well as upon the 
 ministers whom the Free Church of Scotland sent out 
 from time to time to preach to the adherents of that church 
 in this city. Mr. Esson took in the situation thoroughly, 
 and as he desired that the old church should be the centre 
 of the new ecclesiastical organization for the Montreal 
 district, he besought the people to remove from the '' Rules 
 and Regulations " the features of which complaints had 
 been made. There was a -natural hesitancy on the part of 
 the proprietors of pews, not only in that they were asked 
 to surrender civil rights and cherished privileges, an order 
 of things, too, that was venerable for its antiquity and was 
 hallowed by long associations, but they found that any
 
 22*7 
 
 meddling with the constitution at this juncture might 
 affect their title to the property. However, Mr. Esson's 
 earnest entreaties prevailed. The Synod of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada also took up the question, in 1845, — 
 moved thereto by a reference from the Presbytery of Mont- 
 real, in connection with that church. It was resolved : 
 " That Mr. Esson be appointed to visit St. G-abriel Street 
 congregation, and assist them in revising the constitution 
 and deeds of the chrft-ch, that the same in all that relates 
 to spiritual things may be brought into harmony with the 
 standard and practice of this church. That these instru- 
 ments, when so revised, shall be, by Mr. Esson, or any other 
 office-bearer of the church, laid before the Presbytery of 
 the bounds, who, on being satisfied with the same, shall 
 direct the congregation to take the requisite steps for pro- 
 curing a successor to Mr. Esson." 
 
 Accordingly, at a " G-eneral Meeting of the Temporal 
 Proprietors of the Scotch Presbyterian Church," held on 
 June 30th, 1845, the " Rules and Regulations for the Pro- 
 prietors were revised, corrected and extended." The first 
 five articles were left untouched. But the 6th and 7th 
 articles were completely remodelled ; 
 
 6th. — " That in the election of a Pastor, when a vacancy 
 shall occvir, and in all that pertains to the conduct of 
 spiritual afiairs, the congregation shall conform invariably 
 to the laws and prescriptions of the ecclesiastical authori- 
 ties. Proprietors, as such, have no right or power whatever 
 to intermeddle with spiritual things, except they be com- 
 municants, or full members of the church." 
 
 7th. — " No Proprietor or pew-holder shall be permitted 
 to have any voice or vote in the Temporal or Spiritual con- 
 cerns of the church, who is known to be a member of any 
 other church or congregation." 
 
 Articles, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th, also remained un- 
 changed. The 12th Article was shortened to read : "No
 
 228 
 
 chauge respecting these articles shall take place, unless the 
 said change shall have been made at a General Meeting of 
 the Proprietors." Two new clauses were inserted : — 
 
 13th. — "That in the meantime, while it is expedient for 
 the security of the Temporal Property of the church to 
 leave the Temporalities to be managed as heretofore, it shall 
 be understood that the pow^er of the Proprietors of Pews 
 shall be interpreted and limited by the laws and standards 
 of the Presbyterian Church of Canada." 
 
 14th. — " It is further declared by the Proprietors, here- 
 unto subscribing, that they are ready to conform in all 
 respects to the principles of the Presbyterian Church of 
 Canada, and the enactments of her ecclesiastical authorities 
 in all spiritual things, and are even prepared, should it be 
 found necessary or expedient, to sacrifice their rights as 
 Proprietors, in order that the great ends of the spiritual 
 government of the Church may be attained." 
 
 Article 13th in the old Rules was made 15th in the 
 revised constitution. 
 
 These changes brought the church into harmony with 
 true Presbyterian principles ; whereas, before, it was like 
 no other ecclesiastical organization under the sun, in the 
 spirit of its regulations. The Committee of Proprietors 
 embraced in themselves the functions of patron, kirk- 
 session, and Presbytery, all in one. 
 
 This revised constitution was that under w^hich the 
 Church was governed, until it was vacated by Knox con- 
 gregation. By the Act, Victoria 27 and 28, c. 161, the old 
 l^roprietary rights in the building were abolished, and it 
 was left to the congregation as re-organized, to frame rules 
 for the government of the church, subject to the approval 
 of the Presbytery of Montreal in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland. Such " Rules and Regulations " were 
 adopted on February 10th, 1867. 
 
 Article 8th reads: — "This congregation shall be under
 
 229 
 
 the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland, as 
 provided for in section 4 of the Act of Incorporation ; and 
 in all matters pertaining to the election of ministers and 
 elders, they shall conform to the rules and forms in force 
 for the time being in said Church." 
 
 In a sub-section, it is stipulated that no changes in the 
 constitution shall be made without the sanction of the 
 Presbytery. In all respects, the rules are in line with the 
 ordinary practice of the Presbyterian Church through- 
 out the world, and have worked very smoothly. It was 
 under these rules that the old edifice closed its history, and 
 the new St. G-abriel Church starts out in its career with 
 them for its guidance.
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The new names that appear on the subscription list to Mr. Sombrvillk, 
 IN 1803 — John Grant, Isaac Todd, John Shuter, Archibald McMil- 
 lan, George Platt, John McKinstry, Jambs Kyle, Jacob Hall, 
 William Skakbl, George Skakel, Alexander Skakbl, William 
 Graham, John McKindlay, Johm Porteous, William Porteous, 
 Andrew Porteous, Finlay Fisher, James Smith, John Ogilvy, Wm. 
 Stewart, Andrew Paiterson, Jasper Tough, Jambs Laing, Alex. 
 Allison, Alex. Davidson, John Reid, Hon. Judge Reid, Simon 
 McTavish, Thos. Blackwood, Wm. Hallowbll, John Catanach, and 
 F. Gunerman, Thomas Thain. 
 
 " Montreal, 21st June, 1803. 
 
 " At a meeting of the committee and elders of the Pres- 
 byterian congregation of this city, on the 20th inst., it was 
 unanimously resolved that a subscription be set on foot 
 amongst the congregation in order to ascertain what sum 
 may be raised for the salary of Mr. Somerville annually 
 for three or fiv^e years, to commence from the first of Jan- 
 uary last, including pew-rents previous to his being called 
 to Montreal, provided he be regularly ordained as minister 
 for said congregation." 
 
 Below, I mention only those whose names appear in 
 connection with the church, for the first time, on this list. 
 
 John G-rant of Lachine, who subscribed two pounds per 
 annum for three years, was agent for the North-west Com- 
 pany, and attended to the forwarding of their stores and 
 supplies from Lachine, and carried on the business of a 
 forwarder generally. He was born in Grlenmorriston, 
 near Inverness, Scotland, in 1754, and came to Canada in
 
 231 
 
 17Y1, settling at Lachine. lu those days, forwarding- was 
 a business of importance, as everything destined for points 
 westward had to be taken in carts from Montreal and sent 
 from Lachine in canoes and batteaux. The forwarders 
 furnished the necessary equipments for conveying goods 
 both by land and by water. They were the public carriers, 
 doing the w^ork in a small way which is now done by rail- 
 ways and steamboats. It was not till the Lachine canal 
 was finished, about 1825, that goods could be sent to 
 Lachine otherwise than by carts. The "Durham boats" 
 as the batteaux employed in forwarding at this time, and 
 for twenty years afterw^ards, were called, had ropes 
 attached to them and were drawn up the currents of the 
 St. Lawrence by oxen, assisted by the crew and passengers, 
 walking along the shore. It took weeks for emigrants, 
 making their way to Upper Canada, to reach even Brock- 
 ville by this mode of conveyance. 
 
 We find Mr. Grrant's name in the minutes of St. Peter's 
 Lodge of Freemasons as early as lYYl. He was married by 
 Rev. D. C. Delisle, to Margaret Beattie, on July 30th, 
 1*7*7*7. He, and his family after him, owned pew No. 15, in 
 the St. G-abriel Street Church. He died on the 23rd August, 
 181*7, universally regretted, aged 68 years. His daughter, 
 Margaret, was married to Thomas Blackwood, on 2'7th 
 December, 1806. And his son James C. G-rant, advocate, 
 afterwards occupied a very prominent position in relation 
 not only to the Scotch congregation in St. G-abriel Street, 
 but also to the whole of the membership of the Church of 
 Scotland in Canada, as we shall by and by see. 
 
 The following obituary notice appeared in the Gazette 
 after Mr. Grant's death : — 
 
 " His hospitable and charitable disposition was almost unbounded. He 
 was greatly beloved, and his neighbors, as a last token of their respect, 
 carried the body on a palanquin, not only from Lachine to this city, but 
 even to the grave, not allowing the hearse in attendance to be used."
 
 232 
 
 It was Mr. Grrant's intention to give a site for a Presby- 
 terian Church in Lachine. He did not accomplish this in 
 his lifetime ; but his heirs carried out his wish after his 
 death, and gave the ground for St. Andrew's Church and 
 manse, as well as the burial ground. The corner-stone of 
 the church was laid in 1832, in presence of James Charles 
 Grrant, son of Mr. Grant, and of Donald Duff' and Thomas 
 Blackwood, his sons-in-law, representing other members 
 of the family. The Rev. James Somerville, of St. Grabriel 
 Street Church, his son, Alexander Somerville, Rev. Henry 
 Esson, and Rev. Alexander Gale, who was minister at 
 Lachine, and many other friends from Montreal and 
 Lachine, were also present on the occasion. 
 
 Isaac Todd, at the time a partner of James McGiil, has 
 already been incidentally mentioned ; but the first time 
 his name appeared on existing church documents is on the 
 subscription list to Mr. Somerville, for five pounds a year 
 for three years. It was he who conducted the correspon- 
 dence with Rev. Mr. Spark, of Quebec, in 1802, with refer- 
 ence to Mr. Somerville's call to the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church. He signed the resolution of 23rd July, 1803, to 
 keep faith with Mr. Somerville, to whom the honor of the 
 congregation had been pledged. In 1802, he received 
 from Sir R. S. Milnes, the Governor, a grant of 11,760 
 acres in the township of Leeds. In March, 1805, the 
 merchants of Montreal gave a dinner to the representatives 
 in Parliament of the town and district. Mr. Todd presided, 
 and the proceedings were reported in the Montreal Gazette 
 of 1st April, 1805. Strong ground was taken by the 
 speakers against the proposal made in Parliament to tax 
 merchandize to provide funds for building the first jail 
 erected in the city. The Parliamentary promoters of the 
 bill were offended at what was said, and the Sergeant-at- 
 Arms was sent from Quebec to arrest Mr. Todd, the chair-
 
 233 
 
 man of the meeting, and Mr. Edward Edwaids, the printer 
 of the Gazette, and bring them before the bar of the House, 
 to answer for the libels they had uttered against members, 
 and their breach of the privileges of Parliament. But 
 when that functionary appeared on the scene, the gentle- 
 men inquest of whom he made the journey, were nowhere 
 to be found. 
 
 Mr. Todd owned pew No. 39, in the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church. He took a deep interest in the prosperity of the 
 congregation, and was always ready to help with counsel 
 and money. He was chosen a member of the temporal com- 
 mittee in 1809, and was made president of the committee 
 of the year. He lent .£10 for putting a roof on the church, 
 in 1809 ; and when he died, in 1815, the following clause 
 in his will shows that he did not forget the church of his 
 choice and affection : — 
 
 " I leave and bequeath to the elders of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Montreal, aforesaid, <£100, in trust for the use 
 and benefit of the church." The money was received, and 
 expended according to his expressed wishes. 
 
 John Shuter, who subscribed two pounds a year for two 
 years, and who continued to support the church up to 
 1810, was also a prominent man of the period in Montreal. 
 Having acquired a competency, he retired from active 
 business on the 27th May, 1815. His adopted daughter 
 married Peter McCutcheon, better known as Hon. Peter 
 McGrill. Mr. Shuter belonged to the Church of England, 
 although he generously supported the Scotch Church. 
 He gave a check for the tower of the first Christ Church, 
 in 1819. His name is made memorable by the increasingly 
 popular Shuter Street, running from Sherbrooke Street 
 towards the mountain. 
 
 Archibald McMillan, the subscriber of three pounds for
 
 234 
 
 three years, was a North-west trader and general mer- 
 chant. His name first appears on this occasion. On 
 April I7th, 1804, he was chosen a member of the first 
 committee under the new Rules and Regulations, and 
 was re-elected the following year. In 1807, he obtained 
 a grant from Sir R. S. Milnes, the governor, of 13,261 acres 
 in the township of Lochaber. He occupied pew No. 18. 
 He died on 14th June, 1832, aged 71 years. 
 
 Greorge Piatt, began life in Montreal as a blacksmith, 
 but gradually worked himself into a general ironmon- 
 gery business. He was an old resident of the city, for we 
 find his name as a member of St. Peter's Lodge of Free- 
 masons, as far back as 1780. He also subscribed three 
 pounds a year for three years. In 1809, he purchased 
 pew No. 78. He was married to a sister of the wife of 
 the late Justice Day, and he, too, has had the honour 
 of giving his name to a street. He represented the East 
 Ward in the Provincial Parliament in 1814. 
 
 John McKinstry, who subscribed three pounds for 
 three years, was a wholesale merchant in Montreal. He 
 was the proprietor of pews 90 and 91, which he continued 
 to occupy till 1813. In 1816, these pews were purchased 
 by Shaw Armour. He signed the Somerville resolution 
 in 1803. 
 
 James Kyle, who signed his name for two pounds 
 annually for three years, was a trader in the city, and, later 
 on, is mentioned in the records as a yeoman. He was the 
 owner of pew 42 until his death, in 1810 ; and afterwards 
 it belonged to his heirs for many years. 
 
 The four brothers Hall, — Joseph and Jacob, hatters in 
 St. Paul Street, — Benjamin, a merchant in St. Lawrence 
 Street, — and John, a baker, — were Americans, who came
 
 235 
 
 to Montreal before the beginning of this century. They 
 all had relations to the St. G-abriel Street Church, when 
 there were marriages, baptisms or burials in question, if 
 not at other times. Miss Charlotte Hall, the aged lady 
 who died last year, was a daughter of John's ; so was 
 Mrs. Vennor. John died in 1806, aged 46 years. It was 
 Benjamin who owned the Hall property, at the foot of 
 the mountain, alongside Fletcher's field, which was ac- 
 quired some years ago for Park purposes. Jacob sub- 
 scribed two pounds a year, for three years, for Mr. Somer- 
 ville's salary ; but the whole family connection after- 
 wards seem to have become associated either with Christ 
 Church or with the St. Peter Street congregation. 
 
 Alexander Skakel, A.M., LL.D., teacher, was an accom- 
 plished scholar, and did not a little to create a taste for 
 science among the citizens. The academy which he 
 founded aimed at imparting a first-class education. He 
 was himself an erudite gentleman, a Master of Arts 
 of King's College, Aberdeen, that University which has 
 given so many admirable teachers to the world. He 
 received a training for the ministry of the Scottish Church, 
 but for some reason or other he did not proceed to take 
 orders in it ; but chose rather the profession which he 
 followed. His school served the purposes of a Grammar 
 School in Montreal,before the High School was established. 
 Among other pupils of his who afterward rose to distinc- 
 tion were Sir William Logan and Chief Justice Badgley. 
 By way of marking the educational services which he 
 rendered to this country, his Alma Mater conferred upon 
 him the honorary degree of LL.D. 
 
 Mr. Skakel was married, first in 1808, by Mr. Somer- 
 ville to his own cousin, Isabella Skakel, and afterwards 
 to Miss Dairy mple, sister of Mrs. Archibald Ferguson. 
 His school-room was in 21 Little St. James Street.
 
 236 
 
 "While he drilled boys in the elements of learning, during 
 the day, he advertized classes in natural philosophy, to 
 which he invited adults in the evenings. 
 
 Dr. Skakel took a prominent place in the city as a 
 public man. He was not only one of the persons named 
 in the Act incorporating the G-eneral Hospital, but he was 
 a member of the building committee charged with its 
 construction. He also acted as Secretary to the Committee 
 of Management for many years, and made this splendid 
 charity one of his legatees at his death. A marble tablet 
 in the entrance hall commemorates these two facts : — 
 
 " This tablet was erected by the Governors of the Montreal General 
 Hospital to the memory of Alex. Skakel, A.M., LL.D., in commemoration 
 of his long and valuabie services as Secretary, and also to record his 
 munificent bequest to the Institution. He died 13th August, 1846, aged 
 71 years." 
 
 He was a fast friend of Mr. Somerville's, and used to 
 share in the minister's scientific rambles ; so that when 
 that gentleman afterwards ceased to be responsible for 
 his acts, Dr. Skakel acted as one of his guardians. He 
 occupied pew 68, and in 1810 lent <£10 to help to remove 
 the debt from the church. 
 
 John McKindlay, who, at the hands of John G-regory, 
 subscribed three pounds, was also a prominent merchant 
 of the period. He was an eager promotor of Mr. Somer- 
 ville's call, being one of the 27 who signed the July 
 resolution of 1803, in his favour. He disappears from 
 the church books, however, after 1804, having then sold 
 out his business and gone to the Old Country, although 
 we find him receiving, in 1814, from Sir George Prevost, 
 the governor, 17,000 acres of laud in the township of 
 G-odmanchester. 
 
 William Grahame, whose name appears jointly with 
 that of Philip Ross, was also a subscriber to Mr. Somer-
 
 237 
 
 ville's salary, and afterwards owued pew No. 66. He was 
 a merchant, never married, and lived to be an old man. 
 He was a friend and supporter of Mr. Young's, and signed 
 the paper, in 1800, asking him to stay in the city. He, 
 in like manner, voted with the other 26 leading pro- 
 prietors to keep faith with Mr. Somerville in 1803. 
 
 John, William and Andrew Porteous, three young 
 brothers, subscribed £Z 10s, between them. They were 
 merchants. Andrew, afterwards, was the well known 
 postmaster of Montreal. He was a member of the 
 Temporal Committee in 1820, and in 181V bought pew 
 No. *7 in the gallery of St. G-abriel Street Church. He 
 adhered to Mr. Black in 1829-33, and became a prominent 
 member of St. Paul's Church. A marble tablet in that 
 church commemorates his virtues. John, who bought pew 
 No. 19 in the gallery, in 1819, and was married to a 
 daughter of John Gregory, died 27th December, 1817, 
 aged 41 years. 
 
 John Ogilvy, who became good for three pounds for 
 three years, was one of the founders of the still existing 
 honourable commercial house of " Grillespie, Moffat and 
 Company." He was a staunch Presbyterian. He was 
 chosen a member of the Temporal Committe in 1810, and 
 elected afterwards Yice-President. This was at the very 
 important crisis when the church was enlarged and re- 
 paired, and the financial arrangement for occupation was 
 made with the members of the Church of England. He 
 bought, first, pew No. 7. This was afterwards assigned 
 to the firm of Grillespie, Moffat & Company, while he 
 purchased for his own family use No. 3, after it was given 
 up by Sir Alexander McKenzie. He gave jGlO to the 
 steeple and bell fund, in 1809-10. He was chosen a 
 Trustee of the Protestant burying ground in 1807, and
 
 238 
 
 was one of the committee of live for erecting the Nelson 
 monument. 
 
 When he died, he did not forget the church which he 
 loved. The following extract from his will was commun- 
 icated to the congregation by the Hon. George Moffat, 
 his executor, on 29th January, 1820 : 
 
 " Unto the original Scotch Presbyterian Church, Montreal, I give and 
 bequeath the sum of One Hundred Founds." 
 
 Finlay Fisher, who subscribed two pounds, was a cousin 
 of Duncan Fisher. He kept a school after the old Scottish 
 model, for upwards of thirty years in Montreal, — the Pres- 
 byterian children learning the catechism, and all the pupils 
 repeating a psalm or a paraphrase, every Monday morning. 
 Mr. Fisher attended the Protestant congregation, under Mr. 
 Delisle's ministry, in 1785, and onwards, until the Presby- 
 terian cause was established. He died 14th January, 1819, 
 aged 62 years. 
 
 James Smith, also held pew No. 4, and contributed three 
 pounds a year to Mr. Somerville's stipend, from the year 
 1804, up till the date of his death. He was a general mer- 
 chant of this city, of the firm of Kay & Smith. He was 
 appointed a member of the temporal committee and its 
 vice-president in 1806 and 1807. He continued to serve 
 on the committee till 1810. He was re-elected on the 
 committee in 1812, and was vice-president that year and 
 the following one, and president in 1814. His wife was 
 Susanna McClemont, and belonged to a well-known family 
 of that period. Mr. Smith gave two pounds to the steeple 
 and bell fund, and, in 1810, two pounds to remove the 
 debt incurred by the improvements in the church. He 
 died on the 28th July, 1815, of rapid consumption. 
 
 The late Hon. Justice Smith was his son. Born in 
 Montreal, and baptized by Mr. Somerville, in 1806, on the 
 death of his father, James Smith was sent to Ayr, Scot-
 
 239 
 
 land, to be educated. He returned to Montreal and began 
 the study of law in 1823, and was called to the bar in 
 1830. He shortly afterwards entered into partnership 
 with Duncan Fisher, Q.C., an old and experienced practi- 
 tioner. Like so many members of the legal fraternity, he 
 was drawn into politics. In 1844, he was elected for 
 Missisquoi, and was at once made Attorney-G-eneral East, 
 in the Viger-Draper administration. On the downfall of 
 the Government, in 1847, he was appointed to a seat on 
 the Queen's Bench, a position which he filled with high 
 distinction until his death, which occurred on the 29th 
 November, 1868. 
 
 Jasper Tough, who subscribed a guinea, was a native 
 of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He rose to be prominent in 
 mercantile circles as a member ol the firm of Gillespie, 
 Moffat & Co., doing the oiitside business, in the way of 
 taking orders. He was a constant contributor to the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church up to the time when the names of 
 individual subscribers cease to be mentioned in the 
 treasurer's books. He gave five pounds to the debt fund 
 in 1810, and he was one of those who joined with A. 
 Allison in 1811, in moving to have Mr. Somerville's stipend 
 increased. He was a member of the temporal committee 
 in 1817. 
 
 Thomas Thain bore a similar relation to the church to 
 that sustained by Mr. Tough. He signed the memorial 
 last referred to, and was in the habit of giving two or three 
 pounds annually to the church funds, although not a pew 
 proprietor. He was a North-west trader, and a gentleman 
 of large means. He was a member of the temporal com- 
 mittee in 1810. He gave three pounds to the steeple and 
 bell fund in *l808, and ten pounds for the debt in 1810. 
 There was also an Alexander Thain among the subscribers 
 in 1810.
 
 240 
 
 James Laing, who subscribed a guinea, ou this occasion, 
 was a wholesale merchant of high standing, the founder 
 of the firm afterwards known as " Allison, Turner & Co." 
 He was one of those who voted for Rev. John Young in 
 1800. He died 6th May, 1803, aged 49 years. 
 
 Alexander Allison, who also became responsible for a 
 guinea a year to Mr. Somerville, was a partner in the lead- 
 ing commercial firm of " Allison, Turner & Co," as John 
 Allison, his brother, was. In 1812, the partnership with 
 Turner & Co. was dissolved, Mr. Turner afterwards carry- 
 ing on the business alone. In 1811, he took the lead in a 
 movement to add to Mr. Somerville's stipend. In conjunc- 
 tion with Mr. G-eorge Grillespie, T. Thain, Jasper Tough 
 and G-eorge Garden, he memorialized the temporal com- 
 mittee on the subject. Mr. Somerville, learning of it, felt 
 sensitive in the matter, and wrote to the committee to say 
 that the memorial had been sent without his knowledge 
 or consent. He was unwilling that the gentlemen man- 
 aging the finances of the church should suspect that he 
 was using any underhand or indirect means to increase 
 his income; and told them that if he had felt the pressure of 
 necessity, he would have communicated with the temporal 
 committee directly. The correspondence was creditable 
 to all concerned. It was a generous thing for merchants, 
 themselves possessing a fair income, to see their clergy- 
 man, to whom they looked up with respect, in the enjoy- 
 ment of a comfortable stipend ; and it showed Mr. Somer- 
 ville to be a gentleman of a high sense of honour, that he 
 feared the imputation of securing his personal advantage 
 by means that were not straightforward. 
 
 Mr. Allison gave <£10 to help to rid the church of debt 
 in 1810. He died at Quebec on the 1st December, 1821, 
 the Herald announcing the fact in the following terms : — 
 
 "Died at Quebec Alexander Allison, Esq., formerly
 
 241 
 
 of the firm of Allison, Turner & Co., a very excellent 
 and honourable man, and of a very public spirit." 
 
 Alexander Davidson, who subscribed a guinea, was a 
 merchant of good standing, belonging to the firm of A. 
 Allison & Company. He died in 1808, aged 27 years. 
 
 John Reid, who subscribed a guinea annually, for three 
 years, held at this time, and for twenty years afterwards, 
 the office of Prothonotary of the Court of King's Bench, 
 at Montreal. He had, previous to 1780, conducted a re- 
 spectable academy in Quebec, and this fact had a good deal 
 to do with the early history of Presbyterianism in this 
 province ; for it was at his instance that the Rev. Dr. 
 Spark had come to Quebec. Mr. Reid had written to Dr. 
 MacLeod, a professor in King's College, Aberdeen, to send 
 out to Quebec a suitable person to conduct his academy. 
 Professor MacLeod selected Mr. Spark, whom he spoke of 
 as " an excellent mathematician, and a sensible, discreet, 
 young man, and having had much practice in teaching." 
 As has been already noted, it was Mr. Spark that recom- 
 mended Mr. Somerville to the St. G-abriel Street congrega- 
 tion, vacant by the withdrawal of Mr. Young, in 1802. 
 
 Mr. Reid appears to have removed to Montreal in 1780, 
 the same year that Mr. Spark came to Quebec ; for we find 
 him present at a meeting of the St. Peter's Lodge of Free- 
 masons in that year, and he became master of the lodge 
 in 1781. He made his subscription to Mr. Somerville's 
 stipend <£1 5s. in 1806 ; but he and his family became 
 connected with Christ Church. 
 
 The Honorable James Reid, who subscribed a guinea to 
 Mr. Somerville's stipend, and who afterwards occupied 
 pew No. 14, was a nephew of John Reid, the prothonotary^ 
 He was admitted to the bar of the province in 1794, was 
 raised to the bench as a Puisne Judge in 1807, and in 1823 
 Q
 
 24"^ 
 
 elevated to the Chief Justiceship. He was one of the six 
 commissiouers appoiuted 1st March, 1804, for executing 
 the Act 31st Greorge III, couceruiug the building and re- 
 pairing of Churches. His name stands first on the com- 
 mittee appointed to collect subscriptions for the families 
 of the soldiers who fell at "Waterloo, in 1815 ; and he was 
 appointed, with James Dunlop, Hon. James Richards, and 
 Rev. John Strachan, as one of the trustees of Mr. James 
 McGill's estate. In 1838, he was permitted to retire, on the 
 score of old age and infirmities. He was an admirable 
 judo-e, and enjoyed the universal respect and confidence of 
 the community. On his retirement from the bench, he 
 visited Europe, and was offered a knighthood by Her 
 Majesty, the Queen, on account of his long and faithful 
 public services, but declined the honour. He was mar- 
 ried to a sister of Hon. William McG-illivray, who erected 
 to the memory of her husband the south-west wing of the 
 G-eneral Hospital, which bears a tablet with the following 
 inscription : — 
 
 " This wing was erected by Elizabeth McGillivray, 
 widow of the late Hon. James Reid, Chief Justice of 
 Montreal, in testimony of her veneration for the memory 
 of a husband, whom she loA^ed and honoured, and in ful- 
 filment of his wishes. He died on the 19th June, 1848, in 
 the 79th year of his age, having sat on the bench 32 years. 
 As a Judge, he was distinguished for judicial knowledge, 
 inflexible integrity, and dignified firmness. His conduct 
 as a citizen was honourable, independent and consistent. 
 Benevolence, generosity and Christian humility marked 
 his character as a man." 
 
 Among other names that appear for the first time on 
 this document is that of Simon McTavish. He may be 
 regarded as the founder of the famous North-west Com- 
 pany ; as he was certainly its leading spirit for the first
 
 243 
 
 twenty years of its existence. It was the union of his 
 capital and energy with that of the Frobishers that gave 
 the fur trade its first great impulse, and led to the estab- 
 lishment of the depots in the interior, and reduced the 
 business to a system. Formerly, every man prosecuted 
 the trade in his own way, and by such methods as 
 seemed good in his own eyes, — the result being rivalries, 
 strife and sometimes even bloodshed. But this vigorous 
 and far-seeing Highlander, who had a fine turn for busi- 
 ness, conceived the idea of combining, instead of com- 
 peting with the other houses that were engaged in the 
 trade, and was able to secure the adhesion at once of the 
 Frobishers, the firm which, next to his own, had been the 
 most successful in this branch of business. John Grregory, 
 as we have already seen, afterwards fell in with the plan, 
 although for a few years he carried on a rival company. 
 
 Mr. McTavish owned the seigniory of Terrebonne, and 
 had mills at the village, which Messrs. McKenzie and 
 Oldham leased, after the proprietor's death. 
 
 On lYth July, 1802, he obtained from governor SirE. S. 
 Milnes, a grant of 11,550 acres, in the township of Chester. 
 
 He subscribed five pounds to Mr. Somerville's stipend, 
 and was one of the 27 pew owners who signed the reso- 
 lution in that gentleman's favour in July, 1803. 
 
 But that which has made his name most memorable to 
 Montrealers of the present day, is the stately monument 
 which stands half way up the mountain, above Ravens- 
 crag, alongside the high level reservoir. Citizens of an 
 older generation were still more familiar with the name 
 of McTavish, owing to its association with what was 
 popularly known as the " Haunted House," the stately 
 mansion which the great fur magnate had erected, but 
 which was never completed. The design was a grand 
 one. It was in contemplation to have magnificent 
 grounds about the mansion, but the early death of the
 
 244 
 
 proprietor arrested the progress of the improvements 
 begun on the face of the mountain. The elegant build- 
 ing and its surroundings were afterwards allowed to fall 
 into decay ; and popular fancy associated the deserted halls 
 with ghosts and apparitions. The site of the mansion 
 was near the south-east corner of the Ravenscrag pro- 
 perty, a little to the west ol the residence of Mr. M. H. 
 Grault. All that remains to-day, to tell the tale of the past, 
 is a space of about 50 yards by 12, on the rugged face of 
 Mount Royal, embracing the tomb of Mr. McTavish and 
 the monumental obelisk, surrounded by a solid stone 
 wall about ten feet high. The inscription on the south- 
 east side of the monument runs thus : — 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of Simox McTavish, Esquire, 
 
 Who died July 6, 1804, 
 
 Aged 54 Ye.uis, 
 
 This Monument is erected by his nephews, 
 
 William and Duncan McGillivray, 
 
 To commemorate their high sense of his manly virtues, 
 
 And as a graceful tribute 
 
 For his many acts of kindntiss shown to them." 
 
 The beautiful street, leading up, past the Presbyterian 
 College and the Reservoir, to Ravenscrag, also helps to 
 perpetuate Mr. McTavish's name. Hon. Wm. McG-illivray 
 and Hon. Justice Reid were the executors of his estate. 
 
 Thomas Blackwood's name is found for the first time 
 on this list, — for a guinea a year- Not excepting even 
 Duncan Fisher, the elder, no member of the St. Gabriel 
 Street Church ever gave himself up to work for its in- 
 terests with greater devotion than Mr. Blackwood. His 
 brother John has been already mentioned as a contributor 
 to the debt fund in 1800.
 
 THOMAS BLACKWOOD.
 
 245 
 
 Mr. Blackwood was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on 
 the 10th of February, 1773. He came to Canada in 1791, 
 and entered the counting-house of Hon. John Blackwood, 
 of Quebec, who, although of the same surname, was in no 
 way related to him. Mr. Blackwood lived six years in 
 Quebec, and then took up his residence in this city, enter- 
 ing into the service of the firm of Todd and McGrill. He 
 afterwards formed a business partnership with Francis 
 DesEivieres. He lived at No. 19, Notre Dame Street, and 
 took his fair share in the public business of the city. He 
 was one of the directors and Secretary-Treasurer of the 
 Montreal Savings Bank, as well as a charter director of 
 the G-eneral Hospital. 
 
 But Mr. Blackwood had a special leaning towards eccle- 
 siastical affairs, and few men in Canada wielded a more 
 trenchant pen, or exhibited a more statesmanlike grasp of 
 Church questions, as these were affected by Canada. 
 
 He served for many years on the Temporal Committee, 
 and thus became familiar with the financial capabilities 
 of the congregation. He was chosen to this important 
 post, first, in 1808, and afterwards in the years 1810, 1814, 
 1815, 1819, 1820, 1821 and 1822. In the "four latter years, 
 he was president of the committee. 
 
 On March 21st, 1819, he was set apart to the office of 
 elder in the congregation, and from that date till his 
 death, his name is found attached to all important docu- 
 ments emanating from the session. It was appended to 
 the petition from the congregation to the King in 1822, 
 as well as to that addressed to Lord Dalhousie, G-overnor 
 Greneral, in 1825, asking for the church rights similar to 
 those accorded to the Church of England in Canada. He 
 took part also in the deliberations of the Presbyterian 
 representatives which prepared the instructions given to 
 J. C. Grrant, advocate, when he was sent to London to 
 promote there the claims of the ministers of the Church 
 
 ^^
 
 246 
 
 of Scotland to a share in the Clergy reserves. And his 
 pen was not idle in helping to disseminate correct views 
 on the subject among the public men of the country. It 
 was to him that Bishop Strachan had written, in 1802, 
 offering to become pastor of the St. Gabriel Street Church, 
 and it was he that brought the letter, making said offer, 
 to light, in 1828, of which the prelate complained, but 
 without reason- 
 On the demise of Henry McKenzie, in 1832, Mr. Black- 
 wood was appointed his successor in the session-clerk-, 
 ship. In 1834, he was chosen representative elder of the 
 session in all meetings of the Presbytery and Synod, and 
 he continued in this position, year after year, up to the 
 time of his decease on the 22nd November, 1842. The 
 minutes of the session, prior to his accepting the office of 
 clerk, had been irregularly kept, — Mr. Esson not having 
 much notion of the importance of a full and formal record 
 of proceedings ; but Mr. Blackwood introduced a new 
 order of things in this regard. Indeed, he had personal 
 ground of complaint against the looseness of the manner 
 of keeping the minutes up to 1831, as he petitioned the 
 Presbytery that year to have certain alleged session 
 minutes, reflecting upon him, corrected or expurged — 
 which was accordingly done. 
 
 Believing that the report of the Colonial Committee of 
 the Church of Scotland, in 1836, was too ready to concede 
 the pretensions of the Anglican Church in Canada, Mr. 
 Blackwood prepared and published the following criticism 
 on it : — 
 
 Having read with attention the "Report of the Committee of General 
 Assembly on Colonial Churches," with the proceedings on 1st June, 1836, 
 it may be proper to notice some mistakes tliat tlie committee have fallen 
 into, owing to the members not being correctly informed relative to the 
 affairs and state of the Scottish Church in the Canadas. 
 
 Page 6. — After speaking of Acts regarding Scottish Presbyterians in the 
 East Indies and Australia, it is added : " In tlie Acts respecting Upper 
 
 H
 
 247 
 
 Canada, the same principle seems to have been admitted, though in words 
 which have given rise to some difficulty in their interpretation." Now, 
 our Constitutional Act (31 Geo. Ill, ch. 31,) applies equally to both the 
 Canadas. It gives the King power to erect and endow corporations in 
 favour of the English Church only ; but does not grant that favour where 
 the Scottish Church is concerned. AVithin the last nine years, however, 
 Provincial Acts have been passed in both Provinces, giving power to Pres- 
 byterians (and other sects, for they are placed at the head of the list by 
 way of eminence) to hold land in a corporate capacity ; but re^ricting 
 them to no more than Fire Acres for each congregation. While our 
 Church is thus restrained and disabled, more than 50 Rectories have lately 
 been erected in Upper Canada, and largely endowed ; some of them, it is 
 understood, having 400 acres or upwards. What renders this glaring par- 
 tiality the more rem ark able, — it has taken place since the Rev. Convener of 
 the Committee had an interview with the Colonial Secretary, as stated in 
 the first paragraph of the Report; when the Convener's application was 
 received courteously, &c., "but his Lordship declined to pledge himself to 
 " any immediate-and specific measure, in the present agitated state of some 
 " of the North American Colonies." His Lordship and those acting under 
 " his direction or control, have verily taken a strange method of allaying 
 " these agitations !" 
 
 Page 9. — In the Deliverance of the General Assembly, the memorial of 
 " the Clergy of Upper Canada " is mentioned. This memorial was, it is 
 believed, from the Synod, which includes the Clergy of both Canadas. 
 
 Again, in proceedings of the Committee, the first time, page 12, mention 
 is made of the Memorial from the Synod of Canada, regarding their claim 
 on " the Clergy Reserve Funds of that Province." The Province of Quebec 
 was, in 1791, divided into the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada ; 
 which still continue two distinct provinces, though of late years, serious 
 thoughts have been entertained of re-uniting them under one Legislature. 
 
 In the Petition of the Rev. John Martin, page 21, he states that the min- 
 isters of our Church in Upper Canada " receive £1000 a year from the 
 " proceeds of the Church Lands." The ministers of our Church in Upper 
 Canada have received some allowance yearly from Government for the 
 last ten years ; but I believe it has not amounted some years to £1000 : 
 however, a further allowance has occasionally been made, during the last 
 few years, to assist in building churches. But it is pretty well known that 
 their yearly allowance is derived from some fund not so sure and perma- 
 nent as "the proceeds of the Church Lands." In Lower Canada, one min- 
 ister in Quebec and another in Montreal received yearly £50 each, for 
 many years, commencing, I believe, soon after the cession of Canada to 
 the British Crown ; and this is all that Government has ever given to our 
 Clergy in this Province. But it was decided, a few years ago, that it should 
 cease with the lives of the present incumbents. He who then received it 
 at Quebec, died two years ago, and it has not been granted to his successor.
 
 248 
 
 It will, of course, be discontinued also in Montreal, when the present in- 
 cumbent dies. I can only form conjectures, not having been able satisfac- 
 torily to learn the cause which occasions our Clergymen in this Province 
 to be thus treated as stip bainifi, wliile those in Upper Canada are receiv- 
 ing a certain stipend from the Government. 
 
 Mr. i\Iartin, in the prayer of this Petition, asks, among other things, that 
 the Colonial Clergy should be admitted, " if judged advisable," to a repre- 
 sentation in the General Assembly. Such a step does not appear to me 
 necessary nor advisable ; but it might be very requisite and proper that 
 each Synod should be allowed to have an accredited agent residing in 
 Scotland, or sent home by them whenever they see fit to do so, who should 
 be received as such by that venerable court, at any time when he con- 
 sidered the interests of his constituents required the presence of such an 
 agent in the General Assembly. 
 
 In perusing the Report now before me, it is very gratifying, and I am 
 rejoiced in perceiving that the General Assembly, and it is hoped also the 
 bulk of the Scottish nation, are at last aroused from their long apathy, to 
 a proper feeling in regard to the disadvantages and disabilities under 
 which we labour in the colonies. The Provincial Legislatures of the 
 Canadas, in all their enactments respecting our Church, appear to have 
 proceeded upon the false, unfounded assumption, that the Church of Eng- 
 land is The Established Church in all the British Dominions, Scotland 
 alone excepted. It is only from the King's Government and the Imperial 
 Parliament we can hope to obtain adequate redress, but our voice will not 
 be heard, unless it be aided by the powerful influence of the Venerable, 
 the General Assembly; and supported by men possessing weight and 
 consideration in the National Councils. 
 
 A Layman of the Scottish Church. 
 
 Lower Canada, \ 
 27th March, 1837. j 
 
 In the differences that existed in the congregation, 
 between 1829 and 1833, Mr. Blackwood supported the 
 views of Mr. Esson, in the main ; although he was not con- 
 spicuous for his partizanship. 
 
 He was one of the trustees of the $4000 left by Rev. 
 James Somerville, for building a manse, and was also one of 
 the legatees named in that gentleman's will. Ho died, how- 
 ever, before the manse was erected, on the 22nd November, 
 1842, in his TOth year. The Gazette of the 24th November, 
 had the following notice of Mr. Blackwood : " The 
 deceased had been 53 years in Canada, of which 47 were
 
 249 
 
 spent in this city. During his long residence here, he 
 acquired the esteem and respect of all who knew him, 
 consisting of, it may be said, a very large portion of the 
 community." 
 
 "William Hallowell who undertook to contribute to the 
 support of Mr. Somerville for three years, was an English- 
 man and an Episcopalian ; nevertheless, he not only gave 
 two pounds annually for three years, in terms of his sub- 
 scription, but increased his gift to four pounds, which he 
 continued up to 1811. He also gave <£10 for removing the 
 church debt in 1810. He was a merchant of the firm of 
 McTavish, McG-illivra}'- & Company, as it was constituted 
 in 1806, after the retirement of the Frobishers, and the 
 death of Simon McTavish. His daughter was married to 
 the late Venerable Dean Bethune, of Montreal, and his 
 son, James, was a member of the Montreal Bar. 
 
 Andrew Patterson, subscribing one pound, was a mem- 
 ber of the firm of " Gillespie, Moffat and Company," or 
 rather of the firm which preceded it, the style of which 
 varied at different times. He was the uncle of A. T. Pat- 
 terson, the present head of the house in Montreal. He 
 removed to Quebec in 1815, and died there in or about the 
 year 1860. 
 
 John Catanach, subscribing among others on this 
 occasion, was a baker in the employ of William Logan, Sir 
 "William's father. He continued to have a connection with 
 the Logan estate after the proprietor removed to Scotland, 
 and was evidently regarded with confidence and affection 
 by Sir "William, as we find references to him in the corre- 
 spondence of the great G-eologist. No pew stood in his 
 name on the church books, but he contributed liberally 
 to the funds every year up to 1814, at which date the 
 '' individual subscribers " ceased to be noted. He died 8th 
 July, 1816.
 
 250 
 
 F. Gronnerman was an old citizen of Greiman origin. He 
 signed the address to the Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1^89 ; 
 but appears to have cast his lot in with the Presbyterians^ 
 after they were fully organized. He was a tavern keeper 
 and dealer in fuel, and for some time supplied the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church with wood. 
 
 William Stewart, who subscribed £1 2s. 6d. on this 
 occasion, was a nephew of William Stewart, the original 
 Trustee. He was a merchant, and came under obligation 
 to pay Mr. Somerville a guinea annually for three years. 
 In 1804, he acquired pew 92, and a year or two afterwards 
 also No. 93, which he retained till 1813, having Robert 
 Hunter, a ship-carpenter, who was for several years 
 Precentor in the church, for fellow-occupant. 
 
 William Skakel, tailor, and G-eorge Skakel, cooper, were 
 brothers who subscribed to Mr. Somerville's stipend. 
 William died. 31st December, 1807. George owned pew 
 48, as long as the proprietorship of individual pews can 
 be traced.
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The New Englanders connected with St. Gabriel Street Church,— The 
 Baggs, Elijah Brown, Joseph Chapman, Jambs Charlton — The 
 DeWitts, Horatio Gates, Bezaliel Gray, Thomas Fingland, Laban 
 FoLGER, Jonathan Hagar, The Halls, Thomas Harris, Jonathan 
 IJart, Samuel Hedge, Joshua Hen^haw, Horace Hibbard, The 
 Lymans, Uriah Mitcham, Nahum Mower, Simon Myers, Zenas Nash, 
 David Nelson, Moses Northropp, J. W. Northup, Jonathan 
 Parkins, Cornelius Peck, Nathan Pierce, Abner Rice, M. Savage, 
 Isaac Shay, Robert Street, Nathan Strong, Zabdiel Thayer, Simon 
 Thomson, Benjamin Throop, Daniel E. Tyleb, The Wadsworths, 
 The Waits, The Whitneys and Josiah Winnants — The war of 1812 
 affects them — Items connecped with the victory of Waterloo, 
 1815 — Baptism of negro slaves and Scotch-Indian half-breeds — 
 Other members belonging to this period, George Gillespie, Robt, 
 Gillespie, The Armours, John Fleming, James Ellice Cajipbell, 
 William Blackwood, Hu(;ii Brodib, Lieutenant-Colonel William 
 Mackay, Archibald Norman McLeod, John Macdonald and James 
 Brown. 
 
 One of the most interesting features of Montreal, at the 
 beginning of this century, was the large New England 
 element of its population. A most valuable element it 
 was, as well as a picturesque one. Many of these people 
 were political refugees, who though their fathers had 
 left England to seek " a faith's pure shrine — freedom to 
 worship God," yet were bound to the old land by many 
 endearing ties, which they could not bear to have entirely 
 sundered. Others again, though republicans, saw a fine 
 opening in this city for trade or for the practice of their 
 craft, and so chose it as their home. Montreal is greatly 
 indebted to this infusion of vigorous life drawn from the 
 old Puritan stock. The skilled mechanics, who ministered
 
 252 
 
 to the comfort of the inhabitants, and helped to build up 
 the city, Yo or 100 years ago, were mainly drawn from 
 across the line 45'. Naturally shrewd, they were also frugal 
 and industrious, and presented a striking contrast to their 
 neighbours, the fur traders, whose gains accumulated 
 rapidly, and who, in consequence, lived luxuriously and 
 spent freely. The thrifty tradesmen, like the snail of the 
 fable in its race with the hare, won in the end. The wealth 
 of the merchants filtered by degrees through the com- 
 munity, until at last it reached the safe pockets of the 
 "Yankees." They thus proved a "salt" to the city — 
 they saved it from the effects of an unhealthy, overstimu- 
 lated social life. The Puritan leaven which those pru- 
 dent, thoughtful, sagacious New Englanders brought over 
 with them to Montreal has not ceased to be felt even yet 
 in our religious and social life. Their motto was, "Dili- 
 gent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord " — 
 and they were most useful citizens : wide awake in all 
 respects, they introduced the best methods of doing 
 business into the community. 
 
 A few of them became prominent as merchants, but 
 for the most part, they plied the various kinds of handicraft 
 which the necessities of the time and place demanded. 
 I take it that the following were from New England, 
 although I do not vouch for the absolute accuracy of the 
 list :— 
 
 Abner and Phineas Bagg, brothers, who owned property 
 at the Mile-End, and advertized pasturage for sale — Joseph 
 Bigelow, a nailer, whose wife was Sally Higgins — Elijah 
 Brown — Joseph Chapman, tailor — James Charlton, hatter 
 — Jabez and Jacob DeWitt, hatters — Horatio Grates and 
 his nephew, Nathaniel Jones, merchants — Bezaliel G-ray 
 and Juditha, his wife — Thomas Fingland, trader — Laban 
 Folger — Jonathan Hagar, shoemaker — Joseph and Jacob 
 Hall, hatters, and Benjamin Hall, their brother — Nahum
 
 253 
 
 Hall, biscuit-baker, and inspector of flour, 1819 — Thomas 
 Harris — Jonathau Hart — Samuel Hedge, blacksmith, after- 
 wards hardware merchant — Joshua Henshaw, dry goods — 
 Horace Hibbard — The Lyman brothers, Lewis and Micah 
 Jones, druggists, and Elisha, Hotel-keeper — U. Mitcham 
 and Hannah Peltry, his wife — Nahum Mower, printer — 
 Simon Myers— Zenas Nash — David Nelson, saddler, whose 
 son Horatio Alexander was baptized by Mr. Somerville 
 in 1806 — Moses Northropp, hatter — J. "W. Northup, Heph- 
 zibah Thurston, his wife, and their son, Asenath — Samuel 
 Park, cabinet-maker, owned pew No. 10 — Jonathan Park- 
 ins — Cornelius Peck, carpenter, inn-keeper and stage pro- 
 prietor, married to Maria Hall — Nathan Pierce — Abner 
 Rice, physician — M. Savage, corset, pelisse and mantua 
 maker — Isaac Shay, carpenter — Robert Street, tailor — 
 Nathan Strong, bricklayer, and Sally Westover, his wife — 
 Zabdiel Thayer, crockery merchant, and Abigail Curtis his 
 w4fe — Simon Thomson — Benjamin Throop, grocer — Daniel 
 E. Tylee, tea merchant — James "Wadsworth and brother, 
 druggists — Resolu and Seth "Wait — Barnabas and Ben- 
 jamin "Whitney, the latter a writing master — Josiah "Win- 
 nants. 
 
 The quaint names in the above list, most of them taken 
 from the scriptures, help to identify the families as of 
 New England origin. The surnames, again, correspond 
 in not a few instances to those of honoured and promi- 
 nent citizens of to-day, who owe probably much of their 
 prosperity to the skill, prudence, thrift and, above all, 
 the high principles of their Puritan progenitors. 
 
 All those whom I have mentioned are found in the old 
 Registers of St, Gabriel Street Church, in one connection 
 or another. Some of them joined the St. Peter Street 
 Church, after it was started, and ultimately were incor- 
 porated in the American Presbyterian Church ; but many 
 of the families continued connected with the Scotch
 
 254 
 
 Church, at least up to 1812, aud some of them afterwards. 
 On the breaking out of war in that year, the British Govern- 
 ment caused a proclamation to issue, warning all Ameri- 
 can citizens in Canada, either to take the oaih of allegiance 
 or leave the country. Some of them became citizens, 
 but others returned to the United States. This caused a 
 little coolness between the old country people of Mont- 
 real and those from the United States, which it took 
 years to remove. This estrangement had probably no 
 ffood reason in it ; for there is no evidence that the citi- 
 zens of American origin said or did anything at that time 
 to justify the suspicion with which the loyalists came to 
 regard them. Yet the fact remained — the intercourse be- 
 tween these two sections of the population was not for 
 years after this so hearty as it had been. Indeed, it was 
 this circumstance which, for the most part, led to the final 
 establishment of a distinctively American Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 The DeWitts. hatters, were among the Forrest adherents 
 who seceded from the St. Gabriel Street Church, in 1803. 
 Jacob DeWitt was at that time in partnership with Moses 
 Northropp. He subsequently engaged in the hardware 
 business. He was one of the leaders in the movement to 
 establish the American Presbyterian Church, and pre- 
 sided at the meeting to organise that society on 24th 
 December, 1822. He was a warm supporter of that church 
 until his death. Although an American by birth, Mr. 
 DeWitt threw himself heartily into public affairs touch- 
 ing the w^elfare of the city and province ; and not only 
 entered parliament, representing the County of Chateau- 
 guay, but was one of the first directors of the Bank 
 of Canada. He also promoted the establishment of the 
 City Bank, and was one of the founders of the Banque 
 du Peuple. D. B. Yiger and he were the largest share- 
 holders in the latter, and on the death of Mr. Viger, the
 
 255 
 
 first president, Mr. DeWitt succeeded to the position, 
 which he held until his decease. 
 
 Hon. Horatio Grates was a supporter of St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, from 1808 onwards till 1813. He and his partner 
 at that time, Mr. Bellows, lent jGIO to help to clear off 
 the debt on the building in 1810, one-half of which they 
 afterwards donated to the congregation. They also con- 
 tributed £2 to put up the steeple. Mr. Grates and his 
 nephew, Mr. Jones, were successful merchants, J. Gr. 
 McKenzie, founder of the great house of " J. Gr. McKenzie 
 and Company," was married to a daughter of Mr. Grates. 
 Hector McKenzie and Frederic McKenzie, ex-M.P., are 
 his grandsons. Mr. Gates was appointed a member of 
 the Legislative Council, 16th March, 1833. He was also 
 one of the seven gentlemen who signed the call for the 
 meeting to elect the first directors of the Bank of Montreal, 
 4th July, 1817, and was chosen then, and remained one 
 of its directors for many years, being president of it at his 
 death. 
 
 Isaac Shay was the carpenter who erected the steeple 
 of the St. Grabriel Street Church, in 1809, and put a new 
 roof on the church the same year. The roof was done by 
 contract and cost =€318 12s. 2d. The steeple was done by 
 days' wages and cost <£133. The account for the bell 
 was c£36 13s. 9d. He entered afterwards into partner- 
 ship with Mr. Bent, and they became enterprizing con- 
 tractors, responsible and competent to carry out all that 
 they undertook. They built the first Bank of Montreal, the 
 fine old structure pulled down a few years ago to give 
 place to the present Post Office, and held most of the 
 heavy contracts of the period. Mr. Shay bought pew 59 
 in the church. He was one of the directors of the Mon- 
 treal Savings' Bank for several years. Mrs. William 
 Phillips is his grand-daughter.
 
 256 
 
 Wadsworth aud Lyman who subscribed a guinea in 
 1803, 1804 and 1805, were a firm of druggists in the city. 
 Before 1806, the two families appear to have separated in 
 business, as in that year, Wads worth and brother are found 
 subscribing a guinea on their own account. They con- 
 tinued to contribute to the funds of the church up to 
 1813, but in the years 1811 and 1812, the name of R. Wads- 
 worth is credited with the contribution, and in 1813 it 
 is " Wadsworth & Co." 
 
 From 1806 on to 1812, Lewis Lyman contributed sums 
 each year varying from one to two guineas. He also gave 
 £2 10s. for buying the bell, and putting up the steeple, 
 and lent £5 for removing the debt in 1810. At different 
 periods, the names of two other brothers, Elisha and Micah 
 Jones Lyman, are found in the Registers of the St. G-abriei 
 Street Church. They were all from Northampton, Massa- 
 chusetts, and sons of Elisha Lyman of that town, and of 
 his wife, Abigail Janes. The Lymans are descended from 
 an old English stock, from the county of Essex, — one of 
 their ancestors, Richard Lyman, having come to New 
 England with the Puritan emigration that went on early 
 in the 17th century. He was one of the first settlers in 
 Hartford, Connecticut. In the course of time, a branch of 
 the family settled at Northampton. 
 
 Micah Jones Lyman, whose wife was Elizabeth Sheldon, 
 had practiced medicine in Vermont before removing to 
 Montreal in 1810. At the beginning of the war of 1812, 
 he gave up the drug business which he had established 
 here and went to Troy, N. Y., where he carried on the same 
 business till 1842. He died in 1851, aged 84 years. 
 
 Elisha Lyman, inherited from his father the old family 
 homestead, but exchanged with his brother, Theodore,leav- 
 ing Northampton and afterwards residing as a farmer suc- 
 cessively in Conway, Mass., and Derby, Vt. He removed
 
 267 
 
 to Montreal in 1815, and kept a public house on McGrill 
 Street till 1828. He was known in the family as Deacon 
 Elisha Lyman, and was a man of sterling integrity, strictly 
 conscientious and religious. His son, "William, had come 
 to reside here in 1807, but left in 1812, on account of 
 the war. He returned in 1819, and established the present 
 firm, which was then known as Hedge, Lyman & Co. He 
 retired from the business in 1855, and died in 1857. His 
 two younger brothers, Benjamin and Henry, followed him 
 to Montreal and joined him in the business. Benjamin, 
 one of Montreal's mo.st honoured Christian citizens, an 
 elder in the American Presbyterian Church, died suddenly 
 at Toronto, 6th December, 1878. Henry is still with us, 
 with eye undimmed and natural force unabated. 
 
 Lewis was younger than Micah Jones and Elisha, but 
 he was the first of the family to come to Montreal. He 
 was also in the drug business commencing with the 
 Wadsworths, and afterwards conducting it by himself. 
 He died in 1852, aged 80 years, leaving no children. 
 
 Two sisters of the Lymans were married here, — Lydia, 
 to Samuel Hedge, hardware merchant, whose grand- 
 daughters married the Trenholmes ; and Susannah, to 
 Roswell Corse, whose daughters are Mrs. Dr. A. Fisher and 
 Mrs. Henry Lyman. 
 
 Col. Theodore Lyman, jeweller, who came to Montreal in 
 1833, — the late Colonel Stephen Jones Lyman, chemist and 
 druggist, following him the next year, — and the late Han- 
 nah Willard Lyman, were the children of Theodore, a 
 younger brother of Micah, Elisha and Lewis, and were all 
 born in old Northampton, Mass. The name of Miss Lyman 
 is yet as ointment poured forth in many hearts and homes, 
 not in Montreal only, but all through Canada, for the 
 blessed influences which she exerted as an instructor of 
 young ladies. There were many regrets felt when, in 1865, 
 she gave up her select academy here and accepted the prin-
 
 258 
 
 oipalship of Yassar College, Poughkeepsie. She entered 
 into rest there, February 21st, 1871, aged 55 years, but her 
 remains were brought to Montreal and borne to Mount 
 Royal Cemetery, followed by numerous sorrowing friends 
 who had known, loved and honoured her in life. 
 
 The Savages and the Lays, among others, are related 
 by marriage to the Lyman family ; so that this influential 
 New England stock has taken deep root in Canadian soil. 
 
 Moses Northropp, partner of Jacob Dewitt, bought pews 
 49 and 50, on 6th March, 1809. These he held till the 
 breaking out of the war in 1812, when they passed into 
 the hands of James Ellice Campbell. Mr. Northropp seems 
 to have prized his American citizenship more than his 
 trade interests, and consequently left the city on the issu- 
 ing of the king's proclamation. 
 
 Nahum Mower, who purchased pew 62, in 1807, was a 
 native of Worcester, Massachusetts. He was a printer, 
 and set up a newspaper in Montreal in 1807, the Canadian 
 Courant, which was the first purely English journal pub- 
 lished in the province. The Quebec Gazette and the Mon- 
 treal Gazette, up to that date, and afterwards, were both 
 of them printed half in English and half in French. All 
 advertisements, and other important matters in them were 
 ranged in parallel columns, in the two languages. 
 
 Another feature of Mr. Mower's paper calls for remark : 
 it w^as more of a newspaper than those Journals I have 
 named, — which were largely official organs, containing 
 Government notices and advertisements, but very little 
 reading matter, — and what they had was all Ibreign. They 
 had no reports of events happening in Canada, nor com- 
 ments upon the management of affairs. But Mr. Mower 
 was in advance of his contemporaries of the fourth estate, 
 in these particulars. The Corn-ant had spicy reflections
 
 259 
 
 upon current topics, and considered the local aifairs of the 
 city and province as worthy of notice. 
 
 Mr. Mower's connection with the church ceased durins: 
 the period of the war of 1812-4, his pew having been sold 
 to Mr. A. Leishman, in 1813; but whether his withdrawal 
 had any relations to national questions does not appear. 
 Mr. Mower in his valedictory proclaimed himself an up- 
 holder of British institutions. 
 
 On the 6th of June, 1829, the following address appeared 
 in the Canadian Courant and Montreal Advertiser, a paper then 
 published in Montreal, twice a week, on Wednesdays and 
 Saturdays : — 
 
 To THE Patrons of the " Canadian Courant." 
 
 " Tw'enty-two years have now elapsed since the sub- 
 scriber issued the first number of the Courant, then the 
 only entire English paper in this city; on retiring 
 from its charge, it might not be improper to take a 
 short retrospective glance, over a period which, althouo*h 
 attended with a share of the perplexities which are 
 inseparable from a life of business, has not been without 
 its pleasure. Yet he would rather be silent on a subject 
 wtich must naturally speak so much of self, were it 
 not that custom imposes the necessity of addressing a 
 few words to his friends and supporters, on breaking the 
 tie which has hitherto connected them ; and gratitude 
 urges to follow the practice which custom has sanctioned, 
 — for, having experienced much from the honourable and 
 most respectable in society whereof to be grateful, in what- 
 ever situation the remainder of his life may be spent, he 
 will never cease to cherish a warm regard for the many 
 friends who have shown him so much kindness and 
 liberality. With respect to the political course of the 
 paper, he conceives it necessary to say but a few words ; 
 his endeavours have always been to make it a free and im-
 
 260 
 
 partial recorder of public events, and, although not born 
 a British subject, he feels an honest conviction of having 
 redeemed the pledge made in the first number, that he 
 ' should make it his duty to become a good subject, and 
 endeavour to persviade others to continue so.' Being an 
 admirer of the British Constitution, he has invariably- 
 endeavored to found his principles, and fix his conduct 
 on that basis, and to make it an indispensable requisite in 
 all whose editorial labours have from time to time been 
 retained." 
 
 Mr. Mower's daughter, Mrs. Perkins, has been one of 
 Montreal's most active Christian ladies, and is still with 
 us. 
 
 In nothing pertaining to modern civilization has such 
 improvement been made, perhaps, as in the sphere of jour- 
 nalism, during the last hundred years. This is strikingly 
 seen by comparing the Montreal Gazette of 1787 with that 
 of 1887. Then, a few inches of the folio sheet were given 
 up to a brief abstract of European news brought by the 
 latest sailing ship. Sometimes this small budget of 
 foreign news was dated at Paris, sometimes at Brussels, 
 sometimes at Copenhagen, but oftener at London. This 
 was almost all the reading matter contained in the issue 
 of the paper, — the rest consisted of official announcements 
 and advertisements. 
 
 Speaking of continental news reported in the local 
 papers, leads me to insert two small items copied from the 
 Montreal Herald, of September 2nd, 1815. The first is a 
 form of Prayer and Thanksgiving, read on Sunday, July 
 9th, 1815, in all churches and chapels throughout England 
 and "Wales, for the signal victory at Waterloo : — 
 
 '• God, the Disposer of all human events, without 
 whose aid the strength of man is weakness, and the coun- 
 sels of the wisesit are as nothing, accept our praise and
 
 261 
 
 thanksgiving for the signal victory which Thou hast 
 recently vouchsafed to the Allied Armies. G-rant, O mer- 
 ciful G-od, that the result of this mighty battle, terrible in 
 conflict, but glorious beyond example in success, may put 
 an end to the miseries of Europe, and staunch the blood 
 of nations. Bless, we beseech Thee, the allied Armies with 
 Thy continued favour. Stretch forth Thy right hand to 
 help and direct them. Let not the glory of their progress 
 be stained by ambition, nor sullied by revenge ; but let 
 Thy Holy Spirit support them in danger, control them in 
 victory, and raise them above all temptations to evil. 
 through Jesus Christ Our Lord, to whom with Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and forever. 
 Amen." 
 
 The other item is the letter addressed by Napoleon Bona- 
 parte, to the Prince Regent, when the fallen Emperor 
 surrendered to the British ship Bellerophon, on ITth July, 
 1815 :— 
 
 " In consequence of the factions which have divided my 
 country, and the hatred of the greatest powers of Europe, 
 I have terminated my political career, and I come, like 
 Themistocles, to place myself under the protection of the 
 British nation. I place myself under her protection and 
 laws, and which I demand of Your Royal Highness, the 
 most constant, and the most generous of my enemies." 
 
 With Mr. Somerville's ministry,certain anomalies passed 
 away. Both he and Mr. Young had some delicate matters 
 to handle. I have already noticed the baptism of a young- 
 Indian woman by the former. Here are one or two addi- 
 tional items, leading us back to an obsolete condition of 
 things : — 
 
 *' William, a negro belonging to James Dunlop, Esquire, of ^Montreal, 
 was baptized this seventeenth day of November, in the year of our Lord, 
 one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, by 
 
 JOHN YOUNG, Minister.
 
 262 
 
 This looks strauge now, but here is another curious 
 entry in the Registers : — 
 
 Geo. MeKenzie, aged about nine years; Roderick, aged about six years, 
 
 born to Daniel McKen/.ie, Esquire, of Montreal, of a woman in the Indian 
 
 country, were baptized this sixteenth <lay of October, one thousand eight 
 
 hundred and four, by 
 
 JAMES SOMERVILLE, 
 
 Minister. 
 
 In 1798, Mr. Young, in like manner, baptized "James, son 
 to Cuthbert G-rant, Indian trader, aged seven years, mother 
 unknown " ; and, in the same year, Hannah, daughter of 
 Peter Grant, merchant, aged about three years, mother to 
 me unknown." 
 
 Some very serious moral and social questions were in- 
 volved in these ministerial acts. It was, perhaps, to the 
 credit of these Scotch traders that they cared enough for 
 their half-breed ofF-spring to bring them to Montreal, 
 on their return from the North-west, and solicit baptism 
 for them. The French, on the other hand, for the most part 
 left their half-breed children with their Indian mothers, 
 who brought them up after their own fashion. As 
 between the two, the Scotch were to be commended. But 
 there were other features of these transactions which it 
 must have been difficult for the ministers of those days to 
 wink at, "Were those children born in wedlock ? Morally, 
 they no doubt were — that is, the traders took these Indian 
 women to be their wives in the sight of God. There may 
 have been no marriage ceremonies, for there were no clergy- 
 men in the wilds of the far west to celebrate them ; but 
 the women were joined to these merchants in all simplicity 
 and fidelity, and counted themselves wives according to 
 Indian notions. To all intents and purposes it was a mar- 
 riage — as, indeed, it would be regarded according to the 
 old law of Scotland. This being so, the problem must 
 have arisen, — what became of these wives when the
 
 263 
 
 traders left the Indian country and returned to Montreal ; 
 were they dealt fairly by, in being abandoned, as the 
 records may be supposed to imply that they were ? On 
 the other hand, if these Indian women had no right to be 
 regarded as wives, were not the children illegitimate, and 
 ought not the fathers to have been disciplined before having 
 church privileges extended to them ? We are not told 
 what dealings the clergymen had with the fathers in the 
 instances mentioned, before their children were baptized ; 
 but, in any case, the whole question was one surrounded 
 with difficulties. A few of the traders brought their Indian 
 wives east with them, and their conscientiousness and 
 courage were worthy of all praise ; but, as a rule, these 
 women were abandoned without receiving the tender con- 
 sideration from their Scotch partners that was due to the 
 mothers of their children. 
 
 The question of the validity of these Indian marriages, 
 which was long a debatable one, was at last set at rest by 
 the elaborate judgment of Hon. Justice Monk, in the 
 celebrated Connolly case. The Court of Appeals, 7th Sep- 
 tember, I8V9, upheld Judge Monk's decision in the Supe- 
 rior Court. John Connolly was declared the lawful son 
 of William Connolly, who was married to Suzanne, the 
 daughter of a Cree Chief, according to the Indian customs, 
 although without the religious rites which accompany 
 marriages in Christian communities ; notwithstanding 
 that said William Connolly married afterwards another 
 woman, Julia Woolrich, daughter of James Woolrich, the 
 rich dry goods merchant, of whom mention has been 
 made, while his Indian wife was still alive. 
 
 Another feature of the early religious state of the pro- 
 vince is shown in the registers during the incumbencies 
 of Mr. Young and Mr. Somerville, that ceased, in a large 
 measure, after their day, — namely, the number of bap-
 
 264 
 
 tisms they were called upou to solemnize for families 
 living in the distant parts of the province, and even across 
 the United States' line. There were no Protestant clergy- 
 men accessible to the settlers nearer than those resident 
 in Montreal. In our time, ministers would scarcely feel 
 free to baptize the children of all and sundry that came to 
 them, without some previous knowledge of the parents and 
 a guarantee of their religious character. But circumstances 
 alter cases. It was creditable to the people living in the 
 bush, that they sometimes carried their infants a hundred 
 miles in their arms to receive the Christian token — they 
 showed their faith by their works — and the clergymen 
 would naturally be very reluctant in such cases to with- 
 hold the ordinance through which those families desired 
 to pledge their little ones to become disciples of the 
 Lord. 
 
 I shall conclude this chapter by notices of a few of the 
 prominent Scotch members whose connection with the 
 church belonged chiefly to this period. 
 
 In 1805, G-eorge Grillespie subscribed three guineas for 
 five years. He was the Grillespie who imposed his name 
 upon the celebrated firm of " Grillespie, Moffat and Com- 
 pany," which still maintains a leading place in the com- 
 mercial community of Montreal. The names of Yeoward, 
 Grerard, Parker, Ogilvie and Tough, partners in the same 
 concern, before Mr. Grillespie or in his time, have long ago 
 dropped out of sight. Mr. Gillespie came to Montreal 
 about 1*790, and in 1*79(3 he is mentioned in connection 
 with the agency of the North-west Company. He had a 
 share in the fur trade during its pahniest days, and soon 
 made what, at that time, was counted a fortune. He was 
 a gentleman of high honour and integrity, and helped to 
 give a fine tone to the commercial sentiment of tho period 
 of his stay in this city. He occupied a seat in the firm's
 
 CJ**^ 
 
 ROBERT ARMOUR.
 
 265 
 
 pew in the Church, No. 7, but he was a constant and 
 liberal subscriber to the funds of the congregation on his 
 own account. He gave i)10 to clear off the debt in 1810. 
 On retiring from business in Canada, he bought a property 
 in the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire, near Biggar, where he 
 resided till his death about 1841, or 1842. 
 
 Eobert G-illespie was a younger brother of Greorge. He 
 came to Montreal about 1800. His name appears as a sub- 
 scriber, first, in 1808. But he acted as Precentor and 
 Clerk to the Session^ in 1804. He was a director of the 
 Lachine Canal Company, and vice-president of the Agricul- 
 tural Society of Montreal, in 1820. He continued to reside 
 here until 1822, when he removed to London, and was the 
 senior member of the firm of " G-illespie, Moffat and Com- 
 pany " there till 1856, when he retired from business. He 
 died in 1861 or 1862. 
 
 Mr. G-illespie was a member of the temporal committee 
 of the St. Gabriel Street Church in the years 1813, 1814, 
 1815 and 1816. In 1815, he was Vice-president, and 1816, 
 President of the Committee. 
 
 The Armour family also become connected with the St. 
 G-abriel Street Church in the early years of Mr. Somerville's 
 ministry. Three brothers, Robert, Hugh and Shaw Armour, 
 were natives of Kilmarnock, Scotland. Robert, the eldest, 
 was born there in 1'780, and came to Canada in 1*798. He 
 engaged in general merchandize, and formed several part- 
 nerships in Montreal. The first firm consisted of Hender- 
 son and Armour. Afterwards he did business under the 
 style of " R. Armour and Co." In 1817, his name appears 
 as senior partner in the concern of " Robert Armour and 
 Davis." He married, in 1806, Elizabeth Harvie, of Kilmar- 
 nock, who proved a helpmeet indeed to him, and bore to 
 him several sons and daughters. She died in 1823.
 
 266 
 
 In 1807, Mr. Armour bought pew No. 17, wliieh formerly 
 belonged to the widow of William Stewart, one of the 
 original trustees of the church; and in 1816 he secured also 
 pew No. 88. His business ability, as well as the depth of 
 his interest in the welfare of the congregation, soon singled 
 him out for the offices in the gift of the people. He was 
 chosen a member of the Temporal Committee in 1807, and 
 was re-elected in the two succeeding years. In 1808, he 
 was made Vice-president of the Committee. On the 
 removal of William Logan to Scotland, in 1815, Mr. 
 Armour was elected Treasurer in his room, and held the 
 office for the two following years. 
 
 On the 21st March, 1819, he was ordained an elder in 
 the St. G-abriel Street congregation, the duties of which 
 office he performed with much ability and fidelity up to 
 the time of his withdrawal from the church, with the 
 section of the congregation that adhered to Rev. Edward 
 Black. 
 
 Although he took part in the movement to establish St, 
 Paul's, Mr. Armour had a strong personal attachment to 
 Mr. Esson. He mourned sincerely over the bitterness 
 imported into the controversy by the partizans of the two 
 clergymen, and did what he could to pour oil on the 
 troubled waters. It was a great joy to him when, a few 
 years afterwards, cordial relations were re-established 
 between Mr. Esson and Dr. Black, and their respective 
 congregations. Mr. Armour was an esteemed public 
 citizen. He was one of the Commissioners for improving 
 the inland navigation between Montreal and Lachine. He 
 was also one of the wardens of the Trinity House. He 
 was finally cashier of the Bank of Canada. 
 
 Five of Mr. Armour's children were baptized by Mr. 
 Somerville, — Robert, in 1806; Mary, in 1808; Andrew 
 Harvie, in 1809 ; John, in 1815 ; and Agnes Hunter, in 
 1817. Robert, who was a general merchant, died in 1845.
 
 26Y 
 
 Andrew Harvie, the first named partner in the formerly 
 well-known firm of publishers, booksellers and stationers, 
 " Armour and Ramsay," with branches in Kingston and 
 Toronto, died in 1859. The firm " Armour and Eamsay " 
 owned and directed the Montreal Gazette for many years. 
 They had a strong British feeling, and as race questions 
 were at the time agitated, the Gazette in their hands was 
 the stout champion of the rights of the English-speaking 
 minority. John survives, and resides in Hamilton, Ontario. 
 So does Agnes Hunter, as the widow of the late Hew 
 Ramsay, of the firm above mentioned ; and the mother of 
 the late beloved Robert Austruther Ramsay, advocate, 
 whose sudden taking off a few months ago, in the prime 
 of his manhood, was universally deplored. A Christian, 
 a scholar and a gentleman ; he bore the white flower of a 
 blameless life. No citizen, at least outside those worship- 
 ping in the old church, took a deeper interest in its fortunes, 
 or more enthusiastically supported the proposal to publish 
 its annals. 
 
 Hugh and Shaw Armour were younger brothers of 
 Robert's, who came to Canada some years after him, and 
 established a general mercantile business. Hugh died at 
 St. Therese de Blainville, in 1822, aged 36 years. In 1816, 
 Shaw bought pews 56 and 5V, as also 90 and 91 in the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church. In 1820, Shaw Armour was dis- 
 count clerk in the Bank of Canada. He afterwards removed 
 to Cobourg, in the upper province. 
 
 John Fleming, who was a regular subscriber to the 
 church from 1807 onwards, was born in Aberdeenshire, 
 Scotland, in 1786. He came as a youth to Montreal, and 
 joined the firm of Hart, Logan and Company, general 
 merchants. He was one of the first presidents of the 
 Bank of Montreal. In addition to prosecuting trade, he 
 found time to court the muses. The Societe Literaire de
 
 268 
 
 Quebec offered a medal for the best ode commemorating the 
 fifty years reigu of George III, iu 180y. It was won by 
 Mr. Fleming. He had one of the finest private libraries in 
 the province, containing abont 11,000 volumes. He pos- 
 sessed a fine literary taste, and wrote a good deal. Amongst 
 other productions of his pen was a book entitled : " The 
 Political Annals of Lower Canada, being a Review of the 
 Political and Legislative History of that Province." The 
 substance of the publication had previously appeared in 
 the form of Essays in the Canadian Revieir. Mr. Fleming 
 died of cholera in 1832. During the troublous times in 
 the conofregation, from 1829 to 1832, he took sides with 
 Mr. Black, but died before St. Paul's was fully or- 
 ganized. 
 
 Charles Aruoldi. watchmaker, bought pew No. 60 in 
 1807, which he continued to occupy till 1810. He and 
 his wife, Anne Brown, had a child baptized by Mr. 
 Somerville, 3rd February, 1806. 
 
 James Ellice Campbell, who bought pews 49 and 50, 
 when they were given up by Moses Northropp in 1812, 
 was an old North-wester. He was one of the ofiicers of 
 the corps of voijageurs that took Detroit in 1812, holding, 
 under Colonel McGillivray, the rank of Quarter Master. 
 He afterwards became a lumber merchant and ship owner, 
 having a yard at Hochelaga. He was appointed culler of 
 timber, staves, &c., in 1820. He married a sister of De ' 
 Bellefeuille Macdonald, and his son, James Reid Campbell, 
 named after Chief Justice Reid, was one of the claimants 
 to the Earldom of Breadalbane when Grienfalloch took 
 the estates and title. J. Reid Campbell lives on his 
 estate of Inverardine, near Cornwall, Ontario. His con- 
 nection with the church appears to have begun in 1812. 
 
 Lewis Charles, a relative of Mr. McTavish, who came
 
 269 
 
 from the old country as a landscape gardener to lay out the 
 grounds around the mansion which the great fur king had 
 planned, also attended the St. G-abriel Street Church at 
 this time. His son, J. Charles, was a gardener, in Mountain 
 Street, in 1819. His grand-daughter is the wife of John 
 N. Hickey, commission merchant of Mackay Street. 
 
 "William Blackwood, of the firm of Blackwood and 
 Larocque, merchants, a brother of Thomas and John, also 
 belonged to this period. He was a member of the Tem- 
 poral Committee in 1815, 1816 and 1817. He died on the 
 15th April, 1831, aged 45 years. 
 
 Hugh Brodie, grandfather of Hugh Brodie, the notary, 
 of Montreal, was also a member of the church at the be- 
 ginning of the century. His daughter, Mary, now the aged 
 wife of Matthew^ Woodrow of St. Lambert, was baptized 
 by Mr. Somerville on the 20th November, 1804. Mr. 
 Brodie then lived at Chambly. Afterwards he became Mr. 
 John Lilly's farmer, a position he filled until he acquired 
 property of his own at Coteau St. Pierre, w^here he died in 
 1862, aged 72 years. A native of Lochwinnoch, Ayrshire, 
 Scotland, his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, in 
 which he became a pattern to his French Canadian neigh- 
 bours. He took special pleasure in giving information and 
 counsel to his fellow-countrymen, newly arrived, for 
 whom his house was ever open. His fame as an agricul- 
 turist extended beyond Canada, and he was several times 
 appointed a judge at the New York State Agricultural 
 Exhibitions. He seems to have severed his connection 
 with the St. Gabriel Street congregation, soon after the 
 St. Peter Street Church was organized, with which he 
 connected himself He w^as ordained an elder in that 
 church, and warmly commended himself to the Christain 
 community by a walk and conversation becoming the
 
 270 
 
 Grospel. His sons, Hugh and Robert, both uow deceased, 
 were successful farmers, and highly respected members 
 of the community, and left the heritage of a good name to 
 their children and children's children. 
 
 James Brown who purchased pew No. 8, in 1805, and 
 held it for twenty years, was an influential citizen. Born 
 in G-lasgow in 1776, he came as a lad to Quebec, where he 
 was married at the age of 19, by Rev. Alexander Spark. 
 Here his two eldest children were born and baptized. 
 He removed to Montreal in 1801 or 1802, and became the 
 pioneer book-seller and stationer of Montreal, besides ac- 
 quiring the proprietorship of the Montreal Gazette, which 
 had been continuously published since 1778. He em- 
 ployed a large number of men in the several departments 
 of his business. Amongst others of his employees was the 
 father of the Hon. Justice Badgley, who acted as editor of 
 the Gazette. He occupied, therefore, in most respects, the 
 same position early in the century that Armour and Ram- 
 say filled at a later date. In the course of his business he 
 was obliged to take over as payment a paper mill at St. 
 Andrews, near Carillon, so that he was forced into becom- 
 ing a manufacturer. He disposed of the Gazette to Mr. 
 Turner, and his other business to other parties, and con- 
 fined his attention to the mill. It did not prove a profit- 
 able undertaking — he rather lost heavily in the business. 
 Mr. Brown gave £2 to the steeple and bell fund in 1810. 
 His pew was sold 1826, as he no longer lived in the city 
 or paid pew rent. There being no Scotch church then in 
 St. Andrews, the family attended the Episcopal services, 
 and ultimately connected themselves with that com- 
 munion, which the survivors among his children, Mr. 
 John O. Brown, formerly auctioneer, now agent, and Miss 
 Brown, an octogenarian, who is still vigorous, continue to 
 do, being members of Trinity Church. Mr. Brown died 
 23rd May, 1845, aged 60 years.
 
 271 
 
 Grwynn Owen Radford, the jailer of Montreal, also 
 became a supporter of ordinances in St. G-abriel Street 
 Church in 1804, contributing £1 15s. that year to the 
 minister's stipend — and increasing the amount to £2 in 
 1805. He was a prominent Freemason, and was at the 
 head of a small company of five who founded the G-rand 
 Assembly of Knight Templars and Knights of Malta in 
 1800. 
 
 Among the Norwesters, perhaps there w^as no name 
 around which such stirring memories gathered as that of 
 Archibald Norman MacLeod — not even Cuthbert G-rant's. 
 MacLeod was one of the pioneers of the fur trade. Along 
 with John G-regory he had started a company to com- 
 pete with that at the head of which stood Simon 
 McTavish and the Frobishers. When the two concerns 
 amalgamated, he was the most prominent of the partners 
 actually in the Indian country. He acted as Major under 
 Colonel McGillivray, in the successful expedition against 
 Detroit, in 1812. He also figured largely in the attempt 
 to drive the Selkirk Highlanders away from the Red 
 River, in 1816, and directed the operations conducted by 
 Grant, Pangman, Montour and others. At an earlier date, 
 although he was a magistrate for the North-west terri- 
 tories, he was charged with attempting to drive off Rous- 
 seau andHervieu from trading with the Indians. Colonel 
 Coltman, of Quebec, who went as a commissioner, specially 
 designated by the G-overnor-General, to inquire into the 
 circumstances attending the death of G-overnor Semple, 
 and the troubles between Lord Selkirk and the North- 
 west Company, reported MacLeod as one of those to be 
 held responsible for the murder of Semple. 
 
 He was a visitor at St. Peter's Lodge of Freemasons in 
 1781, but he was very little in Montreal. His connection 
 with the St. Gabriel Street Church appears to have begun
 
 2*72 
 
 ouly ill 1809, when he subscribed a guinea, which he 
 continued to give. In 1811, he contributed c€3 16s towards 
 wiping out the church debt. He bought pew 30 in the 
 gallery, in 1819. In that year, and in 1820, we find him 
 in the head office of the company, in St Gabriel Street. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel "William MacKay had also a connec- 
 tion with the St. Gabriel Street Church during Mr. 
 Somerville's ministry. He had been a trader on his own 
 account upon the banks of the Menomoni River from the 
 year 1796 onwards. He finally settled down at Michilli- 
 makinac, from which centre he directed his fur operations. 
 Visiting Montreal in 1808, he then married Eliza Davidson, 
 daughter of the Hon. Justice Davidson. He joined the 
 North-west Company in 1812. On the breaking out of 
 hostilities between Great Britain and the United States, 
 in that year, he put himself at the head of the British 
 settlers ; and soon afterwards took the fort of Prairie-du- 
 Chien, which from that time forward bore his name, 
 Fort MacKay. He undertook an expedition against the 
 Mississippi in 1814, in command of the Michigan Fenci- 
 bles, and, by the military successes which he achieved, 
 earned for himself his Lieutenant-Colonelcy. He tra- 
 velled, during the war, 19,000 miles. He is described as 
 an " active and intelligent gentleman, and of an imposing 
 figure." The Alexander MacKay, mentioned by Washing- 
 ton Irving in Astoria, was his brother, and was in the 
 employ of the North-west Company as early as 1806. He 
 also attended the church for some time, and with "William 
 contributed .£10 to the steeple and bell fund in 1810. 
 William MacKay's name first appeared on the subscription 
 list in 1809, and continued till his return westward in 
 1812. He gave £S to the debt in 1810. A son, William, 
 who died in infancy, was baptized by Mr. Somerville, 
 22nd November, 1811. The Hon. Robert MacKay, retired
 
 273 
 
 justice of the Superior Court, one of the warmest patrons 
 of Art and Letters among our citizens, is another son. 
 Colonel MacKay -returned to Montreal, and occupied 
 a position in the Indian Department from 1820 onwards 
 till his death. The name of the MacKay family is perpet- 
 uated in the street which is called after them. 
 
 Of all the Northwesters, of whose career I have know- 
 ledge, perhaps the most romantic was that of John Mac- 
 donald, of G-arth, son of Macdonald of G-arth, formerly 
 captain in the 84th Highlanders. Descended from the 
 Keppoch family, he inherited the high spirit and courage 
 of the famous Lords of the Isles. He came to Canada in 
 1*791, as a lad of 17 years, and entered the service of the 
 North-west Company. As he was brother-in-law of Lieut.- 
 General Sir Archibald Campbell, Bart., G-.C.B., Grovernor 
 of New Brunswick, and Commander-in-Chief in the 
 Burmese war, as well as of Hon. William McGillivray, 
 who was married to his sister Magdalen MacDonald, 
 and was a grand-nephew of G-eneral Small, Governor 
 of G-uernsey, formerly Colonel of the 84th Highlanders, 
 he was afforded every opportunity of rising in the service. 
 For a few years, at first, he was under the direction of 
 Angus Shaw, for whom he conceived the highest affection 
 and esteem ; so that when he was offered a place on the 
 staff of Sir Alexander MacKenzie, when that renowned 
 traveller was setting out on his voyage of discovery, he 
 declined to attach himself to any one else in preference to 
 Mr, Shaw. Having shown energy and pluck on many 
 occasions, thereby commending himself to the senior part- 
 ners, he was selected to lead in many enterprises in which 
 these qualities were required. Among other things given 
 him to do was to rescue David Thomson, the astronomer 
 of the Company, who was on one occasion, in British 
 Columbia, cut off from communication with the posts east 
 s
 
 214 
 
 of the mountains, through the interposition of hostile 
 Indians. He succeeded in bringing Mr. Thomson safely 
 across the "Rockies." It was after this that he visited 
 Montreal and attended the St. G-abriel Street Church. In 
 March, 1808, he, now a partner, and Angus Shaw, Aeneas 
 Cameron and A. N. McLeod, all made a contribution to the 
 funds of the church, and had their names inscribed in the 
 Treasurer's books. But his great undertaking was in the 
 war of 1812-4. He received the commission from the 
 Company, to fit out an expedition for the capture of the 
 fur-depot of the American traders, with John Jacob Astor 
 at their head, which had been established at the mouth of 
 the Columbia or Oregon River, and called after its founder 
 "Astoria." He sailed from England in the ship " Isaac 
 Todd," in 1813, for this purpose, and landed at Astoria, on 
 the 30th of November in that year, after doubling Cape 
 Horn. On the 1st day of December, Captain Smith of the 
 sloop, on board which Macdonald and his party reached the 
 settlement, took possession of the depot in the name of 
 King G-eorge, and called it Fort Greorge, after his Royal 
 Master. Here, a party that came by land across the moun- 
 tains, met them, and Macdonald, as senior partner of the 
 firm, amongst them, had the chief responsibility thrown 
 upon his shoulders. He conducted Astor himself, and 
 John Clarke, McDougall, Stewart and Donald McKenzie, 
 who were Astor's associates in business, as prisoners, 
 across the Rocky mountains, and over the plains to Fort 
 "William, where, at the conclusion of the war, they were 
 set at liberty. He settled at GTray's Creek, in the County 
 of Glengarry, in 1816, at the instance of Bishop Mac- 
 Donnell. He was persuaded by his son to write an 
 account of his adventurous life, which he^ did in his 
 89th year, and has left two manuscript volumes, of great 
 historic value, embracing sketches of his experiences and 
 reminiscences. Besides these interesting memoranda,
 
 215 
 
 the Bellefeuille Macdoualds have portraits of Hon. W. 
 McG-illivray and A. N. MacLeod. 
 
 Mr. Macdonald died at the ripe old age of 90 years, 
 leaving, among other children, the late Judge Eolland 
 Macdonald, of Welland, Ontario, and De Bellefeuille Mac- 
 donald of this city, whose wife is a daughter of Lieut.- 
 Col. the Hon. R U. Harwood, M.L.C., Seignior of Vau- 
 dreuil, — whose mother, again, was a daughter of the 
 Marquis of Lotbiniere, Knight of the Royal and Military 
 Order of St. Louis, and Engineer-in-Chief of New France.
 
 CHArTER XVII. 
 
 Rev. Hexky Esson, M.A., — His birth, Education, and call to Montrk.\l 
 — His high culture and social qualities — His early theological 
 VIEWS — His connection with education and the. Clergy Reserves 
 question — His marriage— His ideas about an Established Church 
 — The change in his notions of preaching the Gospel — Joins the 
 disruption movement in Canada — Appointed Professor in Knox 
 College — His Death — Dr. Willis' estimate of his character and 
 work. 
 
 The R,ev. Heury Esson's pastorate in St. Gabriel Street 
 Churcli was not only the longest, leaving ont the fifteen 
 years during which Mr. Somerville was nominally min- 
 ister, without sharing in the work or responsibilities of 
 the office ; but also covered the most important period of 
 its history, and was in many respects the most influential. 
 He was a man exceptionally gifted, and he found in the 
 Montreal of those days a fitting theatre on which his gifts 
 could be displayed to advantage. No other minister of the 
 church ever bulked so largely in the eyes of the public, or 
 made so marked an impression upon the entire community. 
 Mr. Esson belonged to the city and country, as well as to 
 the Scotch Church in St. Gabriel Street. 
 
 He was just the kind of man the proprietors of pews, on 
 the whole, were at the moment looking for. The new Christ 
 Church was now opened, and, with its organ and music, 
 and other attractions, was a keen; though friendly compe- 
 titor with its Scotch neighbour near by. The leading 
 men of the St. Gabriel Street Church resolved to have their 
 organ and other attractions centred in the pulpit. An able
 
 REV. HENRY ESSON, M. A.
 
 211 
 
 and accomplished preacher was the agency on which 
 their confidence for the success of their church rested. 
 
 Mr. Esson was born at Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 
 in the year 119S, so that he was 24 years of age, in 181*7, 
 when he became joint pastor of the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church. He was the youngest son of a highly respected 
 farmer, who trained his household in the fear of the Lord, 
 and received an abundant blessing from heaven in return. 
 He received his university education in Marischal College, 
 Aberdeen, and had the good fortune to attract the special 
 attention of the Rev. Professor Stuart of that institution, 
 by reason of his scholarly attainments and amiability of 
 disposition. Many of the prominent merchants of Montreal 
 were from Aberdeen city or county, and when an addi- 
 tional clergyman was wanted for the Scotch Church in 
 this city, it was natural for them to put themselves in 
 communication with the influential representatiA'es of the 
 church in the Granite City, in order to gain the end they 
 had in view, the securing of a colleague to Mr. Somerville, 
 who would worthily sustain the dignified position of a 
 Minister of the Established Church of Scotland, in the com- 
 mercial metropolis of Canada, by his preaching power, his 
 literary acquirements and his social talents. Clothed by 
 the representatives of the congregation here with full ap- 
 pointing power. Professor Stuart selected Mr. Esson as 
 eminently well-fitted in all these respects for the situation 
 in question. 
 
 "We give the history of the transaction, as showing how 
 the Presbyterian Church managed to work out its destiny 
 in special circumstances, and accommodated itself to the 
 exigencies in which it was placed. 
 
 At a meeting of the temporal committee on the 14th 
 December, 1816, 
 
 " It was intimated that several members of the Church had expressed 
 an opinion that, in consideration of the delicate condition of the present
 
 278 
 
 Minister's health, and the multiphcity of duty he has to perform, a col- 
 leagiie would be desirable, if sufficient funds for his support could be 
 procured." 
 
 The Committee agreed that a meeting of the proprie- 
 tors and members of the church should be intimated for 
 Sunday, the 22nd instant, to be held thereon, immediately- 
 after the forenoon service, to take the same into considera- 
 tion. 
 
 "Montreal, 22nd December, 1816." 
 " Pursuant to the resolution of the Committee of the 14th 
 inst., a general meeting of proprietors and members was 
 held in the church, when it was unanimously agreed : — 
 
 " That a subscription should be opened for raising a sum of money to be 
 applied to the purpose of procuring a minister from Scotland, as a colleague 
 to the Rev. J. Somerville, and other contingent expenses, and that the 
 annual salary of said colleague should not be less than £400. Messrs. 
 George Garden, James Leslie, Jasper Tough, Robert Armour and A. L. 
 MacNider were chosen and appointed a special committee." 
 
 This was the initiation of the movement to obtain a 
 colleague and successor to Mr. Somerville. 
 
 " Montreal, 9th February, 1817." 
 " It was ordered that the Secretary should furnish the Rev. Mr. Somer- 
 ville with copies of the proceedings of the meeting of the Committee of the 
 14th of December last, and of that of the Proprietors and members of the 
 congregation on the 22nd of the same month, and to request that he would 
 give his assistance to carrying the present measure into effect." 
 
 This was the second step taken towards maintaining the 
 efficiency of the pulpit of the St. G-abriel Street Church. 
 How Mr. Somerville regarded the movement, I will let Dr. 
 Wilkie tell. After detailing the facts respecting" the 
 failure of that gentleman's health, his biography goes on 
 to say : — 
 
 " From these circumstances it cannot be wondered at, that, in a large 
 congregation, such as his was, there should be many persons who would
 
 279 
 
 ■wish for what would be considered a more efficient minister. A large 
 proportion of the members, it is true, convinced of his earnest desire to do 
 his duty as faithfully as possible ; and penetrated with a conviction of the 
 honesty and benevolence of his heart, would do nothing to his prejudice ; 
 and nothing, certainly, without consulting him. It is but justice to that 
 highly respectable congregation, to state that this portion was all along 
 predominant. . . . But whatever might be their opinions indivi- 
 dually, it was agreed finally, with his consent, if not his approbation, to 
 send for an assistant or colleague, for by which designation he should be 
 named, seems not at first to be definitely settled. . . . Mr. Somerville 
 received his colleague, for such he was now admitted to be, with becoming 
 courtesy and frankness. Nor does it appear, that notwithstanding slight 
 difierences of opinion in the Session or in the Presbytery, formed some 
 years after, any cessation occurred of the cordiality which such a connec- 
 tion implies. In the difficulties, also, which several years afterwards 
 arose from various causes, he gave his influence and advice, whenever he 
 was able to give it, steadily in favour of a fair and honourable treatment 
 of his brother." 
 
 And Mr. Esson reciprocated these fraternal sentiments. 
 He was too benevolent in heart and reverent in disposition 
 not to respect the feelings and regard the susceptibilities 
 of his venerable colleague. Professor Stuart lost no time 
 in executing the commission with which he was entrusted, 
 as the following documents show : — 
 
 " At Aberdeen, the seventh day of May, one thousand eight hundred 
 and seventeen : — 
 
 Which day the Presbytery of Aberdeen being met and constituted, 
 Professor John Stuart, of Marischal College, Aberdeen, having craved 
 access to the Presbytery and been admitted, produced a letter of procura- 
 tory, from the committee of the Scots Presbyterian congregation in Mont- 
 real, Lower Canada, empowering him to send out an ordained clergyman 
 of the Church of Scotland, as colleague to the Rev. James Somerville, their 
 present minister. Said letter being read and sustained. Professor Stuart 
 informed the Presbytery that from his personal knowledge of Mr. Henry 
 Esson, whom the Presbytery had this day licensed to preach the Gospel, 
 he had recommended him to that congregation, as a proi>er person to be 
 colleague to their minister, and that, in consequence, he had received a 
 blank call subscribed by the committee appointed by the congregation, and 
 corroborated by Mr. Somerville, the minister, and by the elders, — which 
 call he had this day filled up with the name of Mr. Henry Esson. Together 
 with said call, Professor Stuart gave in to the Presbytery the following 
 letter : —
 
 280 
 
 To THE Very Reverend the Presbytery of Aberdeen. 
 
 Gentlemen, — I beg leave to lay before you the annexed extract from the 
 Eecords of the late Synod of Aberdeen, by which you will learn the state 
 of the Presbyterian Church of Montreal in Canada, and their anxious 
 desire of forming a more intimate connection with their mother church. 
 You will also see that having been appointed proxy or agent for that con- 
 gregation by a committee of their managers, I have been authorized to 
 make choice of a suitable person as colleague to their senior clergyman, 
 who is in bad health, and that they are desirous of such assistant not only 
 receiving his license and ordination from the Church of Scotland, but also 
 of his being sent out to America under their particular sanction and au- 
 thority. I have, therefore, entered into an agreement with Mr. Henry 
 Esson, who has just been licensed by your Reverend Body, to go out to 
 Canada, in that capacity, and being empowered in the name of the con- 
 gregation to promise him a very liberal stipend or salary, I flatter myself 
 that there can be no objection to his being now again taken on Trials and 
 formally ordained a Minister of this Church. Allow me farther to solicit, 
 that as the Presbyterians of Montreal, from their peculiar situation, are 
 very much in want of a clergyman, and that from an application about to 
 be made in his behalf to the ensuing General Assembly of this Church, it 
 would be very highly gratifying to that congregation, if his ordination 
 could take place before the meeting of the Assembly, you would proceed 
 to his ordination with all possible despatch. I have the honour to be, in 
 the name of the Committee of Managers, very respectfully. Reverend 
 Grentlemen, 
 
 Your faithful and obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed), Jo. Stuart, INIar. College. 
 
 Aberdeen, 7th :May,1817." 
 
 " The salary warranted to Mr. Esson is £400 currency per annum, 
 equivalent to £360 sterling, over and above the fees for marriages, etc., 
 which may amount to at least £50 more. Professor Stuart also laid before 
 the Presbytery a letter from 3Ir. Henry Esson, signifj'ing his acceptance 
 of said otiice, together with a certificate of ^Ir. Esson's qualification to 
 government, on all which Professor Stuart took instruments in the hands 
 of the Clerk. The Presbytery having duly considered, the foregoing 
 papers and request, unanimously agreed to take the necessary steps for 
 ordaining Mr. Esson with all convenient speed. They accordingly pre- 
 scribed to him the usual pieces of Trial, and they resolved to meet in the 
 ordinary place on Thurday, the 15th current, to receive said Trials, and 
 to ordain Mr. Esson if they shall then find him tiualilied." 
 
 " At Aberdeen, the fifteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred 
 and seventeen ; the Presbytery of Aberdeen l^eing met and constituted, 
 comi^eared Mr. Henry Esson and delivered several pieces of Trial pre-
 
 281 
 
 scribed to him at last meeting. He was then removed, and the Presbytery 
 having deUberately considered said Trials, did highly approve of the 
 same ; and it having been certified to the Presbytery that he had preached 
 publicly with great approbation, — and the Presbj'tery being also satisfied 
 as to his piety, prudence and other ministerial qualifications, they unan- 
 imously agreed to proceed to his ordination. Said questions being put 
 and satisfactorily answered, the Presbytery did and hereby do, by solemn 
 prayer and imposition of hands, set apart ^Ir. Henry Esson to the office 
 of the Holy Ministry. He was afterwards seriously and suitably address. 
 ed ; and Mr. Esson having on a former occasion subscribed the formula 
 of the Church of Scotland, he now received the right hand of fellowship 
 as a Minister of this Church . 
 
 The Presbytery appointed their clerk to furnish Mr. Esson with an 
 extract of their proceedings relative to his ordination when called for. 
 
 " (Signed,) John Leslie, 
 
 " Pby. Clerk." 
 
 This was the course followed seventy years ago. before 
 there was a Presbytery or other local machinery here to 
 facilitate clerical settlements, by a congregation desiring a 
 minister from the Church of Scotland ; and we have seen, 
 in some recent cases, in the city, that no better plan has 
 yet been devised for overcoming the difficulties to be sur- 
 mounted, in gaining the same end. by congregations, in 
 our day. 
 
 Mr. Esson entered upon his duties in the autumn of 
 181Y, and soon made himself felt in Montreal as a scholar, 
 a gentleman, and a brilliant talker. The congregation 
 were proud of their gifted young minister, who was able 
 to uphold in any presence the dignity befitting a repre- 
 sentative of one of the established churches of G-reat 
 Britain, Courteous in manner as Sir Charles Grandison 
 himself, he possessed social qualities of a high order, and, 
 as described by one of our octogenarian citizens, who 
 knew him well and was competent to make a fair esti- 
 mate of the man, he was easily the leader in the best 
 Montreal circles of the period. G-raceful and fluent in 
 speech, when a congenial subject was introduced, before
 
 282 
 
 the art of oouversatiou was wholly lost, he carried off the 
 palm from all competitors. There was some risk of the 
 conversation running, indeed, into a monologue, as was 
 the case with that distinguished talker Coleridge, accord- 
 ing to the testimony of Charles Lamb, — and with Lord 
 Macaulay, as Sidney Smith represented the matter, when 
 he said, •' I believe Macaulay never did hear the sound of 
 my voice." Mr. Esson was at this period of his life the 
 soul of any company in which he was found. Later in 
 life, he became more reserved, as if mentally pre-occupied. 
 He had a most exuberant imagination, and it had ample 
 materials on which to work in the vast stores of know- 
 ledge which his retentive memory placed always at his 
 disposal. Nor had he any difficulty in finding utterance. 
 The language at his command was always equal to ex- 
 pressing the ideas produced in his fertile brain. And 
 then he had all the simplicity of a child. He was a very 
 Nathanael for guilelessness. He was absolutely free from 
 suspicions and was consequently easily imposed upon by 
 the unworthy. He was known more than once to take oflf, 
 even on the street, one of two coats he was wearing, and 
 give it to a needy person whom he met. This generosity 
 of nature and freedom from suspiciousness led him 
 not unfrequently to patronize undeserving persons ; and 
 it is believed that it was some of those who had victim- 
 ized him that afterwards rewarded him evil for his good, 
 and gave currency to the mischievous rumours which 
 caused so much injury to the congregation, and distress 
 to himself and all concerned in the welfare of the Church. 
 The following is the entry of Mr. Esson's first marriage 
 in the Church Registers : — 
 
 Rev. Henry Esson, one of the ministers of the Scotch Kirtc, Montreal 
 and Miss Maria Sweeney, of the same place, spinster, were joined in 
 marriage (by license) at Montreal, this seventh day of July, one thousand 
 eight lumdred and twenty-three, by 
 
 (Signed) ED. BLACK, 
 
 Min iMer."
 
 283 
 
 This entry is signed, in addition to the principals, by 
 Campbell Sweeney, Jane D. Caldwell, M. C. Sweeney, 
 Anna Sweeney, Elizabeth Sweeney, Robert Sweeney, 
 Campbell Sweeney, Junr., Martin Caldwell, H. Urquhart, 
 W. Caldwell and James Sweeney. 
 
 A son named Campbell Sweeney was born to them 
 16th December, 1825, and baptized by Mr. Black. This 
 son, and another afterwards, died in infancy. Mrs. Esson 
 also died on the 2nd of February, 1826, aged only 24 years. 
 In 1842, he married Elizabeth Campbell, of Edinburgh, 
 sister of Rev. A. J. Campbell, of Geelong, Australia, and 
 of A. J. Campbell, formerly of the Merchants Bank of 
 Canada,— and aunt of Rev. F. Renaud, of St. John's, and 
 of the wife of Bishop Sullivan. 
 
 In his youth, Mr. Esson was of a gay disposition, and 
 his preaching at this period had a strong literary flavour 
 about it, although in our day it would not be deemed 
 popular. In the first twenty years of his ministry, it was 
 chiefly the G-ospel of culture which he taught. He 
 preached the first sermon of the St. Andrew's Society of 
 Montreal in 1835. The discoiTrse was published, and is 
 remarkable for the vast erudition which it displays. The 
 literary notes accompanying it exhibit a wide range of read- 
 ing, and especially an extensive acquaintance with the 
 principles of philosophy, which was. his favourite study. 
 His style of preaching, at that period, although it might 
 fascinate and please men for a while, very soon ceased to 
 hav6 power. There is a time for dilating in the pulpit 
 upon the noble faculties of man and urging their proper 
 employment. The Bible contains a great deal in praise 
 of virtue, and much of both the Old and New Testament 
 is taken up with enforcing duty upon man and maintain- 
 ing the claims of morality. No religious teacher is war- 
 ranted in overlooking this fact, or in failing to do justice 
 to the whole circle of truth embodied in the word of God ;
 
 284 
 
 it is his office to rightly divide it. But souls are uot 
 saved by descautiug- ou the beauties of the seutimeuts set 
 forth by Jesus aud His Apostles. As a rule, siuful men 
 require a more heroic treatment. The patient suffering 
 from a gangrene cannot be cured by sprinkling rosewater 
 about his apartment. And the people who go to church, 
 sometimes at least, have cravings after a new life. They 
 expect to be told of their sins — they are, to a certain ex- 
 tent conscious of their short-comings, and feel that the 
 preacher who does not take hold of them, as they are, is 
 not the spiritual physician they need. They are not long 
 satisfied to be spoken to as if they were saints ; so that 
 the sermons on Christian duties, which are very useful to 
 believers already advanced in the divine life, seem to 
 them as idle tales. Such discourses take them into a 
 realm of which they have no knowledge ; and they cease 
 to attend the services where what is spoken does not 
 touch their real condition. Mr. Esson's preaching at this 
 period was of a kind to pall on the hearts of the people 
 who had religious yearnings. He did not stir the blood by 
 calling sinners to repentance, nor did he insist strongly 
 upon the necessity of the new birth. He called attention 
 rather to the meekness and purity of Jesus than to His 
 great work as the sin-bearer. Many young preachers 
 make the same mistake as Mr. Esson : in their own love 
 of truth and enthusiasm for righteousness, they fancy 
 that they have not to do more than point out what is 
 lovely and of good report to their hearers, in order to 
 obtain a ready practical acquiescence in their views. 
 They have to learn by experience that men have to be 
 reconstructed before much is to be looked for from them, 
 in the way of a fine character. In short, he attempted 
 building up a fine Christian character, without seeing 
 well to the foundations. He did not attend to the due 
 proportion between doctrines and duties. The staj^le of
 
 285 
 
 his teaching related to the latter rather than the former. 
 This style of sermonizing made him popular with some, 
 but it soon lost its hold upon others ; and it was out of 
 the felt lack in his discourses, more than in the weight 
 of the duties of the pastorate, that the desire sprang for 
 another colleague to Mr. Somerville, besides Mr. Esson. 
 Meantime, the church lost its chance of holding some 
 good people like Duncan Fisher's family, John Torrance, 
 Henry "Wilkes, and James Ferrier, who otherwise would 
 naturally have remained in it. The Reverend John Hick, 
 already mentioned as marrying into the Fisher family, 
 was a popular Methodist preacher, sent out by the British 
 Conference, and stationed in Montreal first, in the years 
 1819-20, and again in 1828-30. He was succeeded by 
 E,ev. P. L. Lusher and others whose manner of pulpit 
 £^dress made pungent appeals to the conscience and 
 struck at the roots of sin in the soul. The Rev. Mr. Per- 
 kins, of the American Presbyterian Church, which se- 
 parated from St. Andrew's Church, in 1823, was also 
 what is known as an evangelical preacher, so that those 
 who were dissatisfied with themselves, and had an in- 
 stinctive desire for a new heart and a sense of forgiveness, 
 went either to hear him or the Methodist preacher. This 
 was the reason why St. G-abriel Street Church gave some 
 of its good people to the Methodist and American Presby- 
 terian Churches, as others betook themselves to the 
 Church of England, on social grounds, or on account of 
 local circumstances. Another outcome of the teaching of 
 Mr. Esson's early ministry was the establishment in after 
 years of the Unitarian Association and Congregation in 
 Montreal. He was not very clear in his views as to the 
 Divinity of Our Lord, any more than as to His atoning 
 work ; and, as a consequence, there were some, among 
 his hearers, who did not stop short at his hesitating semi- 
 socinianism, but went on in the direction in which his
 
 286 
 
 doubts and speculations on these fundamental subjects 
 probably first started them. 
 
 To satisfy those whom Mr. Esson's teaching did not suit, 
 and to secure thorough efficiency in the pastoral depart- 
 ment of the work in the congregation, the Rev. Edward 
 Black was added to the ministerial staff in 1823. It was 
 thought that he possessed the gifts and qualities which 
 were found to be lacking in Mr. Esson, and it was expected 
 that these gentlemen being what mathematicians call the 
 complement of one another, the church would be excep- 
 tionally well served by their united efforts. As is well- 
 known, these expectations were far from being realized: the 
 arrangement did not work well. I am not going to appor- 
 tion the blame for the failure between the parties : there 
 were, doubtless, faults on both sides. This matter will be 
 treated of more fully, when we come to the secession of 
 the St. Paul's congregation from the St. Grabriel Street 
 Church. But this much I may say here : the ministers 
 were less culpable than the people. Whatever differences 
 or diversities of view and feeling existed between Mr. 
 Esson and Mr. Black were taken up by their respective 
 partizans, in the congregation, and became widened and 
 intensified in their minds and hearts. The final issue, as 
 we shall see farther on, was the withdrawal of Mr. Black 
 and the portion of the congregation that sympathized with 
 him, in 1833, to constitute a new congregation, and thus 
 originated St. Paul's Church, which stands in the front 
 rank of the Churches in the Dominion. 
 
 Mr. Esson, like Mr. Strachan, at Cornwall, devoted a 
 portion of his time to the education of youth during the 
 greater part of his ministry in Montreal, establishing 
 the "Montreal Academic Institution." In this way he 
 eked out his income, which was rather limited after the 
 original subscription, on the strength of which he apcept- 
 ed the position, expired. He was aided in his educational
 
 28Y 
 
 work by the Rev. Hugh Urquhart, of whom a uotice will 
 be given elsewhere, from the date of that gentleman's 
 arrival in Montreal in the autumn of 1822, until his re- 
 moval, in 1827, to Cornwall, to become pastor of the Scot- 
 tish Church in that place. Mr. Esson was an admirable 
 teacher, for, besides possessing high attainments, and the 
 art of imparting knowledge, he was animated by a fine 
 enthusiasm, which stimulated the mental powers of the 
 youth entrusted to his care. Besides supplying a felt 
 want in the community, in the absence of a grammar 
 school, he preserved his scholarship, and cultivated those 
 academic tastes, which qualified him for the responsible 
 position he filled during the last nine years of his life, as a 
 professor in Knox College, Toronto. His interest in edu- 
 cation naturally inclined him to stand up for the rights of 
 the Church of Scotland, to share with the Church of Eng- 
 land in directing the schools of the province, and in fur- 
 nishing them with teachers. There was a long and severe 
 contest over this matter ; but his views prevailed at last. 
 To him the liberalizing of the constitution of McG-ill 
 College, and freeing it from the domination of the Church 
 of England, was also in a good measure due. He carried 
 on a vigorous correspondence on the subject with his con- 
 temporary, Dean Bethune, for some time in the Herald, 
 and his letters carried conviction to the minds of the G-ov- 
 ernors, so that finally, the institution, largely through his 
 influence, was got upon its present non-denominational, 
 though Protestant footing. 
 
 He was also an earnest champion of the rights of the 
 ministers of the Church of Scotland, to participate in the 
 benefits of the Clergy Reserves. He ably seconded Eev. 
 Dr. Harkness of Quebec, who was his senior, in the move- 
 ment to secure for the Scotch Church equal privileges 
 with those accorded to the Church of England in Canada ; 
 and to him was entrusted the duty of drawing up some
 
 288 
 
 of the most important dooiimeuts by way of establishing 
 the rights at issue. When the Clergy Reserves question 
 came to be discussed, the part he played in connection 
 with its settlement in 1840, will be more particularly 
 noted. It was a well-merited honour, therefore, to which 
 his brethren raised him, in 1842, when they placed him 
 in the chair of the Moderator of the Synod. His public 
 services, rendered to the church, in the way of vindicating 
 its rights in Canada, entitled him to this mark of distinc- 
 tion at their hands. 
 
 By this time, too, a marked change had come over his 
 religious views, which brought him more into the line of 
 sympathy with the other ministers of the church. What 
 specially led up to this revolution in his sentiments, and 
 caused him to begin to preach up the great evangelical 
 doctrines of the Gospel, I have been unable to trace. His 
 most intimate friends were never made aware of the occa- 
 sion of the change, although the fact of the change was 
 known far and wide. One informant hints that his 
 intimacy during his widowhood with the lady who 
 subsequently became his wife, had, probably, something 
 to do with bringing about this wholesome state of mind ; 
 although she modestly disclaimed any such influence in 
 the affair. Certain it is, at all events, that during the latter 
 part of his ministry, he preached Christ crucified as the 
 great power of G-od, for the salvation of sinners. 
 
 He was chosen, with Rev. Dr. Mathieson, of St. Andrew's 
 Church, chaplain to the St. Andrew's Society of Montreal, 
 at its formation in 1835, and preached the first sermon 
 delivered to the society on the 30th November, in that 
 year — a sermon that breathed forth a spirit of lofty patriot- 
 ism as well as showed the literary accomplishments of its 
 author. He preached the annual discourse to the Society, 
 on two subsequent occasions ; and when he resigned the 
 chaplaincy, in 1845, on removing to Toronto, he was 
 elected an honorary member of the Society.
 
 289 
 
 Long before 1831, he had felt the necessity of a fuller 
 Presbyterian organization than was afforded by the 
 isolated congregations in Upper and Lower Canada, the 
 ministers and elders of which had met only occasionally 
 for ordinations. In 1827, the ministers, elders and tem- 
 poral committee of the Church in St. G-abriel Street, 
 presented a petition to the Q-overnor in Chief, pointing 
 out the disabilities under which they laboured, and con- 
 cluding with the request that " His Excellency would 
 grant a charter of Incorporation to the said Church, either 
 sole or aggregate, with power to hold the land on which 
 the church stands, and also land to form the site of a 
 manse and a glebe and burial ground . . . under 
 such limitations and restrictions, as to his wisdom might 
 seem proper and necessary." It was not till fifteen 
 months afterwards that an answer was received from the 
 secretary. " It was very brief and to this purport," wrote 
 Mr. Essou in 1831, " That the petition had been referred 
 to His Majesty's Attorney G-eneral, and, from the report of 
 that officer. His Excellency found that he had not the 
 power to grant the charter prayed for." In his memor- 
 andum to the Synod, after its formation, Mr. Esson 
 thought that the Church in Canada should not rest satis- 
 fied with the amount of organization which the Synod 
 recently formed, had given. Arguing from the confusion 
 and difficulties connected with the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church at the time of writing, he added : — " The fact is 
 stated to shew the miserable state of anarchy in which we 
 have been placed for some time past, in hopes that the 
 parent Church of North Britain will take effectual measures 
 for introducing into these provinces an efficient church 
 government and discipline. But it is humbly conceived 
 this cannot be done without an Act of the United Parlia- 
 ments of Grreat Britain and Ireland, to establish or authorize 
 the establishment of an ecclesiastical jurisdiction here, 
 T
 
 290 
 
 and to give the civil magistrate power and authority to 
 aid the church courts, when such aid may become neces- 
 sary." Mr. Essou, it will be seen, w^as a very high church- 
 man, of the Presbyterian type. The Established Church 
 of Scotland was his ideal, which he wished introduced 
 into Canada. 
 
 He was very glad, indeed, to accept such an instalment 
 of organization as the formation, in 1831, of the Synod of 
 the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland afforded ; and he and his colleagues, 
 along with the session and congregation, not only heartily 
 connected themselves with it, acknowledging its jurisdic- 
 tion, but they invoked its good offices towards obtaining 
 a settlement of the iinhappy differences which at this 
 period were rending the congregation in pieces. 
 
 But in 1844, Mr. Esson was carried on the top of the 
 wave of Free Church sentiment, that had already swept 
 over the mother country, and had now reached the shores 
 of Canada. He took his place at the head of the band of 
 sympathizers with the non-intrusion party of the Church 
 of Scotland, in the Montreal district ; and threw himself 
 into the controversy with characteristic ardour and enthu- 
 siasm, as we shall see by and by. In November of that 
 year, he resigned his charge, on being appointed professor 
 in Knox College, Toronto. 
 
 The impression which he made in this new sphere may 
 be gathered from the tributes paid to him after his decease. 
 He died on the 11th of May, 1853, in the 61st year of his 
 age. The following notice was penned by his friend, 
 George Brown, of the Globe, and sets forth his qualities in 
 a few graphic and delicate touches : — 
 
 " He was a man of studious habits and of varied learn- 
 ing ; of unquestionable logical powers, and of fertile 
 imagination ; and into all that he did, he carried with 
 him a noble enthusiasm, which enabled him to triumph
 
 291 
 
 over many obstacles. He was an applicant for the chair of 
 history in the University of Toronto, and his appointment 
 was confidently expected. Of most agreeable manners 
 and amiable temper ; in private life he was respected and 
 beloved, and he will be long and kindly remembered." 
 
 This estimate of Mr. Esson's life and work will be fit- 
 tingly concluded by the following tribute, paid to him by 
 his colleague, the Rev. Principal Willis, D.D., of Knox 
 College, who had the best opportunities of knowing him, 
 in the course of a sermon, preached in Rev. Mr. Irvine's 
 church, George Street, Toronto, on the Sabbath evening 
 following his death : — 
 
 " The end of a long illness, in the case of our friend, 
 Professor Esson, came with a somewhat unexpected rapid- 
 ity, and so far, we were taken by surprise. I had the 
 satisfaction to be present at the solemn moment when the 
 spirit was taking its departure, and joined in commending 
 him to the Saviour in whom he trusted. He is gone ! and 
 the cordial regret simultaneously uttered by a large circle 
 of friends, bears testimony to the void which his death 
 is felt to have made in the community, and to the high 
 esteem which his disposition and virtues had secured for 
 him in the hearts of his fellow citizens. 
 
 " Mr. Esson was one whom it was impossible to know 
 and not to love, for the noble simplicity and ingenuousness 
 of his temper and manners, united with an ardour of 
 spirit, rendering his congenial studies a source of constant 
 enjoyment to himself and enabling him to interest the 
 hearts, as well as the minds of students, in comparatively 
 abstract speculations ; but which never kindled into more- 
 fervent enthusiasm than when his mind dwelt, in the 
 course of private conversation, or in public prelections, on 
 the practical tendencies and prospective issues of the 
 labours of studious men and philanthropists, in accelerat- 
 ing the difiusion of universal happiness, and ameliorating 
 the condition, physical and moral, of the human race.
 
 292 
 
 " I have seldom or ever kuowu a man more ingenious, 
 more superior to whatever is mean or sordid in intention 
 or sinister or intriguing in mode of action, or with 
 whom it was more manifest that views of personal inter- 
 est and ambition of power, and love of popularity, were 
 not the principles that held sway with him in council or 
 in conduct in public affairs. "Whether you agreed with 
 him in sentiment, or whether you differed, you found in 
 him, in the one case, a hearty and honest associate, and in 
 the other a liberal and magnanimous opponent. 
 
 " Mr. Esson was long engaged in the ministry in Mont- 
 real. Nine years ago, at the commencement of Knox 
 College, in this city, he threw himself with all his ardour 
 into the work assigned him, of directing the studies of 
 youths intending for the Holy Ministry, especially in the 
 preliminary department of their training. And not more 
 by his intellectual than by his moral influence — by his 
 professional exertions, than by his truly paternal interest 
 in those committed to his charge, did he contribute to form 
 the minds of a considerable portion of our candidates, and 
 attach the confidence of one and all, as to a familiar friend. 
 I have had the best opportunity of witnessing the earnest- 
 ness with which he sought to impress a reverence for the 
 "Word of Grod on his pupils, and to commend to them the 
 dictates of its divine wisdom, as the ultimate rule and 
 arbiter in all philosophic investigations. I believe he 
 derived his chiefest enjoyment in the study of man, his 
 favourite study, — from the opportunity it gave him of 
 admiring and commending the Divine Author of all his 
 mental and moral adaptations. He lived in a region of 
 lofty contemplation, in which, as he retired within him- 
 self, he not only might seem to withdraw himself from the 
 excitement of passing events, having no heart for the tur- 
 moil of petty strife, and his talent not lying in the capacity 
 for the details in business ; but he might seem in a degree
 
 293 
 
 unsocial, not because he was austere, but because his mind 
 was prone to abstraction. Yet he was far from being with- 
 out the social feeling, any more than indifferent to public 
 interests. He loved his friends ; he looked from his retire- 
 ment with complacency and benevolence on all men; and 
 when he allowed himself to relax in conversation, young 
 and old alike listened, delighted, to the overflowings of his 
 affectionate heart, and the utterances which indicate with- 
 out ostentation, the richly furnished mind, trained to habits 
 of observation and sagacious reflection. His habits of ab- 
 straction, therefore, had nothing of the morose, and I think 
 it was because his mind was possessed of the peace of the 
 G-ospel, and imbued with the love of Grod, as well as pro- 
 vided with the stores of philosophical and historical lore, 
 that he was so uniformly happy, — alone or with others, — 
 as the good man is said to be satisfied from himself. 
 
 " The latest hours of our departed friend were in har- 
 mony with the habits of his life. It was not simply the 
 favour of Grod, but the likeness of God that his soul 
 aspired after. It was not merely the more selfish question 
 of safety that exercised his spirit, though that is, in itself, a 
 great and important question, and he gave indications in 
 his expressions of a contrite and humble mind, conversant 
 with godly sorrow : he loved to hear of the gracious 
 covenant and of the work and righteousness of Christ. 
 He dwelt in love, as one dwelling in God ; and I believe 
 that in his view of Heaven itself, he looked, not so much 
 at the idea of being free from all the ills of life, or pos- 
 sessed of self-gratifying joys, as the end to which salva- 
 tion itself is the means, in a closer communion with the 
 Father of spirits, and a larger participation of the Divine 
 nature. 
 
 " How mysterious is the Divine Providence ! But a 
 short while ago, his name was selected as among the 
 likeliest candidates for a newly erectedjchair in our Uni-
 
 294 
 
 versity. I can bear witness to the equanimity with which 
 he received the notification and waited for the issue. It 
 has pleased Grod to assign a translation of a different 
 kind ; but it is not without satisfaction that his many 
 friends can reiie<'t that a long life of educational service 
 did not close, without this testimony rendered with very 
 general concurrent suffrages, to Mr. Esson's learning and 
 his merits as an instructor of youth. 
 
 " There is reason to think that the rapid decay of his 
 strength latterly, was the effect to a large extent, of long 
 continued mental application. Ungrudgingly these la- 
 bours were given, but they were of a kind, — and it is not 
 always allowed for or understood, — to wear out the frame, 
 independently of any organic disease seizing on the vitals. 
 The intellectual anxieties which a keen imagination and 
 a tender texture of the nervous system produces, press 
 formidably both on the mind and body. The sword may 
 I)rove too sharp for the scabbard ; and it is affecting to 
 witness the prostration of the finest i^owers, yielding, not 
 without resistance from their natural buoyancy, to the 
 stern progress of the destroyer, overcome by the exhaus- 
 tion which was induced by their very great vigour and 
 activity." 
 
 Professor Esson's remains were conveyed to Montreal, 
 and interred in Mount Royal cemetery. 
 
 The St. G-abriel Street Congregation had a marble tablet 
 to his memory placed on one of the walls of the Church, 
 on which the inscription reads : — 
 
 " Sacred to the INIemory of Revd. Henry Esson, A.]\I., for twenty-seven 
 years pastor of this congregation, and afterwards Professor of Literature 
 and Philosophy in Knox's College, Toronto. Uniting in a rare degree the 
 accomplished scholar and public spirited patriot with the energetic pastor 
 and teacher, he commanded extensive resixjct from the community ; and 
 endeared himself to his flock and numerous friends, not more by his 
 pulpit ministrations than by his faithful and alfectionate i)rivate coun- 
 sels, his generous spirit and amiable manners. He died at Toronto, 11th
 
 295 
 
 May, 1853, aged 61 years. Distinguished to the last by his enthusiasm in 
 study and devotedness in the cause of education, his remains were brought 
 to this city and interred in the Mount Royal cemeterj'." 
 
 This tablet and one to the memory of Rev. William 
 Rintoul was procured with money raised in the congrega- 
 tion for the purpose of making a presentation to Dr. 
 McLagan, on the occasion of his leaving the city, as a 
 token of the people's sense of gratitude to him for his 
 self-denying labours connected with the church, and 
 especially for the exertions he had put forth to reach 
 Rev. Mr. Rintoul when he was lying sick of cholera at 
 Trois Pistoles. Dr. McLagan declining to receive any 
 testimonial, the money, together with additional sums 
 obtained from friends in the city, was devoted to this 
 object. The Knox Congregation, as representing the main 
 body of those who erected it, carried the tablet with them 
 to their new church on Dorchester Street, on one of the 
 walls of which it may be seen. 
 
 The following particulars regarding the condition of 
 the church previous to 1831, furnished by Rev. Mr. Esson, 
 in his interesting summary to the Synod already referred 
 to, will be read with. interest : — 
 
 " The usual number of worshippers may be estimated at about 450 to 
 500 persons, and the congregation, young and old, may be reckoned at 
 1,500. The sacrament is dispensed twice every year, except the last 
 two yeare, as mentioned already. About eighteen and twenty years ago, 
 the number of communicants was from 250 to 260 ; since that time they 
 have increased considerably, and for several years past, have amounted 
 to from 300 to 325 or 330 ; and in September, 1826, there were 370, of which 
 50 were communicants for the first time. But it is to be observed that a 
 number of these communicants, perhaps 25 to 30, reside at a distance 
 from Montreal, and are not considered members of the congregation ; 
 they come to town occasionally only, to attend the ordinances of religion, 
 having no ministers residing near them." 
 
 " For a considerable time after our church was built and the congre- 
 gation formed, the number of elders, it is believed, did not exceed four or 
 five. But in 1819, nine additional were ordained, which increased them
 
 296 
 
 to thirteen, None liave since been added to the number, and the elders 
 are now reduced to seven by the stroke of death." 
 
 " It is not customary to exact fees for marriages, etc., by tlie Ministers 
 of the Scottisli Church, tliougli we have lieard tliat a small fee of 2s. 6d. is 
 often exacted by those of .«ome other churches, not as a reward for their 
 clerical duties, but for enregistering marriages, baptisms and funerals, 
 which clergymen who obtain registers are required to do by a Provincial 
 Statute. Marriages and baptisms are generally performed in the houses 
 of the parties, which occasions more trouble and loss of time to the Min- 
 ister than if performed in the church ; and, in consequence, it has become 
 customary, with those who can afford it, to give voluntarily some fee or 
 gratuity. But these emoluments are quite fluctuating and uncertain, and 
 do not add much, at the end of the year, to the Minister's income." 
 
 Rev. Dr. Donald Fraser of London gives his recollec- 
 tions of the state of matters in the church during the days 
 of Mr. Esson's ministry : — 
 
 " The service in Mr. Esson's timevras dreary enough, as 
 in most of the Scottish churches of the period. Psalms 
 and paraphrases were sung in a sitting posture, without 
 any instrumental accompaniment, — the choir raised in a 
 semi-circle at the foot of the pulpit, being led by a Mr. 
 Came ron, who, I am sorry to recollect, kept a public house 
 in the St. Lawrence suburbs. There were two prayers, 
 one very long, the other long. And the sermon, which 
 was read to us, though never stupid, was dry and vague, 
 and profited little."
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Lord Selkirk, Sir Gordon Driimmond, Lord Dalhousie, Rev. Dr. Urqu- 
 HART, Thomas Torrance, John Torrance, Hon. Justice Torrance, 
 Rev. E. F. Torrance, George Garden, Andrew White, Jambs 
 RoLLo, Rev. Dr. Wilkes, Hon. Thomas Mackay, Hon. James 
 Ferribr, Rev. Dr. Douglas. 
 
 In the early days of Mr. Esson's ministry, Lord Selkirk 
 came to take np his residence in Montreal. The following 
 announcement appeared in the Montreal Herald of the 4th 
 November, 1815 : — 
 
 "Yesterday evening, the Earl of Selkirk, his Countess and family, 
 arrived in this city. They came from England via ISI^ew York." 
 
 A few weeks afterwards, official announcement was 
 made of the following appointments : — 
 
 " Quebec, ISth December, 1815. 
 
 " His Excellehcy, the Administrator-in-Chief, has been pleased to grant 
 the following commission, viz ; — 
 
 " To the Right Honorable Thomas, Earl of Selkirk, to be Civil Magis- 
 trate and Justice of the Peace for the Indian Territories. Robert Semple* 
 James Bird and James Sutherland, do. do. do." 
 
 This was not Lord Selkirk's first visit to Montreal. He 
 had been in the city as early as August, 1803, at the time 
 he accompanied to this continent the Highland emigrants 
 whom he induced to settle in Prince Edward Island. On 
 that occasion he came into contact with the commercial 
 aristocracy of the city, the fur traders, whom he found 
 living in lordly style, a convivial fraternity of abounding 
 hospitality. Most of them were, when they entered the
 
 298 
 
 service of the company, we have seen, youug men who had 
 been well-bred iu Scotland. By their thrift, perseverance 
 and courage, they gradually acquired wealth and position. 
 The Company put a premium upon efficiency, by giving 
 their employees the prospect of a share in the concern in 
 future years. To become a partner, was the great object 
 of every clerk's ambition from the day he was engaged. 
 Promotion was slow but sure to all that proved them- 
 selves capable men. The partners residing in Montreal 
 and Quebec, managing the chief concerns of the company 
 were called " agents ; " while those who superintended 
 the collection of the furs in the interior were known as 
 " wintering agents." 
 
 "Washington Irving, in his " Astoria," published in 1836, 
 thus speaks, from personal recollections, of Montreal 
 society, about the time of the Earl of Selkirk's first visit : — 
 
 " Few travellers that have visited Canada, some thirty 
 years since, in the days of the MacTavishes, the Mac- 
 Gillivrays, the McKenzies, the Frobishers, and the other 
 magnates of the North-west, when the company was in all 
 its glory, but must remember the round of feasting and 
 revelry kept up among those hyperborean nabobs." 
 
 But it was at the great annual gathering, at the G-rand 
 Portage, afterwards Fort William, which might be called 
 the fur parliament, that the greatest ostentation of the 
 leading men of the Company was displayed. Here is 
 what Irving says of them : — 
 
 " The partners from Montreal ascended the rivers in 
 great state, like sovereigns making a progress : or rather, 
 like Highland chieftains, navigating their subject lakes. 
 They are wrapped in rich furs, their huge canoes, freighted 
 with every convenience and luxury, and manned by 
 Canadian voyageurs, as obedient as Highland clansmen. 
 They carried up with them cooks and bakers, together 
 with delicacies of everv kind, and abundance of choice
 
 299 
 
 wines for the banquets which attended the great convoca- 
 tion. Happy were they, too, if they could meet with some 
 distinguished stranger ; above all, some titled member of 
 the British nobility, to accompany them on this stately 
 occasion, and grace their high solemnities." 
 
 Lord Selkirk was not the man on whom scenes like 
 these would be lost. He had already given proof of 
 superior insight as well as courage and generosity of 
 nature. And while he listened to the tales of the North- 
 westers, regarding the country from which they had 
 returned, and saw such profuse tokens of the wealth 
 which the prairies, rivers and lakes of those wild regions 
 yielded, he began to revolve the problem, whether it 
 would not be possible to draw off a portion of the surplus 
 population of the Highlands of Scotland, in whose for- 
 tunes he had already displayed a profound interest, and 
 get employment for them in the North-west. "What he saw 
 and heard around the hospitable boards of the fur .agents 
 at Montreal, at least afforded him food for thought. 
 
 It has become one of the disputed problems of history, 
 what was the controlling influence leading Lord Selkii:k 
 to found his Red River colony. It was the current opinion 
 amongst the members of the North-west Company, so 
 long as it had a separate existence, that his lordship was 
 a selfish, grasping man, who deliberately plotted to ruin 
 their business, and secure the monopoly of the fur trade to 
 the Hudson's Bay Company : and that with this view, he 
 bought a controlling interest in the latter concern, — from 
 30 to 40 per cent, of its stock, and then established the 
 Red River Colony, in order that he might be able to com- 
 mand any number of servants from it, to assist in obtain- 
 ing and maintaining an ascendancy over the traffic in furs. 
 This was the view of his Lordship's schemes, which the 
 agents of the North-west Company industriously circu- 
 lated among their subordinates, stimulating their opposi-
 
 300 
 
 tion to the continuance of the Red River Settlement, as an 
 unjust violation of the prior rights of the Company. 
 
 On the other hand. Lord Selkirk's admirers, both seventy 
 years ago and now, have maintained that his whole con- 
 duct in this matter was dictated by a noble purpose and 
 desire to help the surplus population of the Highlands of 
 Scotland to better their fortune, — that he took the risk of 
 spending .£40,000 of his own money in Hudson's Bay 
 stock for their sakes, and put himself to all the trouble 
 which he had in connection with the Red River settle- 
 ment, led on by a lofty spirit of philanthropy alone. 
 
 Perhaps the truth lies between these opposite estimates 
 of his plans : no man's motives or character is without 
 some little mixture of alloy. Very likely, his lordship 
 thought from what he had witnessed in Montreal that it 
 would be a profitable investment for himself to get into a 
 situation to dominate the fur trade ; and he was able to 
 contemplate this result with all the more satisfaction and 
 enthusiasm, that he would also be able to open up a career 
 to a large number of the Graslic-speaking portion of his 
 countrymen, whose special patron and champion he had 
 constituted himself. 
 
 Born in 1771, at St. Mary's Isle, Thomas Douglas, 5th 
 Earl of Selkirk, at the conclusion of his college course, 
 chanced to make a tour of the Highlands, and from what 
 he witnessed among the people of the north, he not only 
 took a great interest in them thenceforth, but when he 
 came to his title and estate, in 1799, he resolved to make 
 an effort to better their condition. Lord Selkirk was an 
 acute thinker. He perceived that the true remedy for the 
 evils of poverty in older countries, where the people are 
 in a congested condition, elbowing each other for want of 
 fair scope for their energies, is emigration to the more 
 sparsely settled portions of the globe. He was not only 
 a philanthropist, but also an author of repute, a philos-
 
 301 
 
 ophical political economist, and a patriot. The Highland 
 colony which he conducted to Prince Edward Island in 
 1803, was gathered from Skye, Uist, Ross-shire, Argyll- 
 shire and Inverness-shire ; and he was so satisfied with 
 the result of the enterprize, that he set to work to advocate 
 the colonization of Canada, as the true policy for the 
 Highlanders, rather than clinging to their small crofts at 
 home, and eking out a scanty subsistence all their days. 
 He wrote a book on the subject in 1805. But he did not 
 confine his vigorous pen to this field of enquiry ; he pub- 
 lished, in 180Y, a treatise on the defence of G-reat Britain 
 against Napoleon, who was planning the conquest of the 
 " tight little island." He was a friend of Sir Walter Scott's. 
 The great Novelist was a believer in Selkirk's generosity 
 as well as in the soundness of his colonizing policy. It 
 would appear that his lordship had endeavored, in the 
 first instance, to induce the British Groverument to under- 
 take the transportation of emigrants to the plains of the 
 North-west, and it was only when they declined, that he 
 formed the plans which he afterwards carried out, of buy- 
 ing Hudson's Bay stock, after first having satisfied himself 
 of the validity of the title by which the company claimed 
 the North-west. 
 
 In 1811, the company made him a grant of 116.000 
 square miles of the territory on the Red River which they 
 claimed, on condition that a colony were settled on it. As 
 soon as the North-west Company were made aware of this 
 transaction, they protested against it, objecting to the 
 Hudson's Bay Company thus intruding upon a portion of 
 the country which the representatives of the North-west 
 Company had occupied for 50 years. They also pointed 
 out the fact that the Hudson's Bay Company's charter 
 assigned to them only those regions in North America that 
 were not occupied by the subjects of any other Christian 
 prince or state.
 
 302 
 
 Lord Selkirk issued, in 1811, the prospectus of the new 
 colony which he proposed to establish, and invited the 
 attention of the unemployed people of Great Britain and 
 Ireland to the advantages which it offered. A sentence in 
 the prospectus reads thus : " The settlement is to be 
 formed in a territory where religion is not the ground of 
 any disqualification ; an unreserved participation in every 
 privilege will therefore be enjoyed by the Protestant and 
 Catholic without distinction." The result of the appeal 
 was that a number of families, collected out of Sutherland- 
 shire, Sligo, in Ireland, and some, afterwards, from the 
 Orkney Islands, set out for the Red River by way of Hud- 
 son's Bay. They reached the mouth of the Churchill River 
 late in the season ; too late to prosecute their journey fur- 
 ther, until the spring. In 1812, they reached their destin- 
 ation and settled on the banks of the Red River, a little 
 north of where Winnipeg now stands. Lord Selkirk called 
 the district " Kildonan " after a parish in Helmsdale, 
 Sutherlandshire, from which a good many of his colonists 
 had come. Their subsequent story was one of hardships 
 and trials without number, some of which we have 
 already had glimpses of, when tracing the careers of 
 Pangman, Cuthbert Grrant, Archibald Norman McLeod, 
 and others; and it is unnecessary to dwell on them here 
 at any length. Suffice it to say, that the North-west 
 Company adopted two methods of dealing with the col- 
 onists. A Highland diplomatist of the fur traders, Duncan 
 Cameron, by the arts of persuasion, got a number of them 
 to leave the Red River District and proceed to Upper 
 Canada, at the expense of himself and partners. And 
 when this method failed to induce all the settlers to 
 abandon Lord Selkirk's plans, the representatives of the 
 Company used threats, and, when they availed not, at 
 last, force, to drive away those who had begun farming 
 on the banks of the Red River. Duncan Cameron, John
 
 303 
 
 Dugald Cameron, partners of the North-west Company, 
 Cuthbert Grant, William Shaw and Peter Pangman, 
 clerks of the Company, were the men at the time in 
 charge of the district, and were held responsible for seiz- 
 ing in April, 1815, the cannon which had been sent out 
 from England for the defence of the colony, as well as for 
 attacking and shooting the settlers, and burning their 
 houses in June, 1816. Lord Selkirk determined to stand 
 by the settlers, for whose occupancy of the district he was 
 responsible, and he fitted out an expedition from Canada 
 against their enemies, consisting of 150 disbanded sol- 
 diers, 180 canoe-men, and a sergeant's body-guard for 
 himself. The chief point to be attacked was Fort William, 
 at the head of Lake Superior. The Company's servants 
 did not attempt a resistance, and so his lordship took 
 peaceable possession of the Fort on the 11th August, 
 1817. Exercising his magisterial functions, he put all the 
 partners he found there, at first, in confinement, and then 
 sent them to Montreal, to stand their trial for pillage, 
 arson and murder. He retained only one of them, Daniel 
 McKenzie, who complained of being kept in a dungeon. 
 By a sad accident, the upsetting of his canoe, afterwards 
 on his way down to Canada, Daniel McKenzie and eight 
 others lost their lives. Lord Selkirk felt that he must pur- 
 sue a bold policy if he would make any headway against 
 the fur-traders, men whom he thought not over nice in the 
 means they used to accomplish their ends, and so among 
 other risky things he did, was to apprehend Cuthbert 
 G-rant, when he was clearly within the territories of the 
 United States. He was aided in this expedition by Miles 
 Macdonnell, Dr. Allan, D'Orsonnens and Spencer. 
 
 Meantime the members of the North-west Company in 
 the east were not idle. They had an information laid in 
 Upper Canada against his Lordship for seizing Fort Wil- 
 liam, and General Gore, the Governor, authorized a war-
 
 304 
 
 raut to issue for his arrest. But Lord Selkirk placed the 
 coustable and the twelve men sent to apprehend him, 
 under the guard of his own constabulary force, and after- 
 wards dismissed them paying no heed to their warrant. 
 The partners whom he sent under arrest to Montreal had 
 to be sent to Upper Canada, under the jurisdiction of which 
 Fort "William lay, for trial. It came oif in September, 
 1818, at Sandwich, in the Upper Province, and caused a 
 great sensation in legal political circles at the time. Lord 
 Selkirk, meantime, returned to England, and McKenzie, 
 who had been imprisoned by him at Fort William, obtained 
 a verdict against him, the court assessing the damage at 
 jei,500. 
 
 His lordship's career after this was but brief. "Worn 
 out by the troubles through which he had just passed, he 
 went to pass the winter at Pau, in France, where he died 
 on the 5th of April, 1820. 
 
 His lordship had married, in 1807, Jean, daughter of 
 James Wedderburn Colville, Esq., of Ochiltree, and when 
 he took up his residence in Montreal, the Countess had 
 borne him two children, the late Earl, Dunbar James 
 Douglas, and Lady Isabella Helen, now Lady Isabella 
 Hope, she having married in 1841, Hon. Charles Hope, 
 Grovernor of the Isle of Man. During his stay in Montreal 
 the Earl's youngest child was born. The event was thus 
 announced in the Montreal ^em/^/ of January 11th, 1817 : 
 
 BIRTH. 
 
 " In this city, on Saturday evening, the 4th iust., the Right Honourable 
 the Countess of Selkirk, of a daughter." 
 
 This young Canadian was named " Lady Catherine 
 Jane." She married, in 1841>, Loftus Tottenham Wigram, 
 of Lincoln's Inn, then M.P. for Cambridge University, and 
 died in 1863. 
 
 On the 1st December, 1817, Lord Selkirk bought pew
 
 305 
 
 No. 4 in the gallery of the St. G-abriel Street Church, for 
 which he paid .£20 10s. Od. He attended the church 
 regularly while he was in town, and brought his children 
 with him. Baron Daer was a bright boy, and Lady 
 Isabella Helen is still remembered by some of the people 
 who about her own age attended the church seventy 
 years ago. 
 
 The late Earl, the last of the Selkirk's, was only eleven 
 years of age when he was called to succeed his father. 
 He retained to the end of life warm recollections of Mont- 
 real, and of the quaint old Scotch Church in which he 
 spent his Sabbaths during some of the most impression- 
 able years of his boyhood. He was proud of his con- 
 nection with Canada, and when the St. Andrew's Society 
 of Montreal was organized, in 1835, he asked to be allowed 
 to become a life member of it. He was always glad to see 
 any Canadians that called upon him at his country seat, 
 St. Mary's Isle. He was a model landlord, and altogether 
 a fine character, with highly conservative tendencies. 
 
 His lordship married, in 1878, Cecely-Louisa, daughter 
 of Sir Philip de Malpas Grey Egerton, Bart., M. P., of 
 Oulton Park, Cheshire. He died without issue, and the 
 title has been merged into that of the Duke of Hamilton. 
 His sister. Lady Isabella Hope, however, enjoys his estate, 
 and occupies the old family seat, at St. Mary's Isle. 
 
 The Selkirk name is to be inseparably connected with 
 Canada, not only by the town of that designation on the 
 banks of the Red River, but especially by the range of 
 Mountains in British Columbia, running parallel to the 
 Rocky Mountains. 
 
 The result of the conflict between the old Lord Selkirk 
 and the North-west Company was to hasten the union 
 of the two rival trading companies, which took place the 
 year after his death. They took the name of the Hudson's 
 Bay Company, which was not only the older, but had a 
 u
 
 306 
 
 better defined position aud relation to the territory in 
 which the fur trade was prosecuted. 
 
 In 1835, the company bought back from the young- 
 Earl of Selkirk all right and title to the 116,000 square 
 miles which had been granted to his father in 1811 for 
 .£84,000 sterling. So that, financially, it proved a very 
 profitable transaction in the end to his estate. 
 
 Lieutenant G-eneral Drummond, who was president of 
 the province of Upper Canada during the war with the 
 United States, 1812-4, and was appointed Governor in 
 chief of the Canadas in succession to Sir George Prevost, 
 also had a brief connection with the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church. His name is given in the books as occupying 
 pew No. 36, while Christ Church worshipped half the 
 day in the Scotch Church. From him, the township of 
 Drummond, Lanark county, Ontario, in which the writer 
 was born, — the county of Drummond, Quebec, — and 
 possibly one of the streets of the city — all derive their 
 name. 
 
 The Earl of Dalhousie, Governor General of Canada 
 from 1820 to 1828, was frequently in Montreal during his 
 term of office, and when in the city, was a regular wor- 
 shipper in the Scotch Church, St. Gabriel Street, — sitting 
 in Lord Selkirk's pew in the gallery. He was a Presby- 
 terian by conviction, and, so long as he was Governor 
 General, his co-religionists received every encouragement 
 to prosecute their rights regarding the Clergy Reserves 
 and other privileges, which the representatives of the 
 Church of England in Canada claimed exclusively. His 
 influence first secured a favourable hearing for the peti- 
 tions and remonstrances on these subjects which, from 
 time to time, were sent to the Government at Westminster. 
 Dr. Harkness, at Quebec, and Mr. Esson, at Montreal, held 
 close communication with him regarding these matters
 
 SOT 
 
 His Lordship was born in 1770 and succeeded to the 
 title in 1787, from which date to 1815, he was in the 
 army and performed distinguished services in the Napo- 
 leonic wars. Previously holding a seat in the House of 
 Lords as a representative Peer of Scotland, he was created 
 a Baron of G-reat Britain in 1815, and in the following 
 year was appointed Lieutenant General commanding in 
 Nova Scotia with the functions of Governor, a position 
 which he held till June, 1820, with the exception of a 
 few months' absence on leave in England. When the Duke 
 of Richmond died suddenly, August 27th, 1819, as was 
 thought of rabies communicated by the bite of a tame 
 fox. Lord Dalhousie received the appointment of Governor 
 in chief and commander of the forces in British North 
 America. He held this office for the long period of eight 
 years, although he was absent on leave fifteen months of 
 the time. 
 
 No Governor General has stood so well as he with the 
 Scottish element of the population, either in Nova Scotia 
 or in Canada. This was signally shown by the action of 
 the St. Andrew's Society of Montreal, ten years after his 
 return to Great Britain, first, when a false rumour of his 
 death reached the city in 1837, and afterwards when his 
 decease actually took place — all its members resolved to 
 wear mourning badges for thirty days. 
 
 He was a staunch upholder of the views of the British 
 minority in this province, and this was a large element 
 in his popularity with them ; but he was correspondingly 
 execrated by the French, led by L. J. Papineau, who were 
 striving to obtain representative government. It was Lord 
 Dalhousie's lot to come to Canada at a time when the idea 
 that Kings were born to rule, and Governors were sent 
 to Canada to govern, had not yet quite died out of the 
 minds of the British colonists. A less pleasant experience 
 was reserved for his distinguished fellow-countryman,
 
 308 
 
 Lord Elgin, at the hands of " brither Scots " in Montreal. 
 His advent was the period of transition from the old 
 notion of personal government, on the part of the repre- 
 sentative of the Sovereign in Canada, to that of responsible 
 government, giving expression to the w^ishes of the people 
 through their parliamentary representatives. The Scots 
 were slow to admit the latter principle, so fiar as allowing 
 the French majority to obtain the mastery in the province 
 was concerned ; and, therefore, they in the St. Andrew's 
 Society of Montreal, did an amazing thing, a thing that 
 we now cannot help wondering at, they expelled Lord 
 Elgin, whom they had previously made their patron, from 
 the membership of the Society, because, forsooth, he fol- 
 lowed the advice of his ministers and signed the " Rebel- 
 lion Losses Bill ! " Any governor now-a-days, who should 
 refuse to take the course he pursued, would speedily be 
 driven out of the country, and no portion of the commun- 
 ity would be more clamorous against him than the mem- 
 bers of the St. Andrew's Society of Montreal. As an illus- 
 tration ; — throughout all the discussions that took place in 
 Canada regarding the execution of Louis Riel in Novem- 
 ber, 1885, no one for a moment thought of blaming Lord 
 Lansdowne for signing the death warrant — all the res- 
 ponsibility was cast upon his sworn advisers. Lord 
 Dalhousie's name has been perpetuated by the University 
 called after him, which was built in Halifax under his 
 direction and mainly through his influence, and was to be 
 conducted on the model of the University of Edinburgh ; 
 by a town in New Brunswick and a township in Ontario 
 bearing his name, and by a street as well as by the square 
 off Notre Dame Street, in Montreal, opposite the Canadian 
 Pacific Depot. Its site was known for a long time as 
 Citadel Hill. As such it appears in the engraving, " Mont- 
 real a Hundred Years ago," at page 13, there being 
 a small fort upon it, surmounted by a flagstaff floating
 
 309 
 
 the " Union Jack." In the summer of 1821, Lord Dal- 
 housie presented " Citadel Hill " to the city. It was 
 levelled down and a good deal of the material from it 
 was carted away to make up the Champ de Mars as it 
 exists to-day. 
 
 His lordship's manner was gracious, and he had a keen 
 appreciation of the humorous. There was an odd charac- 
 ter in Quebec in those days, a snuff dealer, named Charlie 
 Haviker, whose place of business was in St. John Street. 
 He was accustomed to stand at his shop door, a squat man 
 wearing a brown wig, with his arms a-kimbo, and his legs 
 spread, — a picture to look at. He had, also, a sign-board 
 put up, with a portrait of himself in this attitude. Lord 
 Dalhousie and suite were driving along the street, when 
 their attention was arrested by this sign. " Charlie " 
 noticed their amusement and immediately took up his 
 familiar posture in the doorway, addressing the Grovernor 
 with the words : " Please yer lordship, here's the 
 oreeginal." The next day His Excellency called on the 
 little man, and afterwards got a large silver snuff-box 
 made, which bore the inscription, " Presented to Charles 
 Haviker, from Lord Dalhousie." This genial incident 
 made Charlie's fortune. He was able in after years to 
 drive his carriage, on the panel of which he had this 
 couplet painted : — 
 
 " Who would have thought it, 
 That suuff would have bought it." 
 
 It was characteristic of Dalhousie's generous nature 
 to desire to do honour to the two illustrious heroes, who, 
 though counted foes in life, in death were not divided, 
 and by their death made Quebec ever memorable— namely, 
 "Wolfe and Montcalm. 
 
 He erected on a plateau overlooking Durham Terrace, a 
 chaste monumental pillar, which is an ornament to the 
 city. The following is the inscription : —
 
 310 
 
 " HUNC LAriDEM, 
 
 MONUMENTUM IN MBMORIAM 
 
 VIRORIM II.LUSTRIl'M, 
 
 WOI.FE BT MONTCALM, 
 
 FUNDAMBNTUM, 
 
 P. C. 
 
 GBORGllS, CX)MES DB DALHOVSIE, 
 
 in seitrionalis ambricf. partihus ad uritannop 
 
 pertinbntibus, 
 
 summam rerum administrans, 
 
 opus per multos ann06 pr.^^termissum. 
 
 (quid duci egre(;io convenibntius ?) 
 
 auctoiutatb promovbns, exbmi'i.o stimulans, 
 
 munificentia fovens. 
 
 die n0vemi5ris xv. a ad. mixxxxxvii. 
 
 GEORGIO IV. BRITANNOEUM RBGE." 
 
 On his withdrawal from Canada, in 1828, Lord Dalhon- 
 sie was made President of a Society for Promoting Foreign 
 Missions in the Church of Scotland. 
 
 The Rev. Hugh Urquhart, D.D., was a member of the 
 St. Gabriel Street Church from 1822 to 1827, and often 
 preached from its pulpit during that period. 
 
 Born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in the year 1793, and 
 educated at King's College, Aberdeen, Mr. Urquhart was 
 licensed by the Presbytery of Inverness as a preacher of 
 the Gospel, and, in August, 1822, was received by the 
 Presbytery of Dingwall into holy orders. In October of 
 that year, he came to Canada, and took up his residence 
 in Montreal, as an assistant to Mr. Esson, in the work of 
 the Montreal Academic Institution, which we have seen 
 that gentleman carried on. It was situated on St. Paul 
 Street, now numbers 135 to 139, and was a rival to Mr. 
 Skakel's Grammar School in St. James Street. Although 
 the latter as King's schoolmaster was in receipt of iJ300 
 a year from Government, Mr. Esson's Academy succeeded 
 in attracting most of the youth of the first families in 
 the city ; and it owed not a little of its popularity to Mr. 
 Urquhart.
 
 311 
 
 It will, no doubt, be very interesting to our readers, 
 especially the senior members of St. G-abriel Street Church 
 to know and trace the career of the senior pupils who 
 received instruction at the Montreal Academical Institu- 
 tion, under Messrs. Esson and Urquhart. 
 
 Colonel A. Wellington Hart, now of Montreal, as a 
 resident citizen has kindly made up a list of his school- 
 fellows, more especially those who were advanced in his 
 time — 1824-5 — and the perusal will be a source of pleasure 
 to those relatives who may, perhaps, never have know n 
 how their ancestors stood when fighting the battle of 
 life :— 
 
 Dr. A. H. David, Dean of Bishops College. 
 
 Aaron Philip Hart, a distinguished lawyer in his time. 
 
 Thomas Walter Jones, a well known doctor iu Montreal. 
 
 Charles Sewell, the same in Quebec. 
 
 Edward Sewell, brother. 
 
 Frederick Bowen, late Sheriff of St. Francis, E.T. 
 
 Charles Bowen, brother. 
 
 William Bowen, brother. 
 
 Robert Johnston, a highly respectable lawyer. 
 
 James Johnston, a distinguished physician of Sherbrookc, E.T. 
 
 Hon. John Pangman, Seignior of Mascouche. 
 
 ilfx?„?efHS.o„. }-- »' «- >-'« M«. W,n. L„„„. 
 
 A. WeUington Hart. 
 
 George McBeath, retired Colonel of the 68th Durham Light 
 Infantrj'. 
 
 Henry Gerrard, died Captain of the 70th Regiment. 
 
 Charles Jones, married Miss Sewell of Quebec, died a Captain 
 in the 71st Highland Light Infantry. 
 
 Norman Finlay, a highly respectable engineer in New York, now- 
 dead. 
 
 Andrew "White. 
 
 George Phillips. 
 
 John Shea, recently died, was well known. 
 
 George Bent, Express Co., Montreal. 
 
 George Pyke, many years in Prothonotary oflBce. 
 
 John Pyke, doctor. 
 
 James Pyke, a clergyman at Hudson.
 
 312 
 
 Mr. Urquhail remained in this city until 1827, having 
 won the the esteem of numerous friends, a few of whom yet 
 remain to remember his virtues and to mourn his loss. 
 " A call " to St. John's Church, Cornwall, induced Mr. 
 Urquhart to take up his residence in that town, where, 
 for 44 years, he lived and worked, reflecting honour on 
 the clerical profession, and adorning, with singular grace, 
 the wide circle, ecclesiastical and social, in which he 
 moved. In him were combined, in no ordinary degree, 
 the dignity of a true gentleman and the simplicity of a 
 little child. For thirteen years, he added to his parochial 
 duties in Cornwall, those of a teacher of youth, as did his 
 friend, the late Bishop Strachan. Chancellor Yaukoughnet, 
 and the Hon. John Sandfield McDonald, were among his 
 early pupils. Many others, scarcely less known or emi- 
 nent, enjoyed the privilege of his instructions. In 1840, 
 he resigned the headmastership of the Cornwall G-rammar 
 School, and thenceforward confined himself to the minis- 
 terial calling. From 1847 to 185Y, Mr. Urquhart filled at 
 intervals thef chair of Ecclesiastical Histor}'- in Queen's 
 College, and in the latter year, the University of Aber- 
 deen conferred on him its highest degree, that of Doctor 
 in Divinity. To mark at once their estimate of his venera- 
 ble appearance, and his noble simplicity of character, his 
 students were wont to call him, " Polycarp." Dr. Urquhart 
 was a sound scholar and a most diligent student. His 
 knowledge was general as well as professional ; and it 
 may be said with truth, that up to the last year of his life, 
 he kept abreast of both modern literature and modern 
 "thought." Though firmly attached to the Church of 
 Scotland, he was a Catholic-minded and large-hearted 
 man, — a " broad churchman," in the best sense. His 
 house was a model home, in which, with dignity and a 
 liberal hand, hospitality was extended alike to strangers 
 and acquaintances. Those who have seen him at the head
 
 313 
 
 of his table, surrounded by frieuds. whether clerical or 
 lay, will never forget the almost unparalleled grace and 
 kindness which marked the bearing of their host. In this 
 respect, he was a man of a thousand. 
 
 As was natural in regard to such a man. Dr. Urquhart 
 enjoyed very fully the confidence of his clerical brethren. 
 Few figures were more remarkable in the courts of the 
 church to which he belonged, than that of Dr. Urquhart. 
 His erect and dignified bearinof. his gentleness and suavitv 
 of manner, were always conspicuous, and the tones of his 
 voice, tremulous with emotion, alwa^^s commanded atten- 
 tion, and won the sympathies of all, for any cause which 
 he espoused. 
 
 Dr. Urquhart was made Moderator of the Synod of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, in 1840, and at the time of his death, 
 occupied seats on the two most important boards of that 
 Church, namely, that of the Trustees of Queen's College 
 and that for the management of the Temporalities Fund. 
 
 He died at Cornwall, on February 5th, 1871, in the t8th 
 year of his age, and the 44th of his ministry. So large a 
 concourse of people never before assembled in that town 
 at a funeral, — deeper emotion was never felt by the people 
 than when all that was mortal of their venerable friend 
 was lowered into the grave. 
 
 Thomas Torrance, born at Larkhall, near G-lasgow, 
 28th May, 1776, came to Montreal in 1804, and was 
 followed by his wife and three children, in 1805. He be- 
 came rapidly a wealthy and respected citizen, as is shown 
 by his being one of the first signers to the proposition to 
 erect the Montreal G-eneral Hospital, to which he sub- 
 scribed the sum of je50. He was a director of the Bank 
 of Montreal in 1819 and 1820, as well as of the Montreal 
 Savings Bank. He was also connected with other well
 
 314 
 
 known institutions ; was a volunteer in 1812, and sta- 
 tioned at Lachine. In 1819, he built and occupied the 
 fine house at the corner of St. Lawrence and Sherbrooke 
 streets, known as "Belmont," part of its garden having 
 been where the Sherbrooke Street Methodist Church, and 
 adjoining properties are now. In 1813, he returned to 
 Scotland and jiaid off with interest all the business in- 
 debtedness for which he was liable before leaving for 
 Canada. His eldest daughter married Dr. Stephenson, 
 well kiiown as the leading physician of his time here, 
 who, with Drs. Robertson and G. W. Campbell, originated 
 the Medical College of McGill University. His daughter 
 Marion, was married to James G-ibb, merchant of Quebec, 
 by Mr. Esson, in 1822. She is now the wife of Rev. W. 
 B. Clarke, the esteemed ex-pastor of Chalmers Church, 
 Quebec, and lecturer in Church History in Morrin Col- 
 lege. Mr. James Gibb Shaw, port-warden, and Robt. M. 
 Shaw, accountant, are his grandsons. 
 
 Mr. Torrance's name appears first as a contributor of 
 £S to the steeple and bell fund in 1810. In 1813, he 
 bought pew 40, formerly the property of "William Manson. 
 He was a member of the temporal committee for the 
 years 1821, 1822 and 1823. He died at Quebec, in 1828, 
 aged 47 years. 
 
 John Torrance, born 2nd June, 1*786, was a younger 
 brother of Thomas Torrance, last mentioned. He came 
 to Canada in connection with his brother's business, but 
 settled first in Quebec. It was while a resident in Quebec 
 that he married a young lady belonging to the St. Gabriel 
 Street Church, — Elizabeth Fisher, daughter of Duncan 
 Fisher, the elder, — when she was only 10 years of age. 
 The marriage took place on the 28th of May, 1811. Be- 
 sides the signatures of the officiating clergyman, James 
 Somerville, and the two principals, the register on the
 
 315 
 
 occasion, bears the names of Thomas Torrance, Duncan 
 Fisher and William Hutchison. His name appears for 
 the first time, however, in connection with St. Grabriel 
 Street Church, as subscribing one pound to the steeple 
 and bell fund in 1810, although he was probably then 
 only a casual worshipper in it. He must have returned 
 to Montreal before 1815, as we find the baptism of his 
 son Daniel, by J. Somerville, recorded in that year. The 
 advertisements in the Herald in 1817, show that he had 
 then commenced a grocery business at 9*7, St. Paul Street, 
 Montreal, on his own account, — founding the well 
 known house now styled " David Torrance & Co." He 
 and his brother Thomas appear among the first support- 
 ers of the Montreal Auxiliary Bible Society, in 1821. 
 
 By the time Mr. Torrance became a citizen of Montreal, 
 the Methodists connected with the British Conference 
 had gained a footing in the city. There had been preach- 
 ers working here from 1803 onwards, in connection with 
 the Episcopal Methodist Church of the United States, but 
 the intervention of war between the two countries had 
 lessened their hold upon the sympathies of their Canadian 
 adherents. In 1814, the first representatives of British 
 Methodism came to Montreal, and in 1816, they could 
 count 56 members. Mr. Torrance's mother having been 
 a Methodist before her marriage to Duncan Fisher, she 
 became a patron of the new Society and her devout influ- 
 ence told strongly upon all her children. This current 
 of sympathy with the Methodists, from the Embury side, 
 was still farther strengthened by the alliance of Rev. 
 John Hick with the family. He came from England in. 
 1819, and married Mr. Fisher's eldest daughter, thus be- 
 coming brother-in-law to Mr. Torrance. All these influ- 
 ences combined, together with the non-evangelical preach- 
 ing of Mr. Esson, resulted in Mr. Torrance's uniting him- 
 self with the Methodists, to whom he brought an unques-
 
 316 
 
 tiouable accession of strength. He continued an earnest 
 supporter of that communion, until his death on the 20th 
 of Januarj', 1870. The most of his descendants continue 
 members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Torrance's family 
 have been prominent in social as M'^ell as commercial 
 circles. Two of his daughters in succession have been 
 married to Sir A. T. G-alt. The late David Torrance, mer- 
 chant, his nephew, was also his son-in-law. 
 
 But the best known of his children was the late Hon. 
 Frederick William Torrance, M.A., B.C.L. He was born in 
 this city, on July 16th, 1823. He received his education at 
 private schools here, at Nicolet College, at Edinburgh, 
 Scotland, under private tutors, and at Edinburgh Uni- 
 versity, where he took the degree of M.A., in 1844. rank- 
 ing second in the order of proficiency in classics and 
 mathematics in the examination for the degree. He had 
 previously, in 1839-40, followed courses of lectures at 
 Paris, France, at the Ecole de Medicine, Sorbonne, and 
 the College de France. 
 
 He returned to Montreal about 1844, and entered upon 
 the study of law with the late Duncan Fisher, Q. C, and 
 Hon. James Smith, subsequently Attorney-GJ-eneral for 
 Lower Canada, and a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench, 
 and was called to the bar in 1848. 
 
 In 1852, he formed a partnership with Mr. Alex. Morris, 
 now the Hon. Alexander Morris, the firm being known 
 as Torrance & Morris. In 1865, the Hon. Mr. Morris was 
 elected Member of Parliament for South Lanark, and 
 shortly after removed to Ontario, being succeeded in the 
 firm by his brother, Mr. J. L. Morris. In 1866, Mr. 
 Torrance was appointed special commissioner to adjudi- 
 cate upon the claims arising out of the Fenian raid, and 
 rendered valuable service. In 1871, he was appointed 
 a Puisne Judge of the Superior Court, at the same time 
 as the Hon. Judge Mackay.
 
 317 
 
 Since then, lie earned for himself the reputation of an 
 eminent jurist and an upright, careful and painstaking 
 judge. His decisions in business matters were always 
 considered of great value, on account of his extensive 
 experience in commercial law while practising at the Bar. 
 He was for many years professor of Eoman Law at McG-ill, 
 the faculty and pupils having unanimously surnamed 
 him " Justinian." 
 
 In conjunction with Messrs. Strachan Bethune, Q. C, 
 J. L. Morris, and the late Mr. LaFrenaie, he brought out 
 the Loiver Canada Jurist, to which he contributed for 
 many years. 
 
 He was intimately connected with the Fraser Institute, 
 and, with the Hon. J. J. C. Abbott, devoted much of his 
 time towards establishing a Free Library in connection 
 therewith. 
 
 In religion, Judge Torrance was a staunch Presbyterian, 
 and he took a deep interest in all things relating to that 
 church. He was president of the Presbyterian Sabbath 
 school Association, and, after being connected with the 
 Cote Street Free Church for many years, he became an 
 elder of Crescent Street Church, which position he held 
 at the time of his death. He was one of the governors of 
 McG-ill University, and, as such, a member of the Royal 
 Institution for the Advancement of Learning. He con- 
 tributed materially toward the foundation of the Montreal 
 Presbyterian College, and always took a lively interest in 
 its welfare. He was also a life governor of the Montreal 
 General Hospital. He subscribed largely to the general 
 fund of the Home and Foreign Missions of the Presby- 
 terian Church. Judge Torrance took special interest in 
 missions to the Jews. He always identified himself en- 
 thusiastically with Sabbath school work. He was known 
 as a generous, kind-hearted and public-spirited citizen, 
 and his death was deeply regretted by a large number
 
 318 
 
 of personal friends and the whole community, by whom 
 he was held in great esteem. Some ten years before his 
 death, he married Mrs. Pugh, of Louisville, Ky. He left 
 no children. 
 
 He was present at the centennial celebration in the old 
 church in March, 1886, — the church in which his grand- 
 father was an elder, and his father and uncle had long 
 been members ; and then related how it was that he was 
 led to become a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
 though brought up a Methodist. His residence for some 
 time in Edinburgh, where he had the privilege of hearing 
 the ante-disruption famous preachers, contributed to the 
 change; but it was the superior preaching of Bonar, 
 Arnott, Somerville and the other Free Church deputies, 
 in Cote Street Church, that specially attracted him, and 
 brought him back to the fold which his father had 20 
 years before quitted, for the sake of superior preaching. 
 
 Besides the Hon. Justice Torrance, another of John 
 Torrance's descendants has come back to the faith of his 
 fathers, and forsaken the communion of the Methodist 
 Church in which his earliest days were spent. This is 
 the earnest, accomplished and successful minister of St. 
 Paul's Church, Peterboro, Ontario, the Rev. E. F. Torrance, 
 son of the late David Torrance, merchant of this city, 
 who was married to one of John's daughters, and went 
 with her to the Methodist Church. David was the son 
 of James Torrance, a brother to Thomas and John. 
 
 G-eorge G-arden was one of the most influential mem- 
 bers of the St. G-abriel Street Church during the early 
 period of Mr. Esson's ministry. He was a leading mer- 
 chant of the city, and at this time was the head of the 
 old firm of Auldjo, Maitland and Company. He was one 
 of the gentlemen who signed the notice calling the meet- 
 ing on 4th July, 1817, to elect directors for the Bank of
 
 319 
 
 Montreal. He was chosen a director then and continued 
 on' the Board for many years, occupying the position of 
 Vice-President in 1820. He was also a director of the 
 Montreal Savings' Bank, and a charter member of the cor- 
 poration of the Montreal General Hospital. 
 
 He owned, jointly with the Auldjo's, pews Nos. *72 and 
 *73 in the St. Grabriel Street Church ; and in 1811 was 
 elected a member of the temporal committee, and was 
 chosen Vice-President — the next year, he was President. 
 He was again appointed on the committee in 181^. 
 Besides these offices, which he filled efficiently, he was a 
 member of the special committee appointed in 1816, to 
 raise a guarantee fund, when it was proposed to obtain an 
 assistant to Mr. Somerville, the result of whose efibrts 
 was the bringing out of Mr. Esson, He was a warm 
 friend to the young minister. On the 21st March, 1819, 
 he was ordained to the office of the eldership, the duties 
 of which he performed with zeal and ability. He went 
 to Scotland about the year 1825, with a view to the educa- 
 tion of his two sons, but returned to Canada. He was a 
 man of admirable character, and was held in the highest 
 esteem in civil and ecclesiastical circles alike. He died 
 on the 15th of October, 1828, aged 56 years. 
 
 Another of the elders ordained 21st March, 1819, was 
 Andrew White, carpenter. He married, in 1808, a daughter 
 of Mr. Telfer, one of the masons that built the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church. Mr. White afterwards formed a partner- 
 ship with AVilliam Shand, and they became one of the 
 most enterprizing firms of builders in the city, rivalling 
 Messrs. Shay and Bent. Their workshop was at 61, St. 
 Charles Borromee Street. Mr. White was one of the mem- 
 bers forming the original corporation of the G-eneral Hos- 
 pital, in 1821, and was also a director of the Montreal 
 Savings' Bank. A daughter of his was married, first, to
 
 320 
 
 "William G-ay, and, after his decease, to John Birss, son of 
 James Birss, the elder. 
 
 Mr. White bought pew No. 66, formerly the property 
 of William G-rahame, iu 1809. He was a member of the 
 temporal committee in 1825 and 1826. He died 12th 
 July, 1832, aged 50 years. 
 
 James Rollo was also ordained an elder, March 21st, 
 1819. He was a cabinet-maker and upholsterer, and kept 
 a furniture warehouse at 26, Notre Dame street. He 
 occupied pew 105 in the little original gallery of the 
 church, first, and, when the new gallery was erected, in 
 1817, he bought pew No. 28 in it. He was appointed 
 Precentor of the church in 1817, — it is to be presumed, on 
 the report in his favour of a special committee appointed 
 to select a leader of the Congregational Psalmody, con- 
 sisting of John Allison, "William Peddie and William 
 Boston. On taking the office of elder, he resigned his 
 Precentorship. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Henry Wilkes was born in Birmingham, Eng- 
 land, A.D., 1805. He came with his parents, whose eldest 
 son he was, to Canada, in 1820, and entered into successful 
 business in Montreal. In 1828, he put into existence a 
 long-cherished resolve and entered the Griasgow University 
 where he graduated, studying also in the Independent 
 Theological School under Dr. Wardlaw. For three years 
 he was pastor of Albany Street Independent Church, Edin- 
 burgh. When the Colonial Missionary Society was formed 
 in the old Weigh-house chapel, the late Thomas Binney 
 being one of the active promoters, Mr. Wilkes, in accord- 
 ance with a previous undertaking, accepted the invitation 
 of the Society, to proceed to Lower Canada, and on the 24th 
 May, 1836, was solemnly designated to the work in these 
 < olonies in the above-named chapel. It was for that
 
 321 
 
 occasion Mr. Joseph Conder composed hymn 905. in the 
 present Congregational hj-mn-book, " Churches of Christ, 
 by G-od's right hand," etc. In the summer of 1886, he 
 visited again the old land, at the Jubilee of the Society, 
 and spoke of his work. He bore testimony to the gracious- 
 ness of God, which had ever followed him. In the fall of 
 the year, 1836, the church which four years previously had 
 been formed under the pastoral care of Mr. Richard Miles, 
 and had built for the time a neat chapel in St. Maurice 
 Street, called Mr. Wilkes to the pastorate. The site on 
 Beaver Hall was secured in 1844, and the commodious 
 building, which, with enlargements, and re-buildino\ 
 after being burnt, held for many years one of the most in- 
 fluential of the Protestant churches of Montreal, or even 
 in the country, was, in the fall of 1846, solemnly dedi- 
 cated to the service of God, the foundation havino- been 
 laid the previous year. Dr. "Wilkes' pulpit ministrations 
 and platform addresses always commanded attention. His 
 thought was clear, his language precise, and his utterance 
 easy. Earnest, loving, evangelical and practical, he was 
 never dull, and to the last had a wonderful stock of emo- 
 tional power. For several years he was lame from acute 
 rheumatism, which eventually stiffened his hip joints. The 
 sight of his ascending and descending the steps of the old 
 church in St. Gabriel Street, on the occasion of conduct- 
 ing one of the Centennial services on the 7th March. 1886. 
 will never be forgotten by any who witnessed it. 
 
 The sermon which he preached on the occasion, em- 
 braced in this volume, will be read with interest as one 
 of the last which he preached in Montreal, and preached 
 with ringing tones, touched by the strong emotion called 
 forth by the interesting occasion. 
 
 There was a fitness in his taking part in the Centennial 
 services, not only as the oldest of the Protestant clergy- 
 men of the city, who had been on terms of intimacy with 
 
 V
 
 322 
 
 most of the Ministers who had olficiated in the old chun-h ; 
 but also because it was the first church which he attended 
 for two or three years, when, as a lad, he came to 
 reside in the city. The present writer bears grateful tes- 
 timony, too, to the ready and helpful sympathy extended 
 to him during a prolonged illness in the Autumn of 18*72, 
 by the venerable Dr. Wilkes, who supplied the St. G-abriel 
 Street pulpit himself, or became responsible for his 
 students doing so. The dear old Doctor passed quietly 
 away on the morning of "Wednesday, November l*7th, in 
 the eighty-second year of his age. For some time, he 
 occupied an unique pos ition among the churches of this 
 country. To a large extent the pioneer of Congregational- 
 ism in the Canadas, he lived to see all his old companions 
 gathered to their fathers, and to outlast very largely the 
 generation which followed. No episcopal bishop ever 
 exercised a more thorough influence over his diocese than 
 the late Dr. "Wilkes did over the Congregational Church 
 in Canada, of which, indeed, he may be said to have 
 been, in a great measure, the creator. In 1870, he resigned 
 his active pastorate and was appointed Principal of the 
 Congregational College, which position he held until his 
 feeble health compelled him to surrender it into the 
 hands of a younger man, Dr. Stevenson, a few years ago. 
 Dr. "Wilkes' reputation and influence extended far beyond 
 the bounds of his own denomination. For many years he 
 was looked up to with reverence and regard by all the 
 Protestant clergy of Montreal, and fittingly occupied the 
 post of president of the branch of the Evangelical Alliance 
 in this city. The esteem in which he was held by brethren 
 was shown by the long procession of ministers that pre- 
 ceded the hearse at his funeral, — such a cortege was never 
 before seen in Montreal. 
 
 The closing words of his address before the Union in 
 London in May last may be listened to as his parting tes- 
 timony : —
 
 323 
 
 "I am now eighty-one years of age, and have been 
 preaching the gospel for about sixty. Before that, I was 
 engaged in Sabbath school work, throughout all of which 
 I can bear testimony to the faithfulness of Grod. There 
 are things which cannot be shaken, they are everlasting. 
 All the powers of earth and of hell cannot shake them, 
 and they remain. I am not going to say how many of 
 such things there are, but one of the things that cannot 
 be shaken is G-od's faithfulness to his followers. I have 
 had trials very grievous, and sorrows very deep, but 
 always, from beginning to end. He has been true to me, so 
 that I would not change my past history as a minister of 
 Jesus Christ for all the money in the world — or all the 
 honours men could place on my head. I want to bear my 
 testimony as to the graciousness of Grod, and I want my 
 younger brethren to carry on the work that can occupy 
 the mind and heart ; that it is the noblest and most glori- 
 ous that God ever gave to man to prosecute. And now 
 unto Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to pre- 
 sent us faultless before the presence of His glory with 
 exceeding joy, be glory, dominion and might now and for 
 ever. Amen." 
 
 The Rev. George H. "Wells, of the American Presbyterian 
 Church, thus spoke of him in an eloquent tribute paid to 
 his dear old friend, the Sabbath after his funeral : — 
 
 " One rich blessing that Dr. Wilkes had was a strong 
 physique. A thorough Englishman, he had the Englisk 
 love of open air exercise, and used to ride on horseback,. 
 and to saw all his own wood before the days of coal. In 
 his 35 years pastorate, he was only kept from his pulpit 
 two Sundays — and then from being thrown from his 
 horse. 
 
 " Still better, he had a prompt and practical turn of 
 mind. He always saw the duty of the moment and did it 
 with all his might. He was distinguished by good and
 
 824 
 
 sturdy common sense. In him there was no conflict 
 between his secular and his sacred interests ; and no 
 preacher less used those terms that sound so professional 
 and proper, and that we naturally call ' cant.' " 
 
 The Hon. Thomas McKay was born at Perth, in Scot- 
 land, on the 1st September, 1792. He arrived in Canada 
 in 1817, and took up his residence in this city. Like 
 many others who have sought a home on this continent, 
 Mr. McKay brought with him no capital, save his integ- 
 rity of character and energy in the prosecution of his 
 business pursuits. He was in the true sense of the word 
 a self-made man. Like Hugh Miller and John Redpath, 
 he began life as a stone-mason, Mr. Redpath and he car- 
 rying on business in company for some years. Among 
 other pieces of masonry built by them was the old stone 
 fence in front of the St. Gabriel Street Church. In 1827, 
 when the Rideau canal was commenced, Mr. McKay was 
 engaged by Colonel By to construct the locks at Ottawa : 
 and it was he who first broke ground in that important 
 undertaking. At that day, when the country along the 
 Ottawa was thinly settled, and the means of communica- 
 tion with the city of Montreal, whence the greater portion 
 of the needful supplies had to be transported, were of 
 the most imperfect description, the erection of such exten- 
 sive works was justly considered a gigantic enterprise ; 
 but under his judicious and vigorous management, they 
 were promptly completed. After the canal was finished 
 and put fully in operation, Mr. McKay built extensive 
 mills and factories on his property at the mouth of the 
 Rideau River. ^In connection with these mills, the 
 flourishing town of New Edinburgh has grown. These 
 mills proved a boon to the people, even in the adjoining 
 counties. The farmers from the county of Lanark used, 
 before the G-rand Trunk was built, to drive their wheat
 
 325 
 
 to McKay's mills, as the only place where they were 
 sure of disposing of it, and converting it into money. 
 
 In July, 1834, Mr. McKay was elected member of par- 
 liament for the county of Russell, and sat for that consti- 
 tuency until the union of the provinces. He was sum- 
 moned to the Legislative Council by Lord Sydenham on 
 9th June, 1841. He was also the first warden of the county 
 of Carlton, then the district of Dalhousie. He was a con- 
 servative in politics. He was the first in the Upper 
 Canada parliament to propose a union of the provinces. 
 In private life, he was kind, obliging and charitable, and 
 in business matters was manly and straightforward, while 
 his bearing and general demeanour commanded the re- 
 spect of all who knew him. 
 
 Eideau Hall, now the vice-royal residence of the Gover- 
 nor-General of Canada, was built by him, and there he 
 died on the 9th of October, 1855, aged 63 years. 
 
 ,Mr. McKay was connected with St. Gabriel Street 
 Church from 1817 to 1827. He leased pew No. 10 in the 
 gallery in December, 1819, and bought pew 79, in 1822. 
 In January, 1821, he was engaged as Precentor at a salary 
 of <£40 a year. He continued to fulfil the duties of this 
 important of&ce efficiently, till April, 1823, when he gave 
 notice that he could no longer be depended on to lead 
 the psalmody, on account of his business requiring his 
 attendance in the country during the summer. At this 
 time, he was a contractor in connection with public 
 works. 
 
 Mr. McKay was an attached and intelligent member of 
 the Church of Scotland in Canada. When he removed to 
 Bytown, one of his first cares was to get a Presbyterian 
 church organized in the place. The result was the erection 
 of the St. Andrew's Church, of which he was the architect, 
 the builder and the chief occupant for some time. He 
 put the force of men engaged in working at the locks on
 
 326 
 
 the erection of the walls of the kirk, aud these were raised 
 in a few weeks. Mr. McKay was ordained an elder in 
 the church, afterwards, and contributed not a little to 
 strengthen the Presbyterian cause all along the Ottawa 
 ralley. He was also ready to give his best advice to the 
 Church Courts, the Presbytery and Synod, of which he 
 was a member from 1836 to 1855, almost continuously. 
 He was chosen a Trustee of Queen's College in 1846, a 
 position which he retained until the date of his death. 
 
 One of Mr. McKay's daughters is married to the Hon. 
 Mr. Justice Mackay of Montreal, and another to T. C. 
 Keefer, Esquire, Engineer. 
 
 The Hon. James Ferrier's connection with the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church was not of long duration, yet that 
 was the first church which he attended habitually on his 
 first coming to reside in Montreal, in the year 1821. His 
 associations with John Torrance's family and with the 
 Fishers led him to go occasionally to the Methodist 
 Church with them ; as indeed Mr. Esson's preaching had 
 no very strong attractions for him. He also got in the 
 way of attending the services in St. Peter Street Church, 
 then under the pastorate of Rev. Eobert Easton, and on 
 the whole, inclined more towards it than towards the 
 Scotch Church in St. G-abriel Street. 
 
 A very solemn incident happened in his house, on 
 Notre Dame Street, bearing upon the history of Mr. 
 Easton's Church, now St. Andrew's. I quote from the 
 Register of the St. GTabriel Street Church, for 1824, the 
 facts involved : — 
 
 "Rev. Thomas Hill, of the Burgher Church, lately from Scotland, aud 
 temporary assistant to the Rev. Rohert Easton, Montreal, died suddenly, 
 on the fourteenth instant, at Montreal, and was buried this sixteenth day 
 of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four, aged thirty-eight 
 years."
 
 327 
 
 The Register is signed by Ed. Black, Minr, James 
 Ferrier, George Todd and Hugh Brodie. 
 
 The circumstances were these. Mr. Hill, lately arrived 
 in Montreal, had no place to stay at, except some small 
 tavern near the harbour, and Mr. Ferrier learning the cir- 
 cumstances called upon him and insisted upon his leaving 
 the public house and coming to reside with him, till 
 proper lodgings could be obtained. Mr. Hill, finding 
 himself thus in good quarters, was in no hurry to leave, 
 and Mr. and Mrs. Ferrier made him as comfortable as they 
 could. It happened one Sabbath that Mr. Hill complained 
 suddenly of being unwell ; and Mr. Ferrier hurried to 
 bring the nearest physician, who was not more than a 
 minute's walk from his residence ; but before he got back, 
 the minister's life was extinct. 
 
 Even when Mr. Ferrier got into the habit of going to 
 the Methodist Church pretty regularl)^, he had no inten- 
 tion of quitting the faith of his fathers. His becoming 
 permanently connected with the Methodists was quite 
 unpremeditated. As he was often at their services and 
 meetings, he was asked by their leaders if he would not 
 help them, and accept the office of Trustee in order to aid 
 a young and struggling cause. He was prevailed upon 
 to do so ; but still intended to maintain his connection 
 with his own church intact. His interest in the cause 
 in which he was induced, by considerations of sympathy, 
 and almost of compassion, to enlist, soon deepened, and 
 before he realized it, he had became a Methodist ; and 
 for upwards of sixty years he has been one of the most 
 prominent members of that church. 
 
 But Mr. Ferrier has retained both his Scotch tongue and 
 his Presbyterian sympathies. He belongs, indeed, to the 
 Church of Christ first, and is a Methodist after that. His 
 name has been, and is associated with every good cause in 
 the city and country. Born in Scotland in 1800, he is now
 
 328 
 
 in his 88th year. From the date of his arrival in Canada, 
 up to 1836, he was actively engaged in trade. He was a 
 member of the Corporation of Montreal, as it was re- 
 organized, in 1841. He was chosen Mayor in 184*7, and 
 Lieut.-Col. of the 1st Battalion of Montreal Militia the 
 same year. He projected the Montreal and Lachine Rail- 
 way, of which he was president for some years. He was 
 appointed a member of the Board of the Royal Institution 
 for the advancement of learning in 1845, — the name by 
 which the Board of Governors of McGill University are 
 known, — and he is now the Chancellor of that institution 
 in succession to the late Justice Day. He has been a 
 Director of the Canadian Board of the Bank of British 
 North America since it was first established. He was 
 made President of the St. Andrew's Society in 1847, and 
 again in 1862, and 1863. He is the chairman of the 
 Canadian Board of the Grand Trunk Railway, and a 
 Director of the International Bridge Company. He is also 
 President of the Montreal Auxiliary Bible Society. He 
 was a life Member of the Legislative Council of Canada, 
 and sat in that venerable body from 27th May, 1847, 
 until Confederation, when he was called to the Senate by 
 Royal Proclamation, May, 1867. He has been, since that 
 date, also Member for Victoria in the Legislative Council 
 of Quebec. He has been for sixty or more years an active 
 Sunday School worker, and has been for most of that time 
 Superintendent of the St. James Street Church School. 
 He is a member of the Council of Victoria College, 
 Cobourg ; although his attention has, in recent years, been 
 more concentrated upon the Wesleyan Theological College 
 of Montreal, of which he is chairman of the Board of 
 Governors, and for whose accommodation he erected, at 
 his own expense, the James Ferrier Convocation Hall, 
 in 1883. 
 
 Surely Mr. Ferrier has filled offices enough and enjoyed
 
 829 
 
 honours enough to satisfy the highest ambition ; and yet, 
 the best feature of all is, that he has filled those offices and 
 carried his honours meekly, — and earned the commenda- 
 tion, " Well done, good and faithful servant." 
 
 Another of the leading Methodists of Canada, of whose 
 connection with the St. G-abriel Street Church, the mem- 
 bership of that Church may well feel proud, is the Rev. 
 Principal Douglas, of the Wesleyan Theological College, 
 in this city. He belonged to a family and a district fa- 
 mous in Scottish story. He was born, October, 14th, 1825, 
 in the valley of the Ale-water, a few miles from Abbots- 
 ford. His mother was a Hood, of the family of Hazeldean, 
 made memorable by Sir "Walter Scott. He came with his 
 family, a boy seven years old, to this city, in 1832, and 
 became connected with the St. Gabriel Street Church, the 
 services and Sunday School of which he attended for 
 several years ; and where many of the old psalms and 
 paraphrases were borne in upon his memory, and still 
 come occasionally welling up from the bottom of his 
 heart, bursting through the super-imposed, more melodious 
 Wesley an Hymns, learned later in life, as the trap-dike of 
 old forced itself upwards through the strata of softer rocks 
 which, in the more recent geographical periods, have been 
 gradually formed. He also attended the school kept by 
 the late Eev. David Black at Laprairie, during his boy- 
 hood, and was thus brought still more fully under the 
 influence of the Presbyterian ministry. But it was not 
 his destiny to enter that ministry. His family remov- 
 ing to a part of the city too far away from St. Gabriel 
 Street to command the regular attendance at the services 
 there of its youthful members, particularly, George got 
 into the way of attending a Methodist Church near by. 
 Thus he and the late Rev. Dr. Lachlan Taylor, another 
 Scottish Presbyterian youth, who also shed lustre after-
 
 330 
 
 wards upou his early up-bringiug, were led by association 
 with the Methodists, at a time when Presbyterian Ministers 
 in Canada were few, and their services, perhaps, not very 
 animated, to dedicate themselves to the ministry of the 
 Methodist Church, — with the result of becoming men of 
 mark and might in the service 'of the Grospel. Mr. Douglas 
 had the good fortune to obtain a medical education in 
 Montreal. He received his theological training in London, 
 England, and began his ministerial labours in the year 
 1848. He has, therefore, been nearly forty years in harness, 
 and, during that time, has filled appointments as a 
 missionary in the "West Indies, and as a minister in King- 
 ston, Toronto and Hamilton. During his stay in the West 
 Indies, it was a pleasure to him to minister to his fellow- 
 countrymen, of one of Her Majesty's Regiments, the 
 famous 42nd, or Black Watch, who failing a Presbyterian 
 Church in the place to go to, elected to attend his 
 services in preference to those of the Anglican Church. 
 His sojourn in the West Indies was, however, disastrous 
 in its influence upon his nervous system, which was 
 found a good deal shattered on his return, — the melan- 
 choly outcome of which has been the entire loss of vision. 
 The greater part of Dr. Douglas' Ministerial life has been 
 spent in Montreal, and the Methodist Church of the city 
 and outlying districts owes not a little of its prosperity 
 to the influence of his noble name, to his splendid gifts of 
 oratory, and great business talents. The best proof of the 
 ability of Dr. Douglas is to be found in the high places of 
 trust to which he has been raised by the sutfrages of his 
 brethren, in a church that infallibly distinguishes true 
 merit. Chosen first as a Co-Delegate of the Wesleyan 
 Conference, so great was his debating and executive power 
 found to be, that he rose rapidly in the confidence of the 
 Church, and was elected to the Vice-presidency of the 
 General Conference, and then reached the highest position
 
 331 
 
 attainable in the Methodist connection, the Presidency of 
 the General Conference, a position which he held for four 
 years. In 1870, the University of McG-ill conferred upon 
 him the well-merited honorary title of LL.D., and in 1884, 
 Victoria University honoured both itself and him by that 
 mark of professional eminence, the degree of Doctor in 
 Divinity. 
 
 For the last fifteen years, he has been the distinguished 
 head of the Methodist Theological School in this city, in 
 affiliation with the McG-ill University. In connection 
 with his professional duties, he accomplishes labours 
 which will hereafter furnish a new chapter in treatises 
 on the achievements of the blind. His lectures are 
 necessarily delivered without the aid of books or manu- 
 scripts, as his sermons also are ; and yet so diligent a use 
 had he made of his eyes, while their powers were still 
 unimpaired, in the w^ay of taking in impressions from 
 external nature, as well as in deriving instruction from 
 libraries, that it is a very great treat to listen to his 
 prelections and discourses. Possessing a deep-toned voice, 
 of rare compass and melodious strength, the master of a 
 splendid diction, a clear thinker, a powerful reasoner. 
 endowed with an exuberant imagination, — and all ani- 
 mated with an electrical emotionalism, — Dr. Douglas may 
 well be called a phenomenon. His genius appears to 
 have acquired concentration, like that of Homer and 
 Milton, by withdrawal from communion with the world 
 of outward vision, and an enforced life of contemplation. 
 His want of external sight is compensated for by a pro- 
 found insight. 
 
 It was fitting that Dr. Douglas should, therefore, take a 
 part in the gladsome services of the centennial celebration 
 in the old edifice, as a son of the church, and, at the same 
 time, as the representative of one of the religious forces 
 of Christendom. The mao-nificent discourse which he
 
 332 
 
 preached on the occasion ^vill be found near the end of 
 this volume. 
 
 It is one of the features in the catholic history of the old 
 church, that it has contributed some members to every 
 Protestant community in the city. Its contribution to 
 Methodism, if not embracing any considerable number, 
 has been at least admirable in quality. And the fact 
 may as well be mentioned here as anywhere else, that the 
 first Methodist Missionary meeting held in Canada took 
 place in the St. Gabriel Street Church, in 1819.
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Re- ADJUSTMENT OF THE RELATIONS OF THE PaSTORS, MeSSKS. SoMBRVILLB AND 
 ESSON, TO THE CONGREGATION, IN 1822 — ReV. EdWARD BlACK CALLED 
 AND SETTLED — FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THbChURCH FROM 1825 TO 1829 
 EMB.VRRASSING — ThB UNFOUNDED RUMOURS REGARDING Mr. EsSON's 
 CHARACTER — ThE CONGREGATION DIVIDED, AND RESULT DISASTROUS — 
 
 Dr. Hamilton's account of the scene at the Chutjch door, March 
 6th, 1831 — Names of the adherents of Mr. Black and Mr. Esson 
 respectively — Matters at issue settled By arbitration — The good 
 that came out of the evil. 
 
 The subscription list obtained by the special committee 
 appointed to raise a guarantee fund for an assistant to 
 Mr. Somerville, in December, 1816, covered a period of 
 only five years, from the date of Mr. Esson's entering 
 upon his ministry in Montreal. Before the time had 
 fully lapsed, it was natural that Mr. Esson should show 
 some little anxiety as to the future. Accordingly he wrote 
 the following letter to Greorge Garden, chairman of that 
 special committee that had been instrumental in bringing 
 him to Canada : — 
 
 " Montreal, August Sid, 1822. 
 
 " Dear Sir, — The i^eriod of my engagement, as colleague to Rev. James 
 Somerville, in the pastoral charge of the congregation of the Scotch Pres- 
 byterian Church of Montreal, at the terms expressed in my call, sub- 
 scribed by you and the other gentlemen of the special committee having 
 now expired, permit me to enquire whether it be the intention of the 
 subscribers, in behalf of the said congregation, to renew said engagement, 
 or what arrangement, if any, has been made for the purjjose of continuing 
 my connexion with the congregation of the Scotch Church of this place, 
 as one of their pastors. 
 
 " I am, dear Sir, 
 
 " Very sincerely yours, 
 
 "H. ESSON. 
 
 " To George Garden, Esq."
 
 334 
 
 This course was probably adopted Avith a view to 
 paving- the way for securing to the congregation the ser- 
 vices of the Rev. Edward Black, who had come to Mont- 
 real on a visit about this time, and had officiated in the 
 church. At all events, Mr. Esson appears to have done 
 everything in his power to facilitate the movement to 
 have Mr. Black appointed his colleague, when he ascer- 
 tained that there was a desire on the part of some mem- 
 bers of the congregation that such an arrangement should 
 be made. In the circumstances, it was a dangerous step 
 which Mr. Esson took, in raising the question of his 
 status in the congregation, as one of the pastors. A prudent 
 man, taking in the situation, would not have suggested 
 that the congregation were absolved from obligation to 
 him, because the period of the special subscription list 
 for his maintenance had expired. Mr. Esson was settled, 
 not for five years, but as permanent colleague of Mr. 
 Somerville, and he ought to have taken that for granted, 
 when he suggested that some fresh arrangement should 
 be made as regarded the question of stipend. But he 
 w^as simple-minded as a child in matters affecting his 
 own interests, and it was creditable to the leading mem- 
 bers of the congregation that they took no undue advan- 
 tage of the door which he unwisely opened for their 
 escaping from their responsibilities, and allowing him to 
 resign. The special committee, to whom Mr. Esson's 
 letter was addressed, forwarded it to the temporal com- 
 mittee, with the accompanying note : — 
 
 "Montreal, August 22nd, 1822. 
 "Gentlemen, — It being necessary to submit to tlie congregation the 
 enclosed letter from Mr. Esson before we can make any rei)ly, we have 
 to request yon will call a meeting for tliat purpose with as little delay as 
 I>088ible. 
 
 " Your most obedient servants, 
 
 "GEO. GARDEN, f 
 
 "J AS. LESLIE, J Special 
 
 "ROB. ARMOUR. \ Committee. 
 
 "ADAM L. MACNIDER. [ 
 "Committee of Scotch Presbvterian Church, 
 " Montreal."'
 
 REV. EDWARD BLACK, D. D.
 
 335 
 
 A meeting of the proprietors was accordingly held, and 
 it was unanimously resolved to request the Kev. Mr. 
 Esson to continue in the pastoral charge of the congrega- 
 tion, and to allow him i;300, including c£oO from govern- 
 ment, on account of the military who attended the church. 
 Although there were some in the congregation that did 
 not find Mr. Esson's teaching profitable to them, they 
 were men of honour, who would at least keep faith with 
 him. 
 
 Whether the opening of the correspondence with the 
 special committee was designed by Mr. Esson to effect 
 important changes, or not, it at least led up to this result. 
 The first thing done was to provide for the nominal 
 retirement of Mr. Somerville from the responsibilities of 
 the active pastorate, as he had virtually retired years 
 before. The committee communicated to Mr. Somerville 
 the proposal that he should retire on an allowance of =£150 
 a year. He replied as follows, signifying his willingness 
 to acquiesce in the suggested arrangement, on certain con- 
 ditions : — 
 
 " Montreal, 26th October, 1822. 
 •' To the Committee of Management 
 
 " of the Scotch Church in Montreal. 
 " Gentlemen : — 
 
 " Having long discharged the duties of a minister in connection with 
 the Church of Scotland in this city to the best of my ability ; and finding 
 now that the state of my health requires ease and peace of mind, I am 
 desirous of retiring from the discharge of the active duties of that office, 
 upon receiving from the committee of the church a sufficient guarantee 
 for the regular annual payment of my present stipend, out of the first 
 proceeds of the church ; and upon this my proposition being acceded to, 
 I heartily agree to the appointment of the Rev. Edward Black, as mutual 
 assistant to myself and present colleague, with the full powers of col- 
 league during his assistantship, and to his succceeding as colleague to the 
 survivor of us. 
 
 " I remain. Gentlemen, 
 
 " Your most obedient servant, 
 
 " J. SOMERVILLE, 
 
 " Minister."
 
 336 
 
 The committee guaranteed to Mr. Soraerville i)150 per 
 anuum as a first charge upon the imome at their dis- 
 posal. 
 
 Private parties having given to Mr. Black a satisfactory- 
 guarantee for stipend for two years, the question remained 
 what provision should be made for his salary and for that 
 of Mr. Esson at the expiry of that period. There was 
 considerable difficulty in adjusting this matter among 
 the members of the temporal committee, the proprietors 
 of pews and the two ministers concerned. The friends 
 of Mr. Esson wished that ai'ter Mr. Somerville was pro- 
 vided for, he should be secured in X300 a year, first, and 
 that Mr. Black should get what remained of the revenue 
 up to that amount, if it should ever be reached. When 
 Mr. Black's supporters objected to this, Mr. Esson next 
 proposed to give <£50 out of the <£300 to make up Mr. 
 Black's stipend. This was not satisfactory. Finally, at a 
 meeting of the proprietors, it was arranged that Mr. Esson 
 should have .£300 annually for two years, and that at 
 the end of that period, the revenues, after deducting Mr. 
 Somerville's allowance, should be equally divided between 
 Mr. Esson and Mr. Black, up to Jt:300 each, if that sum 
 could be realized. 
 
 " Montreal, 26th December, 1822. 
 "A call to the Rev Edward Black, to undertake the 
 office of a pastor, accompanied with a letter addressed to 
 the Committee of the church, from the said Rev. E. Black, 
 having been duly read and considered, it was unanimously 
 affreed that the Committee should sign the said call, on 
 the conditions expressed in their answer to the said Rev, 
 E. Black, and that copies of the same be herein recorded." 
 
 Mr. Black's letter was as follows : —
 
 33Y 
 
 " To the Committee of the Scotch Freshyterian Church at Montreal. 
 
 Gentlemen : — As I understand that you have expressed some unwilling- 
 ness to sign my call, I take the liberty of informing you that at the end of 
 two years, commencing from the 10th of December, 1822, 1 do not consider 
 the church bound to me for any stipend, without a future provision being 
 first made by the proprietors of the church, or by their committee, accord- 
 ing to the Rules and Regulations of said church. 
 I am, gentlemen, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 EDWARD BLACK. 
 Montreal, 25th December, 1822." 
 
 The Committee replied : — 
 
 "Reverend Sir, — We yesterday received your favour of that date, and 
 we now have the pleasure of enclosing your call signed by us, as com- 
 mittee for the temporalities of the INIontreal Presbyterian Church, with the 
 express vmderstanding that the said Church is not bound by so doing, to 
 supph' any part of your stipend as pastor in that Church, and with much 
 esteem, 
 
 We are, Reverend Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient servants, 
 
 HY. MACKENZIE. V.P., 
 THOS. TORRANCE, 
 JOHN BROWN, 
 ANDREW SHAW. 
 Montreal, 26th Dec, 1822. 
 
 Absent : — 
 JOHN FISHER, Jr., 
 WM. PEDDIE, 
 THOS. BLACKWOOD." 
 
 The following is a copy of the call : — 
 
 " Montreal, Twenty-sixth day of February, One thousand eight hun- 
 dred and twenty-three. 
 
 We, the subscribers, ministers, elders and members of the Scotch Pres- 
 byterian Church of Montreal, being assured of the ministerial abilities, 
 piety, literature, and prudence of you, Edward Black, Uceutiate of the 
 Established Church of Scotland, do hereby heartily invite, call and 
 entreat you, the said Edward Black, to undertake the office of a pastor 
 among us, as mutual assistant to the Rev. James Somerville and Rev. 
 Henry Esson, with full powers of a colleague during your assistantship, 
 W
 
 338 
 
 and at the demise of either the Rev. James Somerville or tlie Rev. Henry 
 Esson, to be colleague to the survivor. And further, ujx)n your accepting 
 this our call, we promise you all dutiful respect, encouragement and obe- 
 dience in the Lord. 
 
 And, that you may be assured of the support and encouragement upon 
 which you may depend, we hereby bind and oblige ourselves to pay you 
 out of the surplus funds of this Cliurch, the sum of one hundred and fifty 
 pounds annually. 
 
 (Signed), JAMES SOMERVILLE, Minister, S.C.M. 
 
 HENRY ESSON, Minista: 
 HENRY McKENZIE, Vice-Premdmt. 
 
 THOS. TORRANCE, ) ,, , , ,, 
 ANDREW SHAW, I frabers of the 
 JOHN BROWN, j (-o^'^-^ii^^' 
 
 PHILIP ROSS, 1 
 
 T. PORTEOUS, I 
 
 GEORGE GARDEN, | 
 
 H. McKENZIE, |- Elders. 
 
 R. ARMOUR, 
 
 ja:\ies carswell, 
 andrew white, 
 
 Andrew Porteous, John Hettrick, James Brown, Shaw Armour, Alexander 
 Skakel, Gordon Forbes, Jameg Murray, Kenneth Walker, James Mathers, 
 Alex. Glass, G. Skakel, John Aird, James Ross, A. L. [MacNider, William 
 Reid, Kenneth Dowie, John Clarke, John McKenzie, Pat. McGregor, John 
 Porteous, James Greenfield, James Dunn, David Dickie, D. Robertson 
 William Gray, John Fisher. Wm. Martin, M. Andrews, George McKenzie, 
 D. P. Ross, Rod. McKenzie, George Dickie, Hugh Douglas, Thomas Thain, 
 William McDonald." 
 
 The following letter to Mr. Black, accompaixied the call, 
 and intimated the conclusion arrived at on the whole 
 question of his relation to the Church in St. G-abriel 
 Street :— 
 
 " Montreal, 27th February, 1823. 
 
 Rev. & Dear Sir, — We have now to inform you that you were yesterday 
 duly elected at the General Meeting of the Proprietors of the Presbyterian 
 Church of this place, according to the Rules and Regulations thereof, as 
 mutual assistant to the Rev. James Somerville and to the Rev. Henry 
 Esson, his present colleague, with full powers of colleague during your
 
 339 
 
 assistantsbip, and to your succeeding as colleague to the survivor of either 
 
 of them. 
 
 H. :McKENZIE, V.P. 
 THOMAS TORRANCE, 
 ANDREW SHAW, 
 JOHN BROWN." 
 
 The original edict, which was affixed to the Church 
 DOOR, has been preserved. It runs as follows : — 
 
 " The Presbytery or clergymen in these provinces, in connection with 
 the Established Church of Scotland, met in this city, having received a 
 call from the members of this Congregation to Mr. Edward Black, preacher 
 of the Gospel, to be one of their ministers — and, finding the same orderly 
 proceeded, and the same Mr. Edward Black, having undergone all parts of 
 liis trial, in order to his ordination, and the Presbytery, finding him quali- 
 fied to be a minister of the Gospel, and fit to be one of the pastors of this 
 congregation, have resolved to proceed, unless something occur which may 
 justly impede the same, — and, therefore, do hereby give notice to all 
 parties, especially the members of this congregation, Avho may not have 
 signed the said Mr. Edward Black's call, that if any of them have any- 
 thing to object why he should not be admitted one of their ministers, they 
 may repair to the Presbytery, which is to meet here on Tuesday next, 
 being the 4th day of the present month, in the year of our Lord, 1823, at 
 11 o'clock in the forenoon, — with certification, — that if no person objects 
 anything that day, the Presbytery will proceed without further delaj^ to 
 his ordination. 
 
 Montreal, 2nd day of March, 1823." 
 
 " Montreal, Scotch Church, 4th March, 1823. 
 
 The Ministers, being this day met, and the meeting 
 constituted, the Rev. Dr. Harkuess, who was appointed to 
 serve the edict for the ordination of Mr. Black, gave an 
 account of his diligence, and returned the edict endorsed 
 by the Precentor and Beddal, as follows : — 
 
 " We do hereby certify that the edict for Mr. Black's ordination was 
 regularly served by the Rev. Dr. Harkness on Sunday last, the 2nd day of 
 March, and that no objections were oflfered. 
 
 (Signed) ALEX. ROSS, Church Officer. 
 
 " JOHN HUNTER, Frecentm-."
 
 340 
 
 "This day. also. Mr. Black judicialh' subscribed the 
 formula appeuded, to be subscribed by liceutiates pre- 
 viously to their ordination, — and produced a certificate of 
 his having- taken the oath of allegiance to government, 
 and other, the state oaths, conformably to law, the church 
 officer was then desired to give notice three several times 
 at the door of the church that the ordination was about 
 to be proceeded in, if no objection was brought forward 
 against the life and doctrine of Mr. Ed. Black, preacher of 
 the Grospel. The officer returned and reported that no 
 person came forward to offigr objections. — Whereupon the 
 Presbytery resolved to proceed to his ordination without 
 delay. Accordingly, the said Mr. E. Black, having given 
 satisfactory answers to the questions usually put to 
 licentiates previous to their ordination prescribed by this 
 church, was, by prayer and imposition of hands, in the face 
 of the congregation, solemnly ordained one of the ministers 
 of the Scotch Church in this city, and the right hand of 
 fellowship was given him by all the brethren present. 
 The clerki was empowered to grant Mr. Black an extract 
 of his ordination. Closed with prayer." 
 
 The following admirable account of Dr. Black appeared 
 in the Montreal Gazette at the time of his decease : — 
 
 " The Rev. Edward Blai k, D.D.. was the third son of the 
 Rev. James Black, for thirty years minister of Penning- 
 hame, "Wigtownshire, Scotland ; and was born December, 
 1793. He received his early education at the parish 
 schools of Penninghame and Monigatl'. aud was always 
 distinguished among his school-fellows for his industry 
 and talents. In 1808, he repaired to the University of 
 Edinburgh, and after goiug through the curriculum of 
 the Literary and Theological classes there, he was. in June, 
 1815, licensed by the Presbytery of Wigtown, to preach 
 the G-ospel. In 1817. he was appointed, by the Heritors
 
 341 
 
 and other Parishioners, assistant to his father, and he wor- 
 thily discharged the duties of this office until 1822. In 
 that year, finding he was not likely to obtain a parish soon, 
 in his native country, he determined to emigrate to 
 Canada. He came to Montreal on a short visit to an 
 old friend and school-fellow —the late Hon. Peter McG-ill. 
 During his sojourn here, he preached in St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, and was afterwards invited to become the col- 
 league of Rev. Henry Esson. In 1831, when a division 
 took place in that congi-egation, he left with the seceding 
 party and became their pastor ; and with them it might 
 be said he commenced and closed his career as a minister. 
 In building up his congregation, and watching over their 
 spiritual interests. Dr. Black showed a high degree of zeal, 
 diligence and wisdom ; and the success that attended his 
 ministry, was singularly blessed. His attachment to his 
 congregation was ardent, and no less were they attached to 
 him. He was to them not only a pastor, but a father and 
 a friend. To him they owe their existence as a congrega- 
 tion, and it is to his untiring efforts that they are indebt- 
 ed for their place of worship, which, while it stands, will 
 be a lasting monument of his zeal, perseverance and 
 taste. 
 
 " While in their infancy, and struggling for an existence, 
 and contending with many opposing obstacles, it was he 
 that steered them through all their difficulties, and secured 
 them a place and a standing in the body to which they 
 belong. For years he assiduously performed his minis- 
 terial duties without fee or reward, choosinff, rather, to 
 labour with his hands in teaching a school, for the main- 
 tenance of his family, than to be a burden to his Hock ; 
 and even after retiring from teaching, he was content with 
 a salary quite inadequate to his support. 
 
 " His zeal in promoting the general interests of the 
 Church to which he belonged was not less than for his
 
 342 
 
 flock. It was solely through his persevering efforts with 
 the Imperial Goverumeut and the G-eueral Assembly of 
 the Church of Scotland, that the Groverument support 
 which the Presbyterian Church in Canadaihas now received 
 for several years was obtained, and without which, small as 
 it is, many clergymen could not possibly be supported by 
 their congregations. He took a deep interest in the propa- 
 gation of the G-ospel, and often expressed his desire to take 
 a part with other religious denominations in advancing 
 the cause of Christ. Dr. Black was a man of powerful 
 natural abilities, of literary accomplishments and tastes, 
 of great unaffected sincerity and kindness of heart, and of 
 calm and devoted piety. His eloquence was of no com- 
 mon order. His delivery was powerful and impressive, 
 and his language lucid and rich. Naturally quick and 
 sensitive, he was often vehement in his manner ; and when 
 deeply in earnest, he flung his utmost soul into his words, 
 and seemed alive only to the truth and infinite import- 
 ance of what he spoke, and the consequences dependent 
 on it. The animation of his appeals to his flock, and the 
 earnestness with which he pressed home G-ospel truths, 
 made impressions not to be effaced. 
 
 " His life offers little in its incidents to take it out of the 
 common lot of humanity — to be born, to labour and to die. 
 He was content to labour in obscurity in a quiet path of 
 usefulness. He passed, therefore, through the world, com- 
 paratively undisturbing and undisturbed, but exercising 
 the great influence of an excellent example, and transplant- 
 ing to this country those solid virtues which are the orna- 
 ment and the safeguard, the decus et lutamen of that from 
 which we derive our descent. What he most loved and 
 sought was that which the best and most honourable men 
 always have — the domestic att'ections and the esteem of his 
 friends. These he possessed in the largest degree, and the 
 possession seemed to fill the measure of his desires. He
 
 343 
 
 was one, on every lineament of whose character,nature and 
 education 'had written gentleman.' And of the many- 
 hundreds of the inhabitants of this city of every creed, 
 who followed his remains to the tomb, there was not one 
 who did not feel that he had parted forever with a personal 
 friend." 
 
 Dr. Black died 7th May, 1845, in the 52nd year of his 
 age, and 23rd of his ministry. 
 
 The Presbytery of Montreal, at their meeting shortly 
 after his death, placed on their records the following tes- 
 timonial to his worth : — 
 
 " The Presbytery, while they express their unfeigned 
 sorrow at the long illness of their late lamented brother, 
 and the bereavement endured both by his family and his 
 attached congregation, by his death, feel themselves called 
 upon, not merely to record their regret at his loss, but to 
 express their high opinion of his long, able, zealous, and 
 persevering efforts, in forwarding the interests of the 
 Scottish Church in this province, his invaluable services 
 as a member of this Court, from his intimate acquaintance- 
 ship with its forms of procedure, his untiring attention to 
 the wants of his flock, his soundness in the faith in 
 preaching the evangelical doctrines of the Cross, his ten- 
 derness in dealing with the young, the backsliding, the 
 sick and the dying, his steadfast adherence to the church 
 of his fathers at all times, especially in the late hour of 
 her trial and reproach, his fraternal kindness of heart, and 
 his love and readiness to serve the brethren in the minis- 
 try at any sacrifice in his power to render. Nor does the 
 Presbytery feel the depth of their sorrow at his departure 
 merely as a brother, but at the present time as being a 
 severe bereavement to the church at large in this country, 
 to which, if its great King and head had been pleased to 
 have spared him, with his peculiar talents and influence, 
 he might have been an honoured instrument in promoting 
 the interests of Zion."
 
 344 
 
 In the case of Mr. Esson, it was mauifest that there was 
 great inconvenience, to say the least, in having a minister 
 settled over a congregation in a permanent relation, while 
 the provision for his salary was only temporary. Yet 
 that step, of doubtful wisdom, was repeated in Mr. Black's 
 case. It must be said that members of the congregation 
 in both cases showed a disposition to devise liberal things. 
 The amount raised by private subscription seems to have 
 been nearly as large as the ordinary revenue of the church. 
 The guarantee for Mr. Black was even more objectionable 
 than that for Mr. Esson, being for only two years. The 
 committee, undertaking this new responsibility, consisted 
 of Thomas Porteous, Kenneth Dowie, James Carsuel and 
 Joseph Ross ; but Peter McGill acted for Mr. Dowie 
 during the absence of the latter from the province. The 
 danger in such a case is that when a minister's position 
 depends upon the good will of a few men, it cannot bear 
 any strain. The risk involved became quite apparent at 
 the end of the two years for which the Black guarantee 
 fund provided. 
 
 On the 15th of July, 1825, when the salary of the three 
 ministers w^as entirely dependent upon the pew-rents 
 and collections in the church, the income was found cjuite 
 inadequate to meet the demands upon it ; and the tem- 
 poral committee unanimously resolved that one minister 
 was sufficient for the congregation — that the revenue pro- 
 vided only for one, in addition to Mr. Somerville, retired 
 — and they concluded with suggesting that one or other 
 of the two should take frhe entire ministerial duty, receive 
 the income, and make some compensation to the other, 
 in the hope that an allowance should be secured, before 
 long, from the government, in consequence of the agita- 
 tion then going on asserting the right of the representa- 
 tives of the Church of Scotland in Canada to participate 
 in the Clergy Reserves, — in the event of the success of
 
 345 
 
 which, both pastors might be kept on. The committee 
 did not suffffest which of the two ministers should con- 
 tinue to fill the office ; nor probably had they any other 
 than the most disinterested views on that question. 
 When the matter was put before the two gentlemen in 
 question, Mr. Black acquiesced in the suggestion, but Mr. 
 Esson declined it, as it seemed to imply that he and Mr. 
 Black then occupied the same relation to the congregation 
 — which he did not admit. So matters were allowed to 
 drift. Certain moneys in the hand of Mr. Esson's old 
 guarantee committee were applied for by the temporal 
 committee, and used for meeting the obligations of the 
 congregation. In December, 1826, the committee found 
 the net revenue, of the church to be only .£450, and they 
 I)roposed that the three clergymen should be asked to 
 meet and apportion this sum among themselves. Other- 
 wise there was nothing for the committee to do, but call 
 a meeting of the pew proprietors. The expedient was 
 tried of raising the pew-rents, but the result was that 
 the revenue decreased instead of increasing, as the people 
 gave up their pews rather than pay a very much larger 
 sum for their church accommodation than they could get 
 it for elsewhere in the city. 
 
 This was the financial situation of the congregation 
 when new elements of trouble entered into the problem 
 — rumours began to prevail affecting the character of Mr. 
 Esson — rumours which a committee of clergymen asked 
 to investigate them, in 1831, declared to be unfounded — 
 and which were afterwards traced to a foolish young 
 man's mimicry, in personating Mr. Esson's tones of voice 
 in compromising circumstances. A portion of the con- 
 gregation was distressed by those rumours and gave 
 credit to them, while the rest as stoutly refused to be- 
 lieve them ; and so the St. Gabriel Church people divided 
 into two hostile camps. In the party adverse to Mr.
 
 346 
 
 Essoii were five of the elders, beiug a majority of the 
 Kirk-Sessiou. On the other haud, the majority of the 
 temporal lommittee, as representing the pew proprietors, 
 was ranged on his side. 
 
 It is rare that collegiate charges, even in Scotland, 
 where the rights of parties are clearly defined, work well. 
 The arrangement here was no exception to that general 
 rule. There was a striking contrast between Messrs. 
 Esson and Black, in personal appearance, as their portraits 
 show, — in mental constitution and in temperament. Mr. 
 Esson was an idealist — all aglow with sentiment, and 
 living in a region of thought high above the actualities of 
 the present world. Mr. Black, on the other hand, with 
 his massive, Luther-like face, was a man of strong com- 
 mon sense, intensely real, and an objective preacher, of 
 what is known as the Evangelical school. Each of them 
 had his admirers. The ministers were but men — each of 
 them doubtless displayed weakness at this crisis. I am not 
 going to determine between them ; but. so far as appears, 
 Mr. Black did not endorse the action taken by his par- 
 tizans on several occasions. 
 
 The best course to follow in the circumstances was not 
 very clear. The majority of the session thought they 
 had a right to enquire into a minister's character in the 
 absence of a Presbytery or superior Court. Mr. Esson, 
 on the other hand, maintained, what is undoubtedly the 
 constitutional view, that a session is incompetent to deal 
 with rumours afi^ecting a clergyman's good name ; he can 
 be judged of only by his peers in the Presbytery. But 
 there was no Presbytery in connection with the Church 
 of Scotland, then in existence here, to whose jurisdiction 
 he was subject, so that his contention practically amounted 
 to this, that ministers in Canada at that time were amen- 
 able to no authority whatever. But both parties appealed 
 to the congrei^ation on the subject, although neither 
 claimed that it was a regular thing to do.
 
 347 
 
 The five elders opposed to Mr. Esson sent the follow- 
 ing letter to the temporal committee : — 
 
 "Montreal, 13th January, 1830. 
 " Gentlemen : — 
 
 " We, the undersigned, memhers of session, hereby request you to call 
 a general meeting of the Congregation of the Scotch Church, in St. Gabriel 
 Street, on Monday week, the 25th instant, at 10 a. m., to nominate a 
 committee to receive a report from the majority of the members of the 
 session regarding matters concerned with the interests of the church. 
 " We are, Gentlemen, 
 " Your most obedient servants, 
 
 " PHILIP ROSS, 1 
 
 " T. PORTEOUS. I 
 
 "JAMES CARSWELL, [Elders. 
 " ROBERT ARMOUR, | 
 " H. McKENZIE. J 
 
 ' To John Fisher, Esq., President, and the , 
 
 other members of the Temporal Com- 
 mittee of Management of the Scotch 
 Church in St. Gabriel St., Montreal." 
 
 The committee called a meetins^ of the proprietors, but 
 not with a view to proceeding in the manner indicated 
 in the foregoing letter. It was held on the 2oth January. 
 1830, the Hon. Louis G-ugy presiding. Mr. Esson defended 
 himself against the rumours which had been circulated 
 to his prejudice. 
 
 After discussion, James Leslie moved, and Thomas 
 Blackwood seconded a motion, which was carried — " that 
 Mr. Esson had exonerated himself from the charges made 
 against him." 
 
 At the annual meeting for the election of the temporal 
 committee, held 20th April, 1830, both parties appeared 
 in force, and sought to gain control of the finances of the 
 church. Hon. Peter McG-ill, a friend of Mr. Black's, but 
 above suspicion in the matter of fairness, was unani- 
 mously chosen as president, and Kobert Simson, one of 
 the Esson party, as secretary of the committee. The
 
 348 
 
 other three members, Dr. William Caldwell, Kenneth 
 Walker and AVilliam Blackwood, w^ere friends of Mr. 
 Esson, — as w^as also A. L. MaoNider, the treasurer elected. 
 
 After this, there was keen competition for the pews 
 offered for sale. The committee, in February, 1831, re- 
 fused to confirm the sale by auction of pew No. 27 to 
 Dougald Stewart, although he had been the highest bidder, 
 but gave it rather to Walter M. Peddie. In like manner, 
 they gave pew No. 41 to William Shaud instead of to 
 John Whitlaw. William Porteous, William Robertson, 
 Peter Whigham, Greo. McDougall, G-eo. McDonald, John 
 Flemiuo", John Douglas, John Bruce and William Leys 
 had all desired to obtain pews, but did not succeed, and 
 this w^as made matter of complaint, by the elders' party, 
 to the convention of Presbyterian ministers assembled at 
 Kingston in June, 1831. 
 
 The five elders having refused to co-operate with Mr. 
 Esson, there had been no meeting of session for a long time, 
 and the communion had not been dispensed since 1829. 
 He, therefore, resolved upon the high-handed measure 
 of disregarding them altogether, and of nominating and 
 ordaining a new set of elders. He had intimated his 
 intention to pursue this course and proceed to the ordi- 
 nation of elders on Sunday, March 6th, 1831, — and that 
 a fortnight afterwards, he would administer the commu- 
 nion, — when the elders took possession of the church on 
 the Saturday night and locked the door, in order to prevent 
 this irregular procedure the next day. It was on the Sab- 
 bath morning the notable scene took place, yet remem- 
 bered by old citizens — the friends of Mr. Black inside re- 
 taining possession of the edifice, while Mr. Esson's party 
 outside were trying to force the door. It was thus de- 
 scribed by an eye witness. Dr. Hamilton, s.urgeon to the 
 66th regiment, in his book, " Trifles from my Port-Folio:" 
 " During our residence of a year at Montreal, I wit-
 
 349 
 
 nessed a sceue of great religious scandal with much 
 pain. A quarrel took place between two Presbyterian 
 clergymen officiating in the same church, and there was 
 a violent contest in consequence between their respective 
 partizans as to the possession of it. One party had got 
 in — early on a Sunday morning, too ; barricaded the door, 
 and there were blockaded by the other, who endeavoured 
 to starve them into submission. But the besieged held 
 out stoutly, and a supply of provisions having been ob- 
 tained through a window in the course of the night, they 
 shewed a determined front in the morning. All this 
 time the crowd of Canadians in the street were laughing 
 disdainfully at these disgraceful proceedings, and enjoy- 
 ing this extraordinary spectacle as a good joke. It was 
 by no means agreeable to my Protestant feelings to see 
 persons of the greatest respectability committing them- 
 selves in this serio-comic manner, and when I beheld a 
 most estimable medical friend, with whom I had dined 
 the day before, figuring as a ringleader in the fray, he 
 appeared like the blind Samson making sport for the 
 Philistines. 
 
 " It is but justice to the clerical gentlemen concerned, 
 to add that they disapproved of these unseemly practices, 
 and took no part in them." 
 
 The elders being outside at the time, along with the 
 rest of the congregation assembling, were arrested, and 
 taken away, and had to give bail to appear before the 
 Quarter Sessions. A bill of indictment was found against 
 the principals in the affair, but they could not be brought 
 to trial, owing to the adjournment of the criminal court, 
 till the September term ; and things had to remain in 
 this unsatisfactory condition until then. 
 
 In this extremity, the temporal committee wrote to 
 the two ministers of the Church of Scotland in Quebec, 
 Rev. Dr. Harkness and Rev. J. Clugston, soliciting their
 
 350 
 
 good offices, and urging them to come to Montreal and 
 help to adjust the difficulties between the two parties. 
 These gentlemen had already given it as their opinion 
 that the majority of the session had acted irregularly in 
 venturing to hold an inquiry into the conduct of their 
 minister ; and their opinion not having been accepted, 
 they concluded that it would be useless to come up to 
 Montreal, as they had no hope that their interposition 
 would be successful. They suggested rather the calling 
 of a meeting of all the Church of Scotland ministers in 
 the country, to deal with the matter.
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The cikcumstaxces leading up to the establisitment of St. Paul's Chukch 
 — The award of the clekical aebiteatoes — The Synod's action 
 THEKEON — Delay in accepting it — Awaud of the lay arbiteatoks 
 — St. Paul's Congregation organized — Meet in the Baptist Church 
 — Build St. Paul's — Kindly' relations resumed between the two 
 Ministers and their Congregations. 
 
 Mr. Esson had declared his reaTliness to meet his ac- 
 cusers aud their accusations before any competent court 
 of the church, and had mentioned particularly the com- 
 mittee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 
 on Canadian affairs, as a body before which he would 
 answer any charges submitted against him. It was agreed 
 by both parties to leave the cjuestions at issue between 
 them to this impartial tribunal. But the distance between 
 Montreal and Edinburgh, in those days, when correspond- 
 ence across the Atlantic depended -upon sailing vessels, 
 was so great that it was found to be a very tedious way 
 of meeting a grave crisis in the St. G-abriel Street Church 
 that demanded prompt action. Accordingly, Principal 
 Lee of Edinburgh, clerk of the General Assembly of the 
 Church of Scotland, after going some length in dealing 
 with the matter, suggested that the whole of the proceed- 
 ings in the case should be submitted to the arbitration of 
 some ministers in the colony, mutually chosen. 
 
 The session party did not seem at first inclined to ac- 
 cept this advice or the suggestion of the Quebec ministers, 
 but on the 15th April, 1831, passed the following resolu- 
 tion as embodying their views : —
 
 352 
 
 " Resolved, finally, that as the Church of Scotland as established by law 
 in Scotland has not yet extended its jurisdiction to Canada — until this 
 event, and until a Presbytery, formed in this country, can shew creden- 
 tials o^otlice from the parent church ; or until a colonial Presbytery shall 
 have received the formal recognition of the church in St. Gabriel Street — 
 and until said church and congregation shall have placed themselves in 
 due form under the jurisdiction of such body — the session of the church 
 (as being in Scotland a judicatory next in grade to a Presbytery) must of 
 necessity be the only ecclesiastical tribunal in a country whei-e no Pres- 
 bytery exists ; and that any attempt of a self-constituted assembly of 
 ministers, unrecognized as aforesaid, to interfere with the concerns of 
 said church in St. Gabriel Street, ought to and will be resisted." 
 
 This was signed by 31 persons, and amoug-st them were 
 three of the elders. 
 
 The ministers of the Church of Scotland in Canada were 
 communicated with, aiid agreed among themselves to meet 
 at Kingston to deal with this grave matter among other 
 things, on the Tth of June, 1831, and out of this meeting 
 grew the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in 
 connection with the Church of Scotland, and, it may be 
 said, the General Assembly of to-day. The Presbyterian 
 ministers had been urged by Sir G-eorge Murray, Secretary 
 of State for the colonies, to meet any way, with a view to 
 organizing and being in a condition to treat with the 
 government for their rights as a body, and this advice 
 had weight with them ; but the immediate occasion of 
 their coming together was to try and compose the un- 
 happy diiferences that existed in the St. Grabriel Street 
 Church. 
 
 The following minute gives an account of the Synod's 
 original organization : — 
 
 " The ministers, elders and commissioners from congregations in com- 
 munion with the Church of Scotland, assembled in St. Andrew's Church, 
 Kingston, — present : 
 
 The Rev. Alexander Gale, of Amherstburg, 
 George Skeed, of Ancaster, 
 John Machar, Kingston,
 
 353 
 
 The Rev. John Cruickshank, Bytown, 
 
 Alexander Ross, Aldborough, 
 
 Robert McGill, Niagara, 
 
 Thomas Clark Wilson, Perth, 
 
 William McAlister, Lanark and Dalhousie, 
 
 William Rintoul, York, 
 
 Alexander ]\Iathieson, Montreal, 
 
 Henry Esson, Montreal, 
 
 John McKenzie, Williamstown, 
 
 Hugh Urquhart, Cornwall, 
 
 Alexander Connel, Martintown, 
 
 Edward Black, Montreal, 
 Geo. Maickenzie, Esq., barrister at law, commissioner from Kingston, 
 John Willison, Esq., surgeon, elder, from Ancaster, 
 John McGillivray, Esq., commissioner from Williamstown, 
 Alexander McMartin, Esq., M. P., commissioner from Martintown, 
 John Turnbull, Esq., commissioner from Belleville, 
 The Hon. Archibald McLean, elder, from Cornwall, 
 
 Sampson, Esq., commissioner from Amherstburg, 
 
 John Crooks, Esq., elder, from Niagara, 
 John McLean, Esq., elder, from Kingston." 
 
 After lengthened and mature deliberation, it was unani- 
 mously resolved : " That this convention of ministers and 
 elders, in connection with the Church of Scotland, repre- 
 senting their respective congregations, do form themselves 
 into a Synod, to be called the Synod of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada, leaving it to the Venerable, the Greneral 
 Assembly, to determine the particular nature of that con- 
 nection which shall subsist between this Synod and the 
 Greneral Assembly of the Church of Scotland." 
 
 Both parties in St. Gabriel Street Church ultimately 
 agreed to refer the matters in dispute between them to 
 the arbitrament of the assembled ministers. Each of 
 them prepared a memorial and statement of the case. 
 That emanating from Mr. Esson's side was signed by the 
 following : Kenneth Walker, "Wm. Peddie, Dr. William 
 Caldwell, and Ivobert Simpson, members of the temporal 
 committee, — and Thomas Blackwood and James Leslie, 
 elders, — also by 
 X
 
 354 
 
 Alex. Leslie, 
 Campbell Sweeney, 
 Francis Hunter, jr., 
 Francis Hunter, sr., 
 John Blackwcxxi, 
 Campbell Sweeney, jr., 
 James Blackwood, 
 Wm. Buchanan, 
 James Scott, 
 AVm. M'cCulloch, 
 George Johnston, 
 Jas. Strother, 
 Wm. Shand, 
 
 James Logan, 
 John Dougall, jr., 
 Wm. McKenzie, 
 Wm. Douglas, 
 John Gardner, 
 Arch. Lyon, 
 Thos. Ross, 
 A. McMillan, 
 James Strother, jr., 
 James Millar, 
 Wm. Suter. 
 
 Ellis Roland, 
 Robert Sweeney, 
 John Blackwood, jr., 
 Colin ^NIcDougall, 
 John Weir, 
 Kenneth Cameron, 
 Ferdinand McCulloch, 
 Arch. McMillan, 
 Andrew Shaw, 
 David Handyside, 
 D. P. Ross, 
 James Court, 
 John Simson, 
 
 The following are the concluding" paragraphs of the me- 
 morial of the majority of the session : — 
 
 " We have only to add that should Mr. Esson give you an assurance 
 that, while matters are pending between him and his congregation, he 
 will desist from the election of elders, and will proceed to so solemn and 
 mportant a transaction only in the regular manner, viz, — by the consent 
 of the session — we will do all in our power that there may no longer be a 
 suspension of the Sabbath services. Without such an assurance, we 
 must, as guardians of the public peace, allow matters to continue as they 
 are, at all events, until the question between the parties be tried by the 
 civil authorities. 
 
 " To facilitate a tinal adjustment of all matters, we beg leave to nomi- 
 nate as arbitrators, on our part, the Rev. John Machar, of Kingston, and 
 the Rev. John McKenzie, of Williamstown, and we hope that these Rev. 
 Gentlemen will do the congregation of St. Gabriel Street the favour to 
 accept the office. 
 
 " If they saw fit, \ve will concur in the measure that a layman be also 
 
 appointed, and will leave the appointment for that layman to themselves. 
 
 " Should the opposite party name any equal number of arbitrators, it 
 
 will be understood that they, the arbitrators on both sides, have the power 
 
 to call in one or more i)ersons as umpires, should circumstances require it. 
 
 " We have the honour to be, 
 
 " Reverend Sir, 
 
 " Your most obedient servants, 
 "(Signed,) EDAVARD BLACK, Min.,1 
 PHILIP ROSS, I 
 
 ROBERT ARMOUR, 
 JAMES CARSWELL, 
 H. McKENZIE, 
 
 ''To the Moderator of a meeting of ministers 
 in connexion with the Church of Scotland 
 t<j be assembled at Kingston on tlie 7th 
 June instant. To be communicated." 
 
 Elders. 
 
 J
 
 355 
 
 This was the first document in connection with this 
 business, to which Mr. Black appended his name. 
 
 The Synod took up the case on the 10th of June, when 
 the memorials and documents forwarded by the two par- 
 ties were read. Mr. Black repeated, verbally, his pledge, 
 to submit the whole case to arbitration, and again named 
 Messrs. Machar and McKenzie. Mr. Esson agreed to the 
 proposal, and appointed Rev. Geo. Sheed and Rev. Robert 
 McGill, arbitrators on his part ; and both Mr. Black and 
 Mr. Esson agreed that the said arbitrators should have 
 power to call in an umpire if necessary. 
 
 " The Sj'nod, having maturely considered the specialties and difficulties 
 of the case, approved of the submission to the aforesaid arbitrators, and 
 instructed those brethren to proceed in the arbitration with the caution 
 and deliberation which the importance of the case demands, and to pro- 
 cure from the parties, if necessary, a written pledge, that they shall abide 
 by the decision of the arbitrators. The Synod instructed the clerk to fur- 
 nish Mr. Esson and Mr. Black each with a copy of this minute for them- 
 selves, and for the parties respectively connected with them. 
 
 " And the Synod recommended that the doors of the said church be 
 openecT on Sabbath, se'ennight, for public worship, and that both Mr. 
 Esson and Mr. Black do preach in the Church as heretofore, unless any- 
 thing in the decision of the arbitrators, bar their doing so, — Mr. Black 
 preaching in the morning of Sabbath se'ennight, and Mr. Esson in the 
 afternoon, according to rotation. 
 
 ''The Synod further instructed the arbitrators to report to the Synod, 
 at next meeting, the decision which they may have come to in this case. 
 The deliverance of the Synod was read to the parties, and agreed to by 
 them." 
 
 The members of Kirk-session siding with Mr. Black, 
 communicated the resolutions of Synod to their friends, 
 and requested them to comply with the advice of the 
 Superior Court to open the church for public worship. 
 They declined to do so, until the award of the arbitrators 
 should be made, and sent a letter to Henry McKenzie, the 
 session clerk, attempting to justify their refusal. This 
 letter, dated June 15th, 1831, was signed by the following 
 parsons : —
 
 356 
 
 AV. Porteous, 
 Will. Scott, 
 John Fleniing, 
 John Whitlaw, 
 James Scott, 
 John Campbell, 
 Andrew Watt, 
 John Hood, 
 Alex. McNider, 
 AVm. Wilson, Jr., 
 Wm- Lang, 
 John Brownlie, 
 John Douglas, 
 David Ferguson, 
 Archibald Ferguson, 
 William Leys, 
 C. Tait, 
 A. Porteous, 
 Duncan Currie, 
 AVm. Yuile, 
 William Gunn, 
 Geo. McDougall, 
 John Carswell, 
 A. Nimmo, 
 John Johnston, 
 
 AVm. Kerr, 
 John Porteous, 
 William Don, 
 Wni. Wilson. 
 W. H. Scott, 
 Alex. McNider, 
 Hugh ]\lclntyre, 
 AVm. McCreadie, 
 William Watson, 
 J. McKay, 
 John Young, 
 James Morgan, 
 James Spiers, 
 Dougald Stewart, 
 Archibald Hume, 
 Daniel INIcNab, 
 Wm. Robertson, M.D. 
 Hen rj' Johnson, 
 Alex. Rutherford, 
 John Douglas, 
 Daniel McGregor, 
 Alexander Douglas, 
 Duncan McMartin, 
 John Brown, 
 William White, 
 
 Geo. McKenzie, 
 
 Geo. McDonald, 
 
 Daniel Scobie, 
 
 Archibald Fletcher, 
 
 Wm. McNider, 
 
 Wm. Wilson, 
 
 Daniel Gorrie, 
 
 James Henry. 
 
 Thomas Mussen, 
 
 Joseph Honey, 
 
 Dugald IMcLellaii, 
 
 Finlay McMartin, 
 
 John Ross, 
 John George, 
 John Bruce, 
 P. Whigham, 
 , J. Stephenson, M.D., 
 Patrick McGregor, 
 George Gray, 
 Andrew Small, 
 William Glass, 
 John Glass, 
 Wm. Buchanan, 
 James McNider, Jr., 
 James McNider, "fer. 
 
 While declining to open the church, in conformity with 
 the recommendation of the Synod, the writers of the 
 letter professed " entire confidence in the integrity of the 
 respectable gentlemen, chosen as arbitrators, to settle the 
 unfortunate dispute, and willingness to cheerfully ac- 
 quiesce in their decision." 
 
 On the 6th of August, the friends and supporters of Mr. 
 Esson sent a complaint to the Presbytery of Quebec, under 
 whose jurisdiction the congregation had been placed by 
 the Synod, that the church was still kept clased by those 
 who had taken forcible possession of it, ending with 
 this prayer : — 
 
 " That your venerable Court will take such steps as to your wisdom may 
 seem meet, for carrying into effect the recommendation of the Very Rev.
 
 357 
 
 Synod, and that you will be pleased to adopt such further measures as 
 may seem best calculated to preserve the discipline and government of 
 the church, and to maintain the authority of its judicatories." 
 
 This was signed by the temporal committee, two of the 
 elders, and other pew proprietors and members to the 
 number of 77 altogether, while to the opposition manifesto 
 there were 75 names appended. — showing that the con- 
 gregation was about equally divided. The names on this 
 memorial correspond, in the main, with those that were 
 attached to the memorial of the Synod. The following, 
 however, were not on that document : — 
 
 L. Gugy, 
 John Dougall, St., 
 Thomas Campbell, 
 Robt. Shedden, 
 Geo. R. Land el, 
 Alex. Kirk, 
 Sam. Leckie, 
 William AVatson, 
 Robert Minnis, 
 William McDonald, 
 Chas. Windsor, 
 Francis Forbes, 
 Adam Ferrie, Sr., 
 David Glass, 
 
 John Fisher, 
 James Potts, 
 George Dempster, 
 James Rogers, 
 James Blackwood, 
 Walter Scott, 
 Robert Watson, 
 James Kean, 
 Alex. Anderson, 
 P. Scott, Jr., 
 James Hadden, 
 Samuel Stone, 
 H. Walker, 
 
 W. M. Peddie, 
 Struthers Strang, 
 William Gunn, 
 Alex. Wilkie, 
 Jas. M. Blackwood, 
 Norman McHardy, 
 William Cole, 
 Alex. Dewar, 
 Rod'k. ]McRae, 
 Wm. Lee, 
 Geo. Rhynas, 
 William N. Lyon, 
 J. P. Gr^nt. 
 
 On the 22nd April, 1831, the day on which the election 
 of a temporal committee should have taken place, no gen- 
 eral meeting of the pew proprietors being possible, owing 
 to the church being shut, the committee appointed in 
 April, 1830, of necessity remained in office in terms of 
 By-law No. 2. William Blackwood, one of the members 
 of committee, having died, in the interval, "William Peddie 
 was appointed in his place by the remanent members. 
 
 The church being still closed, on 5th November, 1831, 
 application was made by the temporal committee for the 
 use of the Wesleyan Chapel on St. James Street, at such
 
 358 
 
 hours on the Lord's Day, as it was not needed by the 
 owners. TheMethodists agreed to give their church on con- 
 dition that Mr. Esson and Mr. Black should hold alternate 
 services in it. As the committee deemed this condition an 
 interference with their business by people outside, they 
 declined to take the church on the terms proposed. 
 
 On the 12th of November, they applied to the Trustees 
 of the National School on Bonsecours Street, for the use of 
 that building in which to hold Sunday services, until they 
 could regain entrance into the church. The request was 
 granted by Dean Bethune, Rev. R. E. Stevens, A. F. 
 Atkinson, and Alexander Skakel, the trustees. Accordingly, 
 the adherents of Mr. Esson met for worship from Novem- 
 ber, 1831, to March, 1832, in the National School-room. 
 The building still stands. It was occupied twenty years 
 ago as barracks for the Imperial troops. In after years, it 
 was used as a vinegar factory ; and. recently it has been 
 fitted up as a variety theatre. 
 
 On March 10th, 1832, the Court gave judgment in favour 
 of the Esson section of the congregation, ordering the 
 sheriff to give possession of the church to David Handy- 
 side, John Fisher, Walter Peddie, Wm. Shand, George 
 Johnston, A. L. McNider, Campbell Sweeney, Robert 
 Handyside, and Kenneth Walker, the persons named in 
 the indictment as claiming the right of possession. Divine 
 Service in the church was resumed on March 25th, 
 1832. 
 
 The four clerical arbitrators, appointed to investigate the 
 points in dispute in the St. Gabriel Street Church, came to 
 a unanimous finding on May 23rd, 1832. After declaring 
 Mr. Esson innocent of the charges affecting his moral 
 character, brought against him, and pronouncing Mr. 
 Black equally innocent of the accusation of seeking to 
 oust Mr. Esson from the church, with which he was 
 blamed, on the other hand, the arbitrators went on to
 
 359 
 
 say that there was much in the proceedings of Mr. Esson's 
 accusers to be condemned as hostile to the attainment of 
 justice and in opposition to those ecclesiastical laws which 
 they were solemnly bound to reverence and obey. On 
 the other hand, they held that Mr. Esson ought to have 
 overlooked the incompetency of the session to decide as 
 his judges, according to ecclesistical law, and have used 
 means for removing suspicion from the minds of his 
 brethren in the session. The following was their award : — 
 
 " That Mr. Esson and Mr. Black do forthwith form separate congrega- 
 tions of such as may adhere to each respectively ; that Mr. Esson shall, 
 as senior minister, retain exclusive possession of the church in St. Gabriel 
 Street, provided the proprietors who adhere to him shall purchase from 
 the proprietors who adhere to Mr. Black, their pews at a valuation, to be 
 determined, if necessary, by arbitrators mutually chosen, and all the 
 records belonging to the church in St. Gabriel Street be given up to Mr. 
 Esson, in behalf of a new session to be formed for that church." 
 
 They close their award with craving that the Pres- 
 bytery- of Quebec may do their part, in giving eflfect to 
 this decision, by acknowledging Mr. Black and his ad- 
 herents as a distinct congregation already in full com- 
 munion with the church, and admitting them to all the 
 rights and privileges flowing from this connection. 
 
 The arbitrators made their report to the Synod at King- 
 ston, on August 3rd, 1832. The Synod received the re- 
 port and approved of their award, and instructed them to 
 report how far it had been carried into effect. They re- 
 ported next day, finding that it had not been carried into 
 effect : — 
 
 "The arbitrators regret to inform the Synod, that notwilhstandiug the 
 protestations of parties as to their readiness to comply with the award, 
 it appears to the arbitrators that the spirit of parties is such that they 
 expect no peaceful termination of all their labours in this painful case. 
 Persuaded that nothing which they can do will be of any avail in the 
 matter, the arbitrators recommend to the Synod to enjoin the parties to 
 settle this dispute in terms of the award with the least possible delay
 
 360 
 
 warning them that unless the injunction be ooniplied with, they will be 
 lield to be contumacious, and left to the consequences of their conduct, 
 and to the Tribunal of God." 
 
 Whereupon the Synod received and approved the re- 
 port, and resolved in terms thereof. 
 
 After this, the parties agreed to abide by the award, 
 and Messrs. C. J. Forbes, John Frothingham, Thomas B. 
 Anderson and Wm. Budden, w^ere appointed, in terms 
 thereof, arbitrators to settle the financial questions in- 
 volved. These four gentlemen agreed that the congre- 
 gation remaining in the church should pay over to the 
 individual pew-owners leaving the church the original 
 price of their pews with ten per cent added ; and that, on 
 the other hand, Mr. Black should surrender all keys, 
 books, documents, registers and furniture appertaining to 
 St. Gabriel Street Church. 
 
 All parties finally acquiesced in this decision, and thus 
 the unhappy business was brought to a conclusion. 
 
 The Presbytery of Quebec, all this time, was perplexed 
 and vexed with the St. Gabriel Street Church strife. The 
 first difference arose when the Presbytery was formed 
 in 1831, over the question whether two clergymen could 
 claim a seat in the Presbytery as representing the same 
 congregation. About Mr. Esson's right there was no 
 difference of opinion ; the problem affected Mr. Black's 
 position only. The ground taken was that unless there 
 had been a formal constituting of the congregation as a 
 collegiate charge, the Presbytery could admit only one 
 minister to a seat. In consec^uence, Mr. Black was not 
 allowed to take his place in the court at first. He 
 appealed to the Synod against the action of the Presby- 
 tery, and his appeal seems to have been sustained, as he 
 afterwards occupied a seat in the Presbytery. 
 
 The next difiiculty was as to the commission of Mr, 
 James Leslie as representative elder. He had been chosen
 
 361 
 
 by the minority of the session, consisting of Mr. Esson, 
 Mr. Blackwood and himself. The other four elders had 
 not been summoned to the meeting at which the choice 
 was made, consequently the commission in Mr. Leslie's 
 favour was rejected by the Presbytery. These difficulties 
 continued until they were solved by the result of the 
 arbitration. There was a little trouble over part of the 
 registers, Mr. Black claiming the right to retain posses- 
 sion of those which he had taken out in his own name, 
 for the last two or three years of his connection w4th the 
 St. G-abriel Street Church ; but after some correspondence, 
 they were given up to Mr. John Fisher, who had been 
 appointed by the four lay arbitrators to receive all the 
 papers and documents pertaining to the church from Mr. 
 Black. 
 
 On the 5th of March, 1833, Mr. Esson reported to the 
 Presbytery the issue of the arbitration and his concurrence 
 therein. 
 
 On 26th July, 1833, Mr. Black laid on the table, docu- 
 ments to satisfy the Presbytery that he had complied 
 with the award in relation to the church of St. G-abriel 
 Street ; and also a satisfactory bond of provision for three 
 years, for a sum not less than <£150 as salary. And having 
 duly considered the same, the Presbytery, in compliance 
 with said award, on their part, do hereby acknowledge 
 Mr. Black and his adherents, as a distinct congregation 
 already in full communion with the church, and admit 
 them to all the rights and privileges flowing from this 
 connection. Mr. Black, in consequence, received the 
 right hand of fellowship, and his name was added to the 
 roll. 
 
 The Baptist Church, in St, Helen Street, being placed 
 at the disposal of Mr. Black's congregation, part of each 
 Sabbath, they continued to worship in it until the new 
 church which thev set about erecting, in the same street,
 
 362 
 
 was finished. It was opeued for worship on 24th August, 
 1834, under the name of St. Paul's Church, Mr. Black 
 showing his fine business talents and the general energy 
 of his nature, now that they had unrestricted scope, in 
 the rapidity with which the enterprize was brought to 
 successful completion. 
 
 In order not to be burdensome to his congregation, like 
 Paul, he also laboured with his own hands, opening a 
 select school in a building alongside the new church. 
 He too was an efficient teacher, and not a few of those 
 who afterwards occupied high positions in the profes- 
 sional and commercial communities, could trace their suc- 
 cess in life, to the careful training which they received 
 at his hands. 
 
 Mr. Black impressed some portion of his own massive 
 strength upon the congregation which he organized. The 
 distinctive doctrines of Grrace received due prominence 
 in his teaching, and the influence of such preaching con- 
 tinued to tell long after he was gone. And now all that 
 ever had any connection with the old St. G-abriel Street 
 Church are proud to claim that St. Paul's was once an 
 integral part of the congregation worshipping therein. 
 Dr. Black's able successors have built well upon the 
 foundation he laid, and have placed St. Paul's, by their 
 talents, zeal and faithfulness, in the front rank of the 
 religious forces of the dominion. 
 
 Reviewing the unfortunate controversy that issued in 
 the manner described in these pages, from the standpoint 
 which we occupy to-day, it has to be acknowledged that 
 there were faults on both sides ; but it is also manifest 
 that the parties to the controversy were thoroughly in 
 earnest, and felt that the highest interests of the congre- 
 gation were at stake. It is a new proof how deeply men's 
 natures are moved, in spite of all that can be said to the 
 contrary, by the supreme concerns of religion. The con-
 
 363 
 
 sciences of both sides were enlisted, and Presbyterians 
 have always been tenacious of ground covered by con- 
 science. On the other hand, the controversy afforded 
 melancholy proof that in the matter of charity and tolera- 
 tion, the first half of the nineteenth century had not ad- 
 vanced beyond the point reached by the Christians of the 
 first century. Heat was engendered by differences of 
 view even among the apostles. Black and Esson had to 
 part as well as Paul and Barnabas. " All's well that 
 ends well." The Head of the church, we may be per- 
 mitted to believe, allowed the separation of St. Paul's 
 from St. Gabriel street for the furtherance of the Grospel. 
 God makes the wrath of man sometimes praise Him, 
 restraining the remainder thereof. 
 
 The reference to this matter would be incomplete, if I 
 failed to emphasize the happy termination of the estrange- 
 ment between the two ministers and their congregations. 
 Mr. Esson and his congregation led the way, to their 
 honour be it spoken. In 1839, while St. Paul's Church 
 was undergoing some necessary repairs, the use of St. 
 Gabriel Street Church, half of each Sunday, was tendered 
 by Mr. Esson and the authorities of his church, and 
 accepted by Dr. Black and his Kirk-session. The next 
 advance was more marked. On December 22nd, 1840, the 
 following resolution was passed by the session of St. 
 Gabriel Street Church : — 
 
 " Tlie session of St. Gabriel Street Church, taking into consideration the 
 great advantages that would be derived from a public and decided mani- 
 festation of the good feeling which they are happj' to believe now exists 
 between the sister congregations in this city, in communion with the 
 Church of Scotland, beg leave, most respectfully, to communicate to the 
 sessions of St. Andrew's and St. Paul's Cliurches, their unanimous and cor- 
 dial desire forthwith to establish and maintain that fellowship and 
 co-operation which ought to subsist between them as members of the 
 same church. The ministers and session of St. Gabriel Street Church are 
 ready, frankly and cordially, to act in conformity with the spirit and tenor
 
 364 
 
 of ih'iB resolution, as soon as they shall understand that these sentiments 
 are reciprocated by the sister churches of St. Andrew's and St. Paul's." 
 
 (Signed), THOS. BLACKWOOD, 
 
 Session Clerk. 
 
 On Dec. 2*7th, of the same year, the session of St. Paul's 
 Church unanimously resolved : — 
 
 " That the session of St. Paul's Church receive, with the most heartfelt 
 satisfaction, the communication from the session of St. Gabriel Street 
 Cliurch, of said date, and would beg to tender them their most grateful 
 acknowledgments for first entertaining and then making a proposition 
 Avhich, if carried into effect, in the same generous and Christian spirit in 
 which it has been conceived, would tend most materially to benefit each 
 individual congregation, and to strengthen and consolidate the interests of 
 the Church of Scotland in Montreal." 
 
 The result was the appointment of a joint committee of 
 the three sessions that framed resolutions which were 
 heartily adopted, and thus the Church in the city was 
 strengthened by a " threefold cord." 
 
 His Alma Mater conferred upon Dr. Black the degree of 
 Doctor of Divinity, in the year 1831. He was the first 
 Scotch minister in Montreal to receive this mark of profes- 
 sional distinction. 
 
 He, as well as Mr. Esson, took a very prominent part in 
 discussing the Clergy Reserves question. Indeed, it was 
 a subject with which he was more competent to deal than 
 his senior colleague ; for he was a man of figures, which 
 Mr. Esson was not. The latter could discuss principles, 
 but got lost when he had to descend to details. A¥hen at last 
 the rights of the Churt'h of Scotland to participate in the 
 revenue from the Clergy Reserves was conceded, and the 
 Synod had to nominate nine commissioners to manage 
 the Scotch Church's share of the income derived from the 
 reserved lands. Dr. Black was not only appointed one of 
 them, but was made the first convener of the Board. 
 
 Dr. Black's great monument in Montreal to-day is St. 
 Paul's Church. But he is otherwise worthily remem- 
 bered. Mrs. John Greenshields, his daughter, has long
 
 365 
 
 occupied a foremost place among the Christian ladies of 
 Montreal, as identified with many of the public charities. 
 Her sons, Edward Black G-reenshields, and Samuel G-reen- 
 shields, the heads of the great dry goods house of " S. 
 G-reenshields, Son & Company," have inherited much of 
 their grandfather's energy, as one of them inherits his 
 name. Mrs. Oswald, wife of Colonel Oswald, is another 
 of Dr. Black's grandchildren. 
 
 Then, the Rev. William M. Black, the founder of St. 
 Mark's Church, now the Minister of Anwoth, in Scotland, 
 the parish of which the Rev. Samuel Rutherford was at 
 one time pastor, is Dr. Black's son. And Presbyterianism 
 in Montreal is greatly beholden to him, not only for organ- 
 izing St. Mark's congregation, and getting its church built, 
 and a flourishing Sunday School established, but St. 
 Gabriel Street Church owes much to him ; for it was he 
 who took hold of the work of rallying a Sabbath School 
 when Knox congregation removed from the old edifice, 
 and by his diligence and kindly influence, he soon 
 gathered together a very promising school. He remained 
 pastor of St. Mark's Church until the 11th November, 
 18*75, when, upon the death of Rev. Mr. Johnston, of 
 Anwoth, his father-in-law, he obtained a presentation to 
 that Parish. And a more devoted, conscientious and excel- 
 lent minister is not to be found in all broad Scotland, than 
 our good Montreal friend, the Rev. "Wm. M. Black, who, 
 by-the-way, was baptized by Rev. Henry Esson. Mr. 
 Esson and Dr. Black's first relations were most cordial ; 
 and during the period the good understanding between 
 them lasted. Dr. Black had performed various good offices 
 for his colleague, — marrying him, baptizing his children, 
 and burying his wife. Their last relations were equally 
 cordial ; and when the good understanding between them 
 was restored, it was fitting that Mr. Esson should recipro- 
 cate Dr. Black's former good offices, and baptize his young- 
 son.
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 Henry McKbnzie — Norman Bethunk — James Carscel— John Brown — Dr. 
 AViLLiAM Robertson — Hon. George Moffat — A. L. MacNider — Dr . 
 Stephenson — Archibald Hume — William Scott — Hon. Peter 
 McGiLL — John Smith — Sir Hugh Allan — Alex. Glass — Joseph 
 Ross — James Potts — Charles Bowman — Kenneth Dowie — Dougald 
 Stewart — William Kerr — John Rbdpath — John Simpson — Robert 
 Simpson — John McKbnzie — Hon. L. Gugy— Archibald Ferguson. 
 
 Henry McKenzie, or Harry, as he is called in family 
 documents, was of gentle birth. In his veins ran the 
 blood of the Earls of Seaforth, Cromarty, and Kelly, of 
 MacLeod of Coigash, of Sinclair of May, as well as of the 
 McKenzies of Tarbit, G-airloch, Ardioch, Kippoch, Dun- 
 donald and Batoue. He was, of course, a North-west trader, 
 and came to Canada while still a youth ; but he was mostly 
 occupied with the work in the head office in St. Grabriel 
 Street. When Mr. Simon McTavish died, he became 
 manager of his estate ; and, in company with Jacob Old- 
 ham, kept the mills at Terrebonne going, and attended to 
 the affairs of the seigniory generally. He also managed 
 the affairs of his kinsman, Sir Alexander McKenzie, after 
 Ihat gentleman left Canada to reside in England. When 
 Joseph Frobisher died, he was placed in charge of his 
 affairs also. Having such trusts as these put into his 
 hands, by men of ability and discernment, is the best proof 
 we could have of Mr. McKenzie's capacity and integrity. 
 He was a man of the highest honour, as might be expected 
 of one who was under the influence of the law, phrased 
 by the French as noblesse oblige. He was a justice of the
 
 367 
 
 peace for the district of Montreal, and was a commissioner 
 for administering the oath to half-pay officers. He was 
 president of the Fire Engine Companies of the city in 
 1820. He was also a director of the Montreal Savings' 
 Bank, in 1819 and 1820, and one of the charter directors 
 of the Greneral Hospital. 
 
 The first time his name appears on the books of the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church was as a subscriber to the funds of 
 the congregation in 1809. From that date onwards, he 
 was a liberal supporter of ordinances, as well as an earnest 
 personal worker in the church. He was elected a member 
 of the temporal committee in 1816, 1817, and 1818, being 
 vice-president the year last named, as he was ag-ain in 
 1822. He was president in the years 1823 and 1825. He 
 bought pew No. 27, in the gallery, in 1817. He occupied 
 at one time pew^ 86, along with G-eorge Moffat. At a later 
 period he owned pews 90 and 91. 
 
 He was ordained an elder, March 21st, 1819, and soon 
 afterwards w^as chosen session-clerk, an office which he 
 filled until his death. In this capacity, he signed the 
 petition to Sir George, Murray, regarding the Clergy 
 Reserves, in 1829. He took a leading part in the affairs of 
 both the session and congregation. In the controversy 
 between Messrs. Esson and Black, he took sides with the 
 latter. His name appears first on the letter addressed to 
 the temporal committee in 1830, asking them to call a 
 meeting to name a special committee to investigate the 
 rumours affecting Mr. Esson's character. He took a pro- 
 minent part in the action of closing the church, and for 
 this he was the first person arrested at the church door on 
 Sunday morning, the 6th March, 1832, and brought before 
 the magistrates, although he was himself a magistrate. 
 He died of cholera on the 28th June, 1832, aged 51 years, 
 before the movement to establish St. Paul's congregation 
 had commenced. As has been already noted, he married
 
 308 
 
 Aune Bethune, youngest daughter of the founder of the 
 Presbyterian Church in the city. Two children survive. 
 Mrs. Stow, of Parkdale, Toronto, and Simon McTavish 
 McKenzie, who is still a constant worshipper in the St. 
 Grabriel Church. 
 
 Norman Bethune. Rev. John Bethune's son, has also been 
 already mentioned. He began to contribute to the funds 
 in 1810, and continued to do so until the breach occurred 
 between the two ministers, in 1829, when he left and con- 
 nected himself with Christ Church, of which his brother 
 John, was the rector, who was afterwards Dean of Mont- 
 real. Norman was a member of the temporal committee 
 and its secretary in 1818, 1819 and 1820. He owned pew 
 No. 26, in the gallery. His wife was Miss Kittson, of 
 Sorel. His son, Norman, is in the North-west Telegraph 
 Company's office, Ottawa, and his daughter is the wife of 
 T. W. Elliott of this city, cashier in the Grrand Trunk 
 Railway. 
 
 James Carsuell or Carswell, as the name is sometimes 
 spelt in the records, who was ordained to the eldership at 
 the same time as Mr. McKenzie, began life in Montreal as 
 a cooper in connection with Mr. Dobie's store. He was 
 married to Mary Powis, by Mr. Somerville, in 1805. He 
 afterwards engaged in the grocery businsss, and was in 
 partnership with a Mr. Davis, in 1820. Their shop was 
 in 3 St. Vincent Street. He had only one daughter, and 
 she was married to the late Recorder of Montreal, John P. 
 Sexton, Esquire, Q.C. 
 
 In 1809, Mr. Carsuell bought pew 77, in the old church. 
 He was vice-president of the temporal committee in 1828. 
 As an elder he signed the memorial to Sir G-eorge Murray, 
 in 1829, claiming the rights of the congregation, as belong- 
 ing to the Church of Scotland, to a share in the bounty of
 
 369 
 
 the Grovernment, as well as in the benefits arising from 
 the Clergy Reserves. He seceded from St. G-abriel Street 
 Church with the Black party in 1832, and went to form 
 the first Kirk-session of St. Paul's Church, on its organiza- 
 tion. He died, 23rd July, 1863. 
 
 John Brown was a general merchant in St. Fran9ois 
 Xavier Street. He began to support the church in 1808, 
 as a young man. contributing £1 a year. In 1820, he 
 was elected a member of the temporal committee. He 
 was again chosen to this office in 1821 and 1822, and was 
 secretary in 1821. He seceded with Mr. Black to form St. 
 Paul's. His son. David, married Miss Wiseley. 
 
 Dr. "William Robertson, who owned pew No. 46, first, 
 and afterwards 101, in St. G-abriel Street Church for many 
 years, was a leading member of the medical profession, in 
 Montreal, from the time of his settling in the city until 
 his death, which occurred, 18th July, 1844. He was born 
 on his father's estate, Kin Drochet, near Blair Athol, Perth- 
 shire, Scotland, on loth March, 1774. After completing 
 his professional studies, he received the appointment of a 
 surgeon to the 49th Regiment. The transport ship bear- 
 ing the regiment to Halifax was wrecked, and he had a 
 narrow escape. At Halifax, he made the acquaintance of 
 Elizabeth Amelia Campbell, daughter of Sir "William 
 Campbell, afterwards Chief Justice of Upper Canada, and 
 she subsequently became his wife. He married her, 21st 
 January, 1806, and soon afterwards removed with his 
 regiment to the Canadas. Dr. Robertson had twelve chil- 
 dren. Rev. Dr. Spark of Quebec, baptized one, Rev. James 
 Somerville, five. Rev. Dr. Black, five, and one was baptized 
 in 1814, by the late Dean Bethune. who was then at Brock- 
 ville, while the regiment was stationed at Prescott. Dr. 
 Robertson was one of the founders of the medical school, 
 
 Y
 
 370 
 
 which is now the distinguished Medical Faculty of McGill 
 College. He was one of the chief promoters, also, of that 
 noble charity, the General Hospital. He was one of the 
 committee of fiA'e gentlemen that superintended its con- 
 struction, and was afterwards a leading member of the 
 staif of attending physicians. His family have occupied 
 the highest positions in the social life of Montreal. His 
 son, Duncan Robertson, now of Lachine, married Grace 
 Anne Stewart, of Fin Dynate, Perthshire, and has a fine 
 family, three sons and one daughter, to perpetuate the 
 Robertson name. One daughter of Dr. Robertson is the 
 wife of Ferdinand McCulloch, ex-cashier of the City Bank. 
 Another, is the widow of the late Hon. John Pangman, — a 
 third, is the wife of A. C. Hooper, partner of the firm of 
 William Dow & Company, brewers, — a fourth, is the 
 wife of Dr. William McDonald, — while a fifth, is Lady 
 Cunninghame, of Miln Craig, Ayrshire, Scotland. Dr. 
 Robertson took sides with Mr. Black, in the controversy 
 between him and Mr. Esson, and seceded with him to 
 St. Paul's Church. He lived at 12 St. Gabriel Street. 
 
 The Hon. George Moffatt came to Montreal as a boy of 
 thirteen years of age, in 1880, and entered the counting 
 house of Gerrard, Yeoward and Gillespie. He was brought 
 up in the Episcopal Church, but when the Christ Church 
 Congregation came to worship in the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, he accompanied them, and ever afterwards was 
 interested in the Scotch Church. His first subscription 
 to its funds was in 1811, and from that date towards, 
 until the year 1825, we find him giving it support. In 
 the latter year, he occupied pew No. 86, jointly with 
 Henry McKenzie. Previously he owned pew No. 1 in 
 the gallery. In 1816, he was married to Sophia McRae, 
 of St. Johns. He was one of the parties to the calling 
 of the meeting to elect the first directors of the Bank
 
 371 
 
 of Montreal, in 1817. On the 5th November, 1832, 
 he was summoned to the Legislative Council of the pro- 
 vince. He was the manager of Mr. J. Ogilvy's estate, after 
 that gentleman had withdrawn from business here, and 
 had become a commissioner under the treaty of Grhent. 
 
 A mural tablet in Christ Church Cathedral thus com- 
 memorates Mr. Moffatt : 
 
 In memory 
 
 OF 
 
 Hon. Geo. Moffatt, 
 
 Born in the county of Dltjham, 
 
 15th August, 1787. 
 
 After 65 years Residence 
 
 in Montreal, 
 
 Died 25th February, 1865, 
 
 In the 78th year of his age, 
 
 A member of the Legislative and Special Council 
 
 of Lower Canada, 
 
 And of the Legislative Assembly. 
 
 Adam L. MacNider's connection with the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church appears to have begun in 1812. In that year 
 his first subscription is acknowledged. Mention has been 
 made of him as having married Robert Aird's daughter. 
 He was in partnership with his brother-in-law, John 
 Aird, as an auctioneer. He also represented the Quebec 
 Fire Insurance Company at his of&ce, 50 St. Paul Street. 
 He was one of the original members of the corporation of 
 the G-eneral Hospital, in 1821. He was a director of the 
 Savings' Bank in 1819, and of the Bank of Canada in 1820. 
 He was a member of the temporal committee of the 
 church in 1816 and 1817, and treasurer in 1818, and again 
 in 1830, 1831, and 1832. He was President of the com- 
 mittee in 1824, and Vice-President in 1825. He was 
 also a member of the special committee that raised the
 
 3Y2 
 
 guarantee fuud for Mr. Essoii iu 1817 ; and in the 
 difficulties that intervened between the two ministers, 
 he stood by Mr. Esson. He was one of the parties com- 
 plaining, in the indictment laid against the action of the 
 elders in 1831 ; and he was appointed by the court on 
 the committee of the congregation to receive the opened 
 church, from those who had closed it and kept it closed 
 for twelve months. 
 
 Mr. MacNider was born at Quebec, 10th SeptemberjlttS, 
 and was married to Rosiua Aird, 12th September, 1812, 
 by Rev. James Somerville. He died at Metis, 24th No- 
 vember, 1840, and his remains were brought to Montreal 
 by his son, John, and laid in the family vault at Outre- 
 mont. One of his sons was the late Dr. William MacNider, 
 who took a somewhat prominent part in church matters, 
 in after years. It was Dr. MacNider who founded the Uni- 
 versity Lying-in Hospital. He acted as secretary at the 
 annual meeting in 1844, and was chosen a member of the 
 temporal committee that year. He sided with Mr. Esson 
 in the Free Church controversy. He died 17th March, 184«j. 
 He had married an Edinburgh lady, who returned after 
 his decease to her native city, where she still resides and 
 takes a deep interest, not in the St. Gabriel Street Church 
 alone but in every good work affecting Canada. She has 
 for many years had an organized committee at work, 
 in Edinburgh, raising funds for the work of French 
 Evangelization. 
 
 Mrs. Shirritf. wife of Dr. ShirrifF, of Huntingdon, Que- 
 bec, is one of Mr. A. L. MacNider's daughters. She has a 
 large family, and one of her daughters is Mrs. Patterson, 
 wife of Rev. James Patterson, city missionary, and clerk 
 of the Presbytery of Montreal. 
 
 Dr. Stephenson was a son of John Stephenson, the 
 tobacconist, and, as we have seen, he married a daughter
 
 373 
 
 of Thomas Torrance. He was associated with Drs. Cald- 
 well, Eobertson, Holmes and Leodel on the first staff of 
 attending physicians and surgeons to the General Hos- 
 pital. He had also to do with originating the McGill 
 Medical Faculty. Like Dr. Robertson, he adhered to Mr. 
 Black and connected himself with St. Paul's Church. 
 
 Archibald Hume, who owned pew No. 33, in the St. 
 G-abriel Street Church, was one of Mr. Black's partizans, 
 who distinguished himself on the occasion of taking pos- 
 session of the church early on Sabbath morning, 6th March, 
 1831. He was the founder and first proprietor of the 
 chandlery and soap manufactory in Jacques Cartier Street, 
 afterwards owned by William Christie, and now occupied 
 by William Strachan, and seems to have had a full share 
 of the perfervidum ingenium Scotorum. Of course, he adhered 
 to Mr. Black when St. Paul's separated from St. Grabriel 
 Street. Mr. Hume had to take over a grocery business 
 in St. Paul Street, on account of a bad debt, and, as he 
 had not much capital, this crippled him. A fire breaking 
 out in the dwelling of Mr. T. S. Brown, who occupied 
 the flat above the shop, burnt the store, and the ready 
 money Mr. Hume got from the Insurance Company set 
 him on his feet. He prosecuted the chandlery business 
 energetically, became a rich man, and retired to Scotland, 
 where he spent the remainder of his days. 
 
 William Scott, who purchased pew 74, formerly the 
 property of Donald McPherson, and who continued to 
 occupy it till he followed Mr. Black to St. Paul's, was a 
 baker, at 29 St. Lawrence Street. His son, William H. 
 Scott, who was a merchant at St. Eustache, was a rebel 
 in 1837-8, but, like many others who sympathized with 
 the political disabilities of the bulk of the people at that 
 time, he afterwards took a prominent part . in public
 
 3Y4 
 
 affairs aud became an ultra loyal subject. He sat in par- 
 liament for the county of Two Mountains, and was a 
 staunch supporter of his friend, the late Sir G-eorge Etienne 
 Cartier. James, another son of William Scott, came to 
 his death while a student. He had got into an altercation 
 with Campbell Sweeney, junior, a young lawyer, and 
 captain of Volunteer Cavalry, who belonged to a family 
 notedly expert with the pistol. Young Scott had probably 
 never fired a shot, but w^hen Sweeney had insulted him, 
 he felt bound to challenge him, as the fashion then was. 
 Luck favoured him, if skill could not be counted on. He 
 wounded Sweeney in the leg. If he had stopped here, 
 he might have counted himself a fortunate duellist, but 
 those who go in for that sort of thing become reckless. 
 He in turn provoked an adversary, now Chief Justice Sir 
 William Meredith of Quebec, and, in the encounter which 
 followed, received a worse wound in the thigh than he 
 had inflicted on Sweeney. He died from the effects of it. 
 
 But it is by the bequests of his daughters, Barbara and 
 Anne, that the family name is destined to be perpetuated. 
 Anne, when she died 8th January, 1879, left her share of 
 the Scott estate to the Trafalgar Institute. This was the 
 first money which the trustees of that Institution found 
 themselves possessed of, as the Ross bequest consisted of 
 real estate, locked up by the conditions of his will. The 
 Trafalgar Institute realized 111,600 Irom Anne Scott's 
 one-third of the property descending to her and her two 
 sisters, irom their father. 
 
 Her sister, Barbara, gave $32,000 out of her estate to 
 McGill College, founding the William Scott chair of Civil 
 Engineering, in memory of her father. She gave $2,000 
 additional for founding a scholarship for Classical Langu- 
 ages and Literature, which bears her own name, in the 
 same University. 
 
 Another sister, Jane, the youngest of the three, died first
 
 375 
 
 in 1874. Up till this time, they had been living a solitary 
 life, in the old family mansion in Lagauchetiere Street, 
 their property adjoining that of the G-eneral Hospital. 
 They had been gay and fashionable ladies in their youth, 
 accomplished musicians and horsewomen. The death o ' 
 their father and their two brothers had the effect of driving 
 them into privacy, and for years old friends and acquaint- 
 ances lost sight of them, as they denied admission into 
 their house to all callers — tax-gatherers and bailitis among 
 the rest. Death, however, could not be kept out, and they 
 had to seek the offices of a clergyman. Mr. Black, now 
 minister of Anwoth, the son of their old pastor, was 
 sought out by them, to perform the service oii the occasion, 
 and he introduced the writer to the surviving sisters 
 shortly afterwards. The result was that they were induced 
 to break through their solitary habits, at least to the extent 
 of going to church ; and they resumed connection with old 
 St. Gabriel's, after an absence of above forty years. Their 
 home was a veritable hermitage. The furniture was of 
 the very finest description, but everything remained in the 
 drawing-room as it had been fifty years before. The good 
 ladies had considered themselves imposed upon on account 
 of their sex, by all parties with whom they had had deal- 
 ings, and this made them suspicious and unhappy in their 
 intercourse with their fellow-men. Barbara showed her 
 gratitude for any little service done her and her family by 
 the office-bearers of St. Gabriel Church, by leaving a 
 legacy of $2,000 towards procuring a new edifice for 
 the congregation. She died, 3rd December. 1880, aged 83 
 years. 
 
 Among others signing the Memorial to the Presbytery 
 to uphold the Synod's action on the Esson-Black difficulty, 
 appears the name of James Potts. He was married, 
 June 24th, 1831, by Rev. Edward Black, to Elspeth Lillie,
 
 376 
 
 sister of James Lillie, afterwards a respected elder in St. 
 Gabriel Church. Mr. Potts was a mason by trade, and 
 died of cholera on June 20th, 1832, aged 28 years. He 
 must have been a good man, judging by the devotion 
 to his memory shown by his widow, who, till her 
 death, on 20th May, 1883, never ceased to mourn for him. 
 
 Charles Bowman, who was elected a member of the tem- 
 poral committee, in 1819, and re-elected in 1820 and 1821, 
 being vice-president in 1820, was the head of the mercan- 
 tile firm of Bowman and Smith, his partner being John 
 Smith, the father of the late Lady Allan, of the late Mrs. 
 Andrew Allan, and the late Mrs. J. G. Bellhouse. Mr. 
 Bowman opened a business, and established mills, near 
 Port Darlington, in Upper Canada, and out of this little 
 beginning has grown up .the important town, Bowman- 
 ville, called after him. 
 
 Alexander Glass, who was a member of the temporal 
 committee in 1824 and 1825, was the senior of the firm, 
 Alexander and Lawrence Glass, grocers, 38 St. Paul street. 
 He was absent from Canada in February, 1826, and 
 Andrew White replaced him on the committee. He was 
 a strong sympathiser with Mr. Black, and accompanied 
 him to St. Paul's. 
 
 John Simson, who was treasurer in 1827, 1828, and 
 1829, was a merchant of good standing, but of retired 
 habits, who late in life married & French-Canadian girl. 
 Mademoiselle Barron. In the difficulty between the 
 ministers, he took sides with Mr. Esson. 
 
 Joseph Ross, elected a member of the temporal com- 
 mittee, in 1823, was a grocer at 2 St. Joseph Street. He 
 was the uncle of Mr. T. B. Ross, the late Joseph M. Ross, 
 and of Mrs. Whitehead. He was a member of the com-
 
 377 
 
 mittee that guaranteed Mr. Black's salary for the first two 
 years of his pastorate ; and, as was to be expected, he 
 attached himself to Mr. Black in the day of trouble, and 
 seceded with him to St. Paul's Church. 
 
 Eobert Simpson, who was a member of the temporal 
 committee in the years 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831 and 
 1832, was the senior partner of the firm of Simpson and 
 Mclntyre, prominent merchants of the city. Malcolm 
 Mclntyre, the junior member of the firm, was from Cal- 
 lander, Perthshire. Scotland, uncle of Robert Mclntyre, 
 ex-M. P. for the county of Renfrew, Ontario. Mr. Simpson 
 was born at Malta, and came to Montreal about 1822. He 
 occupied pew No. 1, in the St. Gabriel Street Church, 
 and, after his departure from the city, it continued in the 
 possession of his nephews, G-eorge and John Rhynas. Mr. 
 Mclntyre, his partner, having died in the cholera epidemic, 
 in 1832, Mr. Simpon removed to Quebec. He sympa- 
 thized with Mr. Esson, in the controversy between the two 
 ministers ; but it showed the estimation in which he was 
 held by all the pew-holders, as a gentleman from whom 
 only fair play was to be expected, that when there was a 
 strife between the two parties to gain the ascendancy in 
 the temporal committee, in 1830, Hon. Peter McGill, as re- 
 presenting the Black sympathizers, and he as representing 
 the party siding with Mr. Esson, were chosen unanimously 
 as members of the committee, Mr. McGill, president, and 
 he, secretary. He left the city, however, before the final se- 
 paration of St. Paul's Congregation took place. On the 8th 
 June, 1832, the temporal committee placed the following 
 minute upon their record : — 
 
 " Mr Robert Simpson handed in his resignation as secre- 
 tary and member of the committee, in consequence of 
 changing his residence to Quebec, which was received 
 with regret, as that gentleman had for a long period dis-
 
 378 ■ 
 
 charged the duty of secretary, iu a very satisfactory manner, 
 and meeting with the entire approbation of the proprietors, 
 at their last annual meeting, who again unanimously 
 re-appointed him. His absence, therefore, will deprive 
 the committee of a most efficient member, and the church 
 of a zealous friend, and one of its liberal supporters," 
 
 "William Kerr, whose name appears second on the list 
 of those members of St. G-abriel Street Church that de- 
 clined to accede to the recommendation of the Synod, in 
 1831, to open the church, was a prominent merchant of 
 Montreal. It was in his office that the late Sir Hugh 
 Allan received his first business training. He was a 
 member of the temporal committee in 1827. He was 
 appointed an elder in St. Paul's Church, 31st May, 1835. 
 He died, 8th April, 1842. Robert Kerr, accountant in 
 this city, is his son. His daughter was the wife of the 
 late John Henry Evans, hardware merchant. 
 
 Greorge McKenzie, the third on the list of recusants 
 against the Synod's recommendation, was an innkeeper, 
 at 9 St. Louis Street, Old Market, in 1820. He bought pew 
 No. 89 on 28th December, 1816. He was also ordained 
 elder in St. Paul's Church at the same time as Mr. Kerr. 
 
 John Bruce, who long kept a school on McG-ill Street, 
 afterwards on St. Henry Street, was also ordained an elder 
 in St. Paul's Church on the same day as Mr. Kerr. He 
 afterwards became a school inspector for the province. 
 He died at Lachute, 19th January, 1866. He was one of 
 the persons to whom the temporal committee, during the 
 years from 1880 to 1832, refused to give titles to pews, 
 although the highest bidders at the auctions, at which 
 the pews were put up for sale. 
 
 Dougald Stewart was also denied the deed of the pew
 
 379 
 
 which was knocked down to him by the auctioneer in 
 February, 1831. It was given by the temporal committee 
 rather to Walter M. Peddie. Mr. Stewart was a native 
 of Callander, Perthshire, Scotland. He came to this city 
 in 1816, and established a dry goods business, in 
 which he greatly prospered. In the long controversy 
 between the Esson and Black parties, in the St. Gabriel 
 Street Church, he adhered to the latter, and accompanied 
 them into St. Paul's. On the 28th December, 1845, he 
 was ordained an elder in the church. He took a pro- 
 minent part in founding the " Lay Association of Mont- 
 real," a societ}' of gentlemen belonging to the Church of 
 Scotland in Montreal, that did excellent service in its day 
 to that branch of the Presbyterian Church — among other 
 enterprizes publishing the Presbyterian, the organ of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connection with the 
 ^Church of Scotland, from 1848 to the date of the union, 
 in 18*75. Mr. Stewart was one of its vice-presidents. He 
 died at Montreal, 25th January, 1852, in the 55th year of 
 his age. Rev. Robert McG-ill, D.D., then Pastor of St. 
 Paul's Church, preached a suitable discourse the Sabbath 
 after his death, and alluded to Mr. Stewart's many ad- 
 mirable qualities, especially the exemplary regularity of 
 his attendance in the House of God, and the fidelity with 
 which he performed the duties of an elder in the district 
 of the congregation allotted to him. 
 
 Robert Mclntyre, who was married to Mrs. Stewart's 
 niece, succeeded to Mr. Stewart's business, and the well 
 known house of Mclntyre, Son and Company has grown 
 out of it. 
 
 William Leys, dealer in groceries, was another of the 
 prominent supporters of Mr. Black throughout the trou- 
 bles from 1829 to 1833, who was refused a pew by the 
 temporal committee. He naturally followed the party with
 
 380 
 
 whom he sympathized into the new enterprize of build- 
 ing St. Paul's. 
 
 George Gray, upholsterer, was another of the active 
 friends of Mr. Black, who afterwards was a hearty sup- 
 porter of St. Paul's Church. His daughter married John 
 Grant of the milling firm, " Grant, Hall and Company," 
 for some years vice-president and afterwards president of 
 the City Bank, and survives her husband, who died in 1882. 
 
 George McDonald, a member of the firm of James 
 !McDonald and Company, merchants, w*as also regarded 
 with disfavour by the temporal committee, and denied 
 the possession of a pew which he bought. He was after- 
 wards chosen an elder in St. Paul's Church, and ordained 
 28th December, 1845. In his later days he was in the 
 office of Wm. Dow and Company as manager. He died, 
 20th November, 1869. 
 
 David Ferguson, of the firm of A. and D. Ferguson, 
 coopers, had obtained a pew from the temporal committee 
 in February, 1831, so that they must have regarded him 
 with less suspicion than some of the other Black sup- 
 porters. He purchased pew No. 45. But he afterwards 
 seceded with the St. Paul's people. He and his brother 
 Archibald threw themselves into the Free Church move- 
 ment, in 1844. He was one of the committee of twelve 
 that founded Cote Street Church, and was ordained an 
 elder in it. He has lived to see the scattered fragments 
 of Presbyterianism in this country re-united, and the blue 
 banner of the covenant borne aloft throughout the 
 Dominion. One of the joys of the centennial services in 
 the old church in March, 1886, was the presence at 
 the communion of Mr. Ferguson, with his venerable, 
 white, flowing locks, and other aged saints ripening for 
 the kingdom, some of whom have since gone home.
 
 381 
 
 The Hou. Louis G-ugy. who presided at the special 
 meeting of the cougregatiou. on the 25th January, 1830, 
 called by the temporal committee to deal with the charges 
 brought against Mr. Esson, and who as a proprietor also 
 took part at the annual meeting, in April. 1832, was, 
 like G-eneral Haldimand, a Swiss officer who chose the 
 service of G-reat Britain. He had been sheriff of Three 
 Rivers, and when the shrievalty of Montreal became 
 vacant, he was promoted to it. The noted Colonel Bar- 
 tholomew Grugy was his son. 
 
 John Smith was a member of the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church from 1811 to 1831. He was a member of the 
 temporal committee in 1827, 1828 and 1829. He was 
 secretary to the committee the two first years mentioned. 
 He owned pew 96, in the church. Mr. Smith was a 
 native of Athelstaneford, Haddington-shire, Scotland, and 
 came to this country quite a youth. He entered into 
 partnership in the dry goods business with Charles Bow- 
 man ; and when that gentleman removed to Upper Ca- 
 nada, Mr. Smith found himself embarrassed for want of 
 capital. However, obtaining a settlement, he resumed 
 business, and succeeded in a few years in acquiring a 
 competency. He retired from active life about 1844, and 
 built the fine house on St. Alexander Street, in which he 
 died on 2nd March. 1872. and which was afterwards 
 occupied by Rev. G-avin Lang. His wife, Betsey Rea, 
 died, 18th May, 1878. He was one of the original mem- 
 bers of the St. Andrew's Society, and to the last took a 
 deep interest in its work. He was one of the first nine 
 commissioners for the management of the Clergy Reserves, 
 chosen by the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of 
 Canada, in connection with the Church of Scotland, in 
 1842. He was one of the trustees of the new St. Andrew's 
 Church, appointed in 1849. After a long connection with
 
 382 
 
 that church, he joined St. Paul's iu his hiter years, and 
 died in communion with that congregation. 
 
 Mr. Smith sympathized with Mr. Esson in the attacks 
 to which he was exposed ; and seconded a motion of a 
 vote of thanks to Hon. Mr. G-ngy for presiding at the 
 meeting at which Mr. Esson was called to vindicate him- 
 self. But he got so wearied and disgusted with the 
 protracted strife, that he took himself off from the church 
 altogether, and joined St. Andrew's Church. 
 
 One of his daughters became Lady Allan ; another, the 
 wife of Andrew Allan, his brother ; a third, the wife of 
 J. Gr. Bellhouse, of Bellhouse and Dillon ; and a fourth, 
 the wife of Hartland S. Macdougall. 
 
 Kenneth Dowie, who was appointed treasurer of the 
 congregation in April, 1823, was partner of Hon. Peter 
 McGrill, while he was known by his original name of Peter 
 McCutcheon. They were general merchants, of high 
 standing. Mr. Dowie was an admirer of Mr. Black, and 
 had become one of the guarantors of that gentleman's 
 stipend for two years from the date of his ordination in 
 1823. Shortly after this, he left Canada, and began a com- 
 mission business in Liverpool, England, dealing in Cana- 
 dian products, and amassed a large fortune. 
 
 John McKenzie, who owned pews No. 3 and 92, in the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church, was partner of the old mercantile 
 firm. Hector Russel and Company, afterwards known as 
 Russel and McKenzie. He was a native of Tarbat, Ross- 
 shire, Scotland. As has been already noted, he married 
 Duncan Fisher's fourth daughter, Nancy, January 31st, 
 1822. With many others, he left the Scotch Church, St. 
 Gabriel Street, at a period of strife in the congregation, 
 and afterwards joined the St. Andrew's Church. His 
 daughter, Catherine Elizabeth, was married to Rev. Dr. 
 Mathieson, on the 30th July, 1840, by Rev. Henry Esson. 
 His daughter, Nancy, became the wife of Robert Esdaile,
 
 383 
 
 and survives. Mr. McKenzie lived to the ripe age of 83 
 years, and died on November 29th, 1873. 
 
 The Hon. Peter McGill also seceded from St. Gabriel 
 Street with the Black party. It was on a visit to him, an 
 old school-fellow, Mr. Black was when he became known 
 to the St. Gabriel Street Congregation. And Mr. McGill's 
 adherence to the St. Paul's Church cause was a tower of 
 strength to it. He was, perhaps, the most popular Scotch- 
 man that has ever lived in Montreal. He enjoyed the confi- 
 dence and respect of all ranks and conditions of men. His 
 fellow Scots bore to him an enthusiastic attachment. This 
 was seen in the fact that he was chosen as the first presi- 
 dent of the St. Andrew's Society, in 1835, and was elected 
 to the same high dignity, as they esteemed it, on eight 
 subsequent occasions. The general regard in which he 
 was held was shown by his being made the first mayor of 
 Montreal, under the new constitution, in 1840. He held 
 the office for three consecutive years. He made the first 
 application for sanction to organize a volunteer force for 
 the protection of the city, on 10th November, 1887, at the 
 time of the rebellion. 
 
 His father belonged to Newton Stewart, in Galloway, 
 Scotland, but he himself was born at Cree Bridge, "Wigton- 
 shire, in August, 1789, and came to reside in Montreal 
 when he was twenty years old. He was first in the em- 
 ploy of the firm, Parker, Gerard, Ogilvie & Co., and after- 
 wards became a partner in the business of Porteous, 
 Hancox, McCutcheon and Cornigan The last style of his 
 firm was Peter McGill & Co., Mr. Dunn being his partner. 
 His mother's name was McGill, and when his uncle, the 
 Hon. John McGill of Toronto, made Peter his heir on con- 
 dition of his assuming the name of his mother's family, 
 he consented ; and is better known to history as Hon. 
 Peter McGill. He occupied a prominent place in the com-
 
 384 
 
 menial community. From 183-4 to 1860, he was president 
 of the Bank of Montreal. He was also a director of the 
 Grand Trunk Railway, as he was chairman, indeed, of the 
 hrst railway company in Canada, the St. Lawrence and 
 Champlain. He was a governor of the Montreal General 
 Hospital, as well as president of the Montreal Auxiliary 
 Bible Society. He was the first president of the Lay 
 Association of Montreal, consisting of the prominent 
 members of the Church of Scotland in the city, who were 
 banded together to promote the welfare of the Church 
 throughout the country. He was appointed a member of 
 the Legislative Council of the Province on the loth 
 November, 1832, and was called to the Legislative Council 
 of United Canada by Lord Sydenham, 11th May, 1841. 
 He was offered the position of Speaker of the Legislative 
 Council by Lord Metcalfe in 1843, but declined it. He 
 was induced to become a member of the Executive Council 
 under Lord Elgin, in 1847, but Ke resigned the position in 
 1848, during the hot discussions regarding the Rebellion 
 Losses Bill. His resignation added immensely to his 
 popularity with his fellow Scots, and, indeed, with the 
 entire British portion of the community — all the more 
 that he was well-known to be a liberal in politics. He 
 was at one time Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 
 Freemasons of Canada. He was a governor of McGill 
 College, as well as a trustee of the Church's University 
 of Queen's College, at Kingston. He was ordained an 
 elder of St. Paul's Church, December 28th, 1845. He 
 was one of nature's noblemen. Possessing a massive 
 frame, and endowed with physical as w^ell as mental 
 energy, he was such a man as would be chosen a leader 
 in any circumstances ; and he left behind no memories 
 that were not blessed. 
 
 Another gentleman, who subsequently filled a large
 
 place in the city and country, attended the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church, for several years prior to the secession of St. 
 Paul's congregation. This was Hugh Allan, afterwards 
 Sir Hugh, the head of the great shipping firm of H. & A. 
 Allan. He was a regular worshipper in the church from 
 1826 onwards, although he was not a communicant, as he 
 was only a lad at the time. Born at Saltcoats on the 
 Ayrshire coast, Scotland, the son of a ship captain, it was 
 as natural for him to become associated with the sea as it is 
 for a duck to take to the water. But his first thought was 
 commerce in its more restricted sense, and so he entered 
 the employ of William Kerr, merchant of this city, on his 
 arrival in Canada in 1826. He was afterwards a clerk in 
 the firm of Millar, Parlane and Company. In this estab- 
 lishment, he got into his right sphere, for they were' ship- 
 owners, as well as general commission merchants. His 
 presence in the concern was soon felt ; his was an ability 
 that could not be hid, and a partnership followed, as a 
 matter of course. The firm developed into Millar, Edmon- 
 stone & Company, — Edmonstone, Allan & Company, and, 
 finally, H. & A. Allan, and Sir Hugh became one of the 
 lords of the sea. But besides creating one of the largest 
 fleets in the world. Sir Hugh was identified with innu- 
 merable land enterprises. The Merchants Bank owed its 
 existence to him, and he was long its president. He was 
 the president, and the controlling spirit of the Montreal 
 Telegraph Company. He was president of the Montreal 
 and Ontario Navigation Company ; of the Montreal Ware- 
 housing Company, and of numerous other joint-stock 
 concerns. The commerce of Canada owes more to him 
 than to any other single citizen of the country. His con- 
 nection with any enterprize seemed to guarantee its suc- 
 cess. He had a surpassing intellect, swiftly working as 
 it was clear. Energy was stamped on every feature of the 
 man. There was no such elastic step in Montreal as that 
 z
 
 386 
 
 of Sir Hugh. Every movement oi" hi.s body bespoke the 
 abouudiiig vitality and vigour oi" this merchant prince. 
 There vv^as courage in his mien. It said as plainly as 
 words : " "What man dare. I dare." It was, therefore, 
 chara<teri!<tic of Sir Hugh that he should wish to have his 
 name associated with the greatest undertaking of the age, 
 laving a railway across this continent on Canadian soil. 
 But it was not so to be ; this great work was destined to 
 be achieved by younger, though not less capable fellow- 
 countrymen of his. Work was a positive enjoyment to Sir 
 Hugh, as, indeed, there seemed to be no limit to his 
 capacity for it- Yet his activity came to a very abrupt 
 conclusion. His end was pathetic — he was found by his 
 son. dead in his apartment, in Sir Houston Bos well's 
 Edinburgh residence, his head leaning upon his hand, 
 and lying over a half written letter. He died in harness, 
 as such a man ought. The busy brain had drawn too 
 largely upon the heart's force, and it ceased to beat. 
 
 Sir Hugh Allan was a consistent Scottish Churchman 
 throughout his long and brilliant career, although his 
 father belonged to the Burgher Church. Young Hugh cast 
 in his lot with the congregation representing the Church 
 of Scotland on his arrival in the city. In after years, no 
 name was more prominent in connection with the Boards 
 of the Church of Scotland than his, although he was not 
 an elder. He did a large amount of routine work for the 
 Synod, and did it thoroughly well. He was a long time 
 treasurer of the French Mission Fund of the Church. 
 He was an active member of the Lay Association, and at 
 one time its President. 
 
 It was in connection with the administration of the 
 Clergy Reserves, however, that he did the most import- 
 ant service for the church, — as secretary of the Board 
 of Commissioners. And when the G-overnmeiit paid off 
 the ministers and the latter resolved to throw the pro-
 
 38Y 
 
 • 
 
 ceeds of commutation into a common, fund. Sir Hugh 
 was chosen a member of the Temporalities' Board, and, 
 after the death of Mr. Thomas Paton, its chairman, a posi- 
 tion which he filled until the union, in 1875. Although 
 later in life, when he had so many important trusts de- 
 pending upon him, he did not give so much of his time 
 and thought to ecclesiastical afiairs, as he did while still 
 a younger man with fewer cares ; yet he deserves to be 
 remembered by the church with gratitude for the cheerful 
 and efficient service which he rendered in this connec- 
 tion. He retained his affection for the church of his 
 country. At a Synod breakfast in the St. Lawrence Hall, 
 in 1870, at which Sir Hugh presided. Rev. Dr. Cook of 
 Quebec, who had long- been associated with the great 
 shipowner in church matters and appreciated his ad- 
 mirable qualities, spoke in terms of high praise of Sir 
 Hugh's fidelity to the religious traditions of his country, 
 when so many in like circumstances were tempted to 
 forsake them. The only chapter in his career which was 
 to be regretted opened in 1873 ; during the heat of an 
 election, he departed from Presbyterian traditions by ad- 
 dressing political meetings on the Lord's day. It was in 
 connection with this campaign that he spent so many 
 thousands of dollars in the places where they " would 
 do most good,'" to use his own phrase, in order to carry 
 into parliament, members favourable to the construction 
 of the Canadian Pacific Railway, by a company of which 
 he was president. From this time forward, too, he no 
 longer favoured the union of the Presbyterian churches 
 in Canada, although he had previously thought it was 
 the statesman-like thing to aim at ; and his opposition to 
 the scheme was deemed to be owing to the sharp criti- 
 cism, passed upon his connection with the political 
 campaign of 1873, by certain newspapers supposed to 
 voice the sentiments of the Canada Presbyterian Church
 
 388 
 
 of the period. However, although Sir Hugh did not 
 enter the Presbyterian Church in Canada, he did not do 
 anything personally to embarrass the work of the united 
 church. His name remained on the trust of Queen's 
 College, as well as on the Temporalities' Board, long after 
 1875, but he did not attend the meetings, and gave notice 
 that he was not going to offer any factious opposition to 
 what was done by these bodies under the new conditions. 
 Sir Hugh received the honours of knighthood at the 
 hands of Her Majesty the Queen, in 1871. This was a 
 recognition, not only of the important service which he 
 had rendered to the British empire in various ways, but 
 especially of the attention which he had been privileged 
 to pay to His Royal Highness, Prince Arthur, while 
 resident in this city in 1869 and 1870. The knight of 
 E-avenscrag will long be pointed to as one who from a 
 humble beginning was able, by industry, foresight, and 
 the practice of sobriety, to achieve distinction, and amass a 
 colossal fortune. Lady Allan pre-deceased her husband 
 by about twelve months. His son, Hugh Montagu Allan, 
 is now the proprietor of Ravenscrag. The most of Sir 
 Hugh's other twelve children are already settled in mar- 
 riage. 
 
 John Redpath, who had a more or less intimate con- 
 nection with the St. G-abriel Street Church from 1818 to 
 1833, was a large man every way. His rugged frame 
 enshrined a mind of stalwart proportions. Behind his 
 shaggy eyebrows, lay a far-seeing eye. He was destined 
 to play an important part especially in the ecclesiastical 
 affairs in Canada. Civilly he was also influential, and 
 was a member of the City Council from 1840 to 184.S, but 
 he had the taste for church matters that distinguishes 
 many of the best of Scotia's sons. He had decided eccle- 
 siastical leanings, and in this respect, as well as in several
 
 389 
 
 other points, he was not unlike Hugh Miller. Mr. Eed- 
 path was born at Earlston, Scotland, in 1796. He was left 
 early an orphan, and after learning his trade came to 
 Canada in 1816. From that date till his death he resided 
 chiefly in Montreal ; although, when carrying out large 
 contracts elsewhere, he was necessarily a good deal out of 
 town during his early career. 
 
 He was a stone-mason, and he was a good one. He 
 carried his conscience with him into everything he did. 
 He did a good deal of work for the church at various 
 times, as the accounts show. A capable man like him, 
 who was more than a mere worker in stone and mortar, 
 was sure to make his mark in a new country like Canada. 
 He was entrusted with large undertakings, because he 
 had successfully managed small ones. A contract on the 
 Lachine Canal, well fulfilled, made him a reputation for 
 energy and capacity that led to other profitable contracts ; 
 and Mr. Redpath became a rich man. His co-partnership 
 with Hon. Thos. McKay has already been noticed. It 
 fell to him to superintend the construction of the locks 
 at Jones' Falls, as Mr. McKay had those at Bytown in 
 charge. 
 
 After retiring from the building business, he became 
 identified wilh many of the most important commerial 
 enterprises of the city. For 35 years he was a director 
 of the Montreal Bank, and became vice-president after 
 the death of Hon. Peter McGill. He was a prominent 
 shareholder in the Montreal Telegraph Company, a 
 partner in what is now the Richelieu and Ontario Navi- 
 gation Company, — and had a large interest in mines in the 
 Eastern Townships ; and he started the first sugar refin- 
 ing establishment in Canada, — the great works at the 
 St. Grabriel Locks, that bear his name. 
 
 He was married to Janet Macphie on the 19th of Dec- 
 ember, 1818, by Rev. James Somerville, and his two eldest
 
 390 
 
 children were baptized by the same gentleman, — Betsey, 
 in 1819, and Peter, ( who was born 1st of August, 1821), 
 on 12th September following. Mr. Black, while connected 
 with the St. Gabriel Street Church, baptized Mr. Redpath's 
 three daughters, Mary, Jane and Helen. 
 
 Mr. E-edpath held very firmly by the Puritan theology; 
 consequently, he never sympathized with Mr. Esson. He 
 gave his hearty support, however, to Mr. Black, and went 
 with him into St. Paul's. He became a zealous worker in 
 the new congregation; took charge of the Sabbath School 
 as superintendent, and was ordained an elder at the same 
 time as John Bruce, Wm. Kerr and George McKenzie, on 
 the 31st May, 1835. 
 
 When the reverberation of the Scottish Church disrup- 
 tion movement reached the shores of Canada, Mr. Redpath 
 heartily espoused the cause of the non-intrusionists ; and 
 wishing to be quite free to maintain his convictions, he 
 resigned the superintendency of the St. Paul's Sabbath 
 School and his eldership in the congregation, on the 30th 
 of January, 1 844, and his resignation was accepted, with 
 every feeling of regret at losing so energetic a worker, by 
 the session and congregation. Mr. Redpath returned to 
 the St. Gabriel Street Church, during the few months that 
 intervened between his leaving St. Paul's and the disrup- 
 tion in Canada, because he found that Mr. Esson and 
 the majority of his congregation occupied common ground 
 with him on the questions involved in the Free Church 
 controversy. His falling in with the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church was, however, only temporary. The spiritual 
 atmosphere there did not quite suit him, and his mind 
 was made up not to be content with its provision. Gather- 
 ing around him a band of kindred spirits, the Free Church 
 Committee of twelve was formed, the other eleven being 
 James R. Orr, David Ferguson, Archibald Ferguson, Archi- 
 bald McGoun, James Morrison, William Hutcheson, Alex-
 
 391 
 
 ander Fraser, Donald Fraser, "William Bethune, Evander 
 Mclvor and William Mcintosh. To these original twelve 
 were afterwards added, James Court, Joseph McKay and 
 Adam Stevenson. They resolved to have a new congrega- 
 tion organized that would, as they regarded the matter, 
 adequately represent the revived spiritual life of the Free 
 Church, as well as its merely political views. The result 
 was a sharp collision between Mr. Redpath, as convener 
 of the committee of twelve, and Mr. Esson and the St. 
 G-abriel Street congregation. In vain did Mr. Esson resign 
 his charge ; in vain did the congregation revise the consti- 
 tution of 1804 ; in vain did all the elders of St. Gabriel 
 Street session offer to resign, in order that matters in the 
 church might be brought as much as possible into line 
 with the views and sentiments of the Free Church. Mr. 
 Redpath and his associates were inexorable, and the Depu- 
 ties sent out by the Free Church to promote the cause in 
 the city and surrounding country, as well as Dr. Robert 
 Burns, who settled in Toronto, and was guiding the 
 movement in Canada, after mature deliberation coincided 
 with them. This exasperated the St. G-abriel Street con- 
 gregation, — the people thinking that, considering the con- 
 cessions which they had made and the risks they had 
 taken, in joining the Presbyterian Church in Canada, they 
 deserved a different treatment at the hands of the Free 
 Church leaders. 
 
 Cote Street Church was built, a congregation was 
 speedily formed, under the able and attractive preaching 
 of Messrs. Bonar, Arnott, Somerville and others. Members 
 were drawn from every Presbyterian Church in the city, 
 and some from even other denominations. Both conareira- 
 tions were recognized by the Presbytery and Synod ; but 
 it was a long time before the sore in the hearts of the St. 
 Gabriel Street people, created by the establishment of a 
 rival church in Cote Street, was healed ; and, of course,
 
 392 
 
 Mr. Redpath, whose strong will, it was known, had largely 
 governed the situation, came in for a full measure of the 
 blame. 
 
 But it was not in this aifair alone that Mr. Redpath 
 showed insight, vigour and determination. The remark- 
 able success of the Presbyterian Church of Canada owes 
 not a little to his statesmanlike grasp of all the great ques- 
 tions that came before its supreme court, of which he was 
 almost always a member. Many monuments of his energy 
 and wisdom remain, besides his magnificent residence of 
 Terrace Bank. It is enough to speak here of one of them, 
 the Presbyterian College, Montreal. The following sketch 
 of the origination of this institution, which has contrib- 
 uted so much to strengthen the Presbyterian cause in the 
 city and district, and which may be looked at as one of 
 the most remarkable outgrowths of the first century of 
 Presbyterianism in Montreal, is taken from the "Presby-> 
 terian College Journal," for December, 1885. It shows how 
 much of the splendid success of this school of the prophets 
 is due to the foresight, and strong will of Mr. Redpath: — 
 
 " On a cold, frosty evening in January, 1864, a few 
 i'riends met in the drawing-room of Terrace Bank, at the 
 invitation of the late Mr. John Redpath, to consider the 
 propriety of instituting aThelogical Seminary in Montreal, 
 in connection with the Canada Presbyterian Church. 
 Those present were Revs. D. H. MacVicar and A. F. Kemp, 
 Principal Dawson, and Messrs. John Redpath, Joseph 
 Mackay, Laird Paton, George Rogers, Warden King, and 
 John Stirling, — two ministers and seven laymen. The 
 very decided preponderence of the latter in this initial 
 meeting'seemed to foreshadow the place which the institu- 
 tion has ever since held in the confidence and esteem of the 
 people, and the hearty and generous support which they 
 have accorded it." 
 
 " No minutes of this conference appear to have been
 
 393 
 
 kept, aud even the precise date of it cannot be ascertained, 
 but a committee was appointed to prepare an outline of 
 what was agreed upon to be submitted to a large meeting, 
 to be held on the 9th of February, in the house of Mr. John 
 C. Becket, Brunswick Street. At this date, a considerable 
 number of leading Presbyterians assembled. Mr. Redpath 
 was called to the chair, and Principal Dawson presented 
 the report of the committee appointed at the first private 
 conference. A spirit of unanimity and Christian enthu- 
 siasm pervaded the meeting, and the whole matter was 
 considered in a thoroughly practical and business-like 
 manner. It was unanimously agreed to go forward. The 
 necessity and benefits of such an institution as was con- 
 templated were felt to be paramount. Difficulties arising 
 from finance or from thepossibility of unreasonable oppo- 
 sition from any quarter were not overlooked ; but it was 
 resolved that they must be faced and overcome by faith in 
 Grod, and an unyielding determination to make known 
 His gospel. It was clearly apparent to all that the number 
 of ministers and missionaries required to be greatly 
 increased in order to meet the wants of the Church 
 and mission fields, specially in the province of Quebec, 
 Central Canada and the Ottawa valley. The spiritual 
 destitution of these regions demanded immediate atten- 
 tion. Their peculiar claims upon our wealthy and gener- 
 ous citizens were readily acknowledged, while it was not 
 forgotten that ' the field is the world,' and that the pro- 
 posed institution should in no sense be local in its scope, 
 or limited in its influence to one territory." 
 
 " So far the way seemed open and the prospect bright 
 aud promising. The committee was accordingly instructed 
 to perfect its report and have it ready for presentation to 
 a public meeting of the three city congregations, viz. : 
 Lagauchetiel-e Street Church (now Erskine). St. Gabriel 
 Street Church, and Cote Street Church ( now Crescent
 
 394 
 
 Street). This meeting, which was a full and enthusiastic 
 one, was held in Cote Street Church, with Mr. Redpath in 
 the chair. "What had been considered and decided in the 
 private conference referred to was most cordially approved, 
 and steps were taken to bring the matter before the Pres- 
 bytery of Montreal. This being done, the Presbytery 
 resolved with perfect unanimity to submit the proposal, 
 in the usual way, to the Synod at its meeting in June in 
 Cooke's Church, Toronto." 
 
 " Dr. Taylor and Mr. MacVicar were appointed to support 
 the overture before the Synod, They did so, and were 
 ably aided on the floor of the house by Warden King and 
 others, who urged the necessity of immediate action being 
 taken. After the matter was carefully considered in a large 
 committee and in open Synod, it was finally agreed, on 
 motion of Mr. Drummond, seconded by Mr. Chambers.: — 
 
 "That the Synod sanction the formation of a Theological 
 College, as craved by the Presbytery of Montreal, and that 
 for this purpose, that Presbytery be authorized to prepare 
 and obtain a charter, mutatis mutandis, similar to that of 
 Knox College, and to report to next Synod." 
 
 •' Thus the enterprise received the public imprimatur of 
 the Supreme Court of the Church, which took it from that 
 time forth under its care and entire control." 
 
 Mr. Redpath did not live to see the enterprise com- 
 pleted, which he had thus helped to launch ; but the 
 Presbyterian College will always stand as a monument 
 both of the courage and wise churchmanship of him and 
 his colleagues at that little meeting at Ten*ace Bank. His 
 name has been since fittingly associated with the institu- 
 tion by the forming of the John Redpath Scholarship, and 
 the John Redpath chair in the College, by his respected 
 widow. 
 
 He took a deep interest in all the great public charities 
 of the city. He was for a long time chairman of the
 
 395 
 
 committee of management of the General Hospital, and 
 finally, president of the Board of Governors. The first 
 meeting to form the House of Industry and Eefuge was 
 held at his house, in Dalhousie Square, in 1835, and when 
 the effort was successfully revived about 30 years after- 
 wards, he was elected president of the institution. He 
 was also the first president of the Mechanics' Institute, 
 and after the death of Colonel "Wilgress, he was made 
 president of the Montreal Auxiliary Bible Society. He 
 was a warm supporter of the French-Canadian Missionary 
 Society from its commencement. As he was the chief 
 mover in establishing Cote Street Church, he contributed 
 largely to its erection ; as he did, later in life, to the St. 
 Joseph Street Church. The following is a passage taken 
 from a sermon preached in Cote Street Church by his 
 friend, Principal Mac Vicar, the Sabbath after his funeral : 
 
 " Deceased was a man of superior intellectual powers. He was a great 
 lover of poetry, and read with enthusiasm the works of Blair, :Mont- 
 gomery, Cowper, and Milton, having learned by heart many of their 
 poems, extracts from which he often repeated, almost to the last. He 
 was a man of strong common sense, vigorous with calm judgment, great 
 moral courage and vast energj'. The secret of his extraordinary success 
 in busine.'^s was to be sought, not in favouring circumstances, for he made 
 the circumstances which contributed to his good fortune ; but, under 
 God's blessing, to his high aim, his firm will, and dauntless courage, and 
 his indomitable perseverance." 
 
 Mr. Redpath had a very large family. One of his daugh- 
 ters married John Dougall, of the Witness,— another T. M. 
 Taylor, an insurance agent,— a third, George A. Drummond. 
 president of the Board of Trade,— a fourth, Professor Bovey, 
 of the Chair of Engineering, in McGill College,— and a 
 fifth, C. J. Fleet, advocate. 
 
 His eldest son, Peter, who has retired from business and 
 now resides at Chiselhurst, England, has rendered distin- 
 guished service to education by handsome donations to 
 the library of the Presbyterian College, and very specially
 
 396 
 
 by the raaguificeut building which he erected and pre- 
 sented to McGill University, -which bears his own name, 
 and will hand that name, with honour, down, we hope, 
 to distant posterity, — the '" Peter Redpath Museum." 
 
 Archibald Ferguson, also left St. Gabriel Street Church 
 at this crisis, and joined St. Paul's. He has already been 
 refen-ed to, as accompanying Mr. Somerville from Quebec 
 to Montreal, in order to continue to enjoy that gentleman's 
 scholastic superintendence. Mr. Somerville had been 
 brought to Quebec as a teacher, mainly through Mr. 
 Ferguson's father, — and he proved successful as an in- 
 structor, so that those who could afford it, resolved to send 
 their children to Montreal after him. 
 
 In subsequent years, Mr. Ferguson chose Montreal as his 
 permanent residence, becoming proprietor of the Herald in 
 succession to the Gray family. Mr. Ferguson owned pew 
 No. 10 in the St. Gabriel Street Church, and used to do the 
 congregational printing. He was ordained an elder in 
 St. Paul's Church, 13th May, 1855, and continued to fulfil 
 the duties of the office with exemplary fidelity up to the 
 day of his death, which occurred on October 9th, 1876. 
 
 Mr. Ferguson did not cease to take an interest in the 
 fortunes of the old church, although he became an office- 
 bearer in St. Paul's. In his later years, he was fond of 
 recalling his connection in early life with Mr. Somerville 
 and Mr. Esson. And it was his lot to be specially instru- 
 mental in receiving back into the custody of the Church 
 of Scotland, in 1865, the venerable edifice which had been 
 for twenty years and more in possession of the Presby- 
 terian Church of Canada, or the Canada Presbyterian 
 Church. He was one of the eleven provisional trustees 
 named in the Act, settling the ownership of the church 
 27-28 Vict., chap. 161. And he was deputed by the other 
 ten to see the terms of settlement carried out.
 
 397 
 
 But it was specially as treasurer of the "Widows' and 
 Orphans' Fund, of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in 
 connection with the Church of Scotland, for the long 
 period of twelve years, that he is entitled to the grateful 
 remembrance of the church. This fund he managed grat- 
 uitously, with as much care and fidelity as if it had been 
 his own money that was concerned ; until he saw the 
 capital mount up from $42,174 to $82,169. Mr. Ferguson 
 was also an ardent friend of Presbyterian Union, which 
 he lived to see happily accomplished. Professor Ferguson 
 of Queen's University is his only son, and his daughter 
 is the wife of William Ross, notary, one of the elders of 
 St. Paul's Church. 
 
 The 71st Regiment, the famous " Highland Light 
 Infantry," was stationed in Montreal in the year 1827, 
 and attended the church. Pew No. 58 was placed at the 
 disposal of Colonel Jones and the other officers of the 
 Regiment. *
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Thh Clergy Reserves Controversy — Policy of the crown to Establish 
 THE Church of England in Canada — The Oxford Movement 
 favoured the idea — Dr. Strachan's Ecclesiastical Charts — Claims 
 of Niagara and Quebec congregations first put forward — Mr. 
 EssoN, the great Champion of the Church of Scotland's rights — 
 J. C. Grani-'s Mission — Dr. Lee's " Queries " — Answers obtained — 
 Church of Scotland General Assembly's Action on the subject — 
 Upper Canada Legislature upholds Presbyterian Claims — At- 
 tempts to control education in Lower Canada by Church of 
 England resisted by Mr. Esson — Church of Scotland's eights 
 granted in 1840. 
 
 The " Clergy Reserve's " controversy is interesting from 
 more than one point of view. For one thing, it is the his- 
 tory of the attempt made to plant Established Churches in 
 the British colonies ; for the same plan was intended to 
 be followed up in Australia, if it had succeeded here. 
 
 It is also specially important, on account of its bearing 
 upon subsequent Presbyterian consolidation. Sir G-eorge 
 Murray, British Secretary of State for the Colonies, in. a 
 letter to the Grovernor of Upper Canada, — Sir John 
 Colborne, of date, 1st August, 1830, urged, that for the 
 purposes of receiving consideration from the G-overnment 
 all the Presbyterians should join together. From 1826 
 onwards, .£750 a year was given by the Imperial G-overn- 
 ment to be divided between the Church of Scotland Min- 
 isters, but Sir G-eorge Murray was disposed to extend 
 assistance to all Presbyterian clergymen as well. He 
 says : —
 
 399 
 
 " It appears to me very desirable, if sucli measure could be accomplished, 
 that the wliole of the Presbyterian clergy of the province should form a 
 Presbytery or Synod, and that each Presbyterian minister, who is to 
 receive the allowance from the Government, should be recommended by 
 that body, in like manner as the Roman Catholic priests, who receive 
 assistance from Government, are recommended Ijy the Catholic Rishop." 
 
 This advice had relation to Upper Canada only, but the 
 subject was pressed with even greater warmth and zeal 
 in Lower Canada ; and St. G-abriel Street Church was the 
 head centre of the movement. Self-interest, it may be 
 almost said, self-preservation, urged the congregation as 
 well as the ministers, to agitate the subject. The pew- 
 rents could not be made to yield an adequate revenue for 
 the support of the three clergymen. Relief from this em- 
 barrassment, we have seen^ was looked for by the temporal 
 committee from the Clergy Reserves ; and this circum- 
 stance was not without its influence on the course which 
 the question took. 
 
 In New York, and a few other places, provision had 
 been made by the colonial authorities, before the American 
 revolutionary war, for the maintenance of certain churches; 
 but in the colonies generally there was no attempt to erect 
 a religious establishment, as the aim of the settlers of the 
 New England districts especially, in coming to the New 
 World, had been to escape from the oppression, as they 
 deemed it, of the Church of England, and seek " a faith's 
 pure shrine — freedom to worship Grod." After the revolt 
 of the colonies, British statesmen of both parties concluded 
 that a mistake had been committed in neglecting to foster 
 Episcopacy in America. Sir Peregrine Maitlaud, who was 
 Lieutenant G-overnor of LTpper Canada during a large part 
 of the first quarter of this century, may be taken as the 
 mouthpiece of the English rulers of this period. He 
 strongly espoused the cause of the Church of England in 
 this country, and based his advocacy of it upon the 
 assumption that it was best calculated to promote loyalty
 
 400 
 
 in the provinoe, asserting that all the clergy of that com- 
 munion had remained faithful to Great Britain through- 
 out the American war. The best antidote to the dreaded 
 Puritan leaven, it was thought, would be the extension of 
 the influence of the Church of England. It was with this 
 view that G-eorge III., in what is known as the Quebec 
 Constitutional Act, providing for the self-government 
 of Canada, set apart one-seventh of the waste lands 
 of the province for the maintenance of " a Protestant 
 clergy." That term was, indeed, afterwards found broad 
 enough to cover Presbyterians of every hue, and Method- 
 ists as well as Episcopalians ; but the Hansard report of 
 the debate on the occasion, as well as the drift of the Act 
 itself, shows that it was the Chitrch of England that was 
 designed to be benefited by it. The true " Protestant 
 clergy " was used in contra-distinction to " Roman 
 Catholic," and was inserted to indicate that the latter 
 cottld have no claim upon the Clergy Reserves, but must 
 rely on the advantages conferred on them by the Treaty 
 of Paris, and the Act of 1774, by which the Romanist 
 priests had been secured in their '' accustomed dues and 
 rights," while the right was reserved to the crown of 
 making such provision out of the said accustomed dues 
 and rights, for the encouragement of the Protestant reli- 
 gion, and for the maintenance of a Protestant clergy, as 
 might be thought from time to time necessary and expe- 
 dient." Fox, indeed, objected to the privilege contemplated 
 to be bestowed upon the Chttrch of England by the Bill, 
 contending that the Church of Rome or the Church of 
 Scotland, as representing a proportion of the population 
 of Canada, as large as that belonging to the Church of 
 England, had an equal right to recognition at the hands 
 of the Government. But Pitt and Lord Grenville, the 
 author of the Act, in framing it, proceeded upon the sup- 
 position that the Episcopal Church of England was the
 
 401 
 
 Protestant Church of the realm ; and so one of the clauses 
 of the bill empowered his Majesty to '' authorize the 
 Grovernor to erect, in every township, one or more parson- 
 ages or rectories, according to the Church of England, and 
 to present to such parsonage, or rectory, an incumbent or 
 minister of the Church of England, duly ordained accord- 
 ing to the rites of that Church." The King's instructions 
 to the Grovernor of Canada, in 1818, were quite explicit 
 as to the special favour to be shown to the Episcopal 
 Church. After enjoining that the religious susceptibili- 
 ties of the Roman Catholics of the Province were to be 
 respected, he was told always to remember " that it is a 
 toleration of the free exercise of the religion of the Church 
 of Rome only, to which they are entitled, but not to the 
 powers and privileges of it as an Established Church, that 
 being a preference which belongs only to the Protestant Church 
 of England.'" Governor Maitland carried out these instruc- 
 tions only too faithfully; and, while pretending to be 
 friendly to the adherents of the Church of Scotland, 
 endeavoured to throw suspicion upon the loyalty of the 
 Presbyterian community generally, by calling the other 
 sections of it " Independents," and representing them as 
 more inclined to the " neighbouring republic " than to the 
 British Empire. 
 
 At this time, too, the Oxford movement had begun, and 
 the High Churchmen, chafing under the want of Catholi- 
 cism, the orbis terrarum, which so greatly distressed New- 
 man, were anxious to remove the stigma that the insular 
 position of Anglicanism affixed to them ; and so desired 
 to girdle the world with offshoots from the parent church, 
 beginning literally with Jerusalem. Dr. Strachan zealously 
 promoted this policy of the authorities in England. His 
 astute mind foresaw, in the reservation of one-seventh of 
 the unappropriated lands of Canada, the means of en- 
 dowing the Anglican clergy in the colony, on a scale 
 A A
 
 402 
 
 that would vie in iiillueuce aud graudeur with the liv- 
 iugs of the Church of England at home ; provided all 
 could be kept in the hands of his own ehmvh. As yet, 
 these lands yielded scarcely any revenue, but he suc- 
 ceeded in obtaining large sums of money from the public 
 chest for promoting the extension of the cause of Protest- 
 ant P]piscopacy. His church had thus the advantage of 
 the smile of the rulers of the day, and enjoj^ed the pa- 
 tronage of all officialdom ; so that, in comparison, the 
 other religious communities that had commenced opera- 
 tions in the country were handicapped in the race. Dr. 
 Strachan, in 1823, sent to the Imperial authorities a letter, 
 accompanied by what lie called an Ecclesiastical Chart, 
 which purported to give a comparative estimate of the 
 strength of the various denominations ; but its tenor was 
 so manifestly unfair, magnifying his own church and 
 belittling others, that it aroused both the Methodists aud 
 Presbyterians, not only to assert the strength they had 
 already attained, but also to put forth greater exertions 
 for the time to come, The attack made on Presbyterianism 
 by Dr. Strachan, in the document referred to, which was 
 repeated in a new Ecclesiastical Chart which he issued in 
 1826, had an important bearing on the fortunes of Presby- 
 terianism in Canada The few ministers then in the 
 country buckled on their armour in right earnest, and 
 they urged their friends in Scotland to come to their as- 
 sistance. 
 
 From that day forward, the interest of the Established 
 Church of Scotland in the progress of Presbyterianism in 
 Canada, was secured, and both men aud money were 
 liberally supplied. The intervention of the General Assem- 
 bly of the Church of Scotland with the Imperial autho- 
 rities, craving that the ministers and adherents of the 
 church in this country should be placed on an equal foot- 
 ing with those of the Church of England, so far as the
 
 * 
 
 403 
 
 favours of the Groverument were concerned, contributed 
 not a little to the obtaining of their just rights by our 
 people ; although it shows how great the odds were 
 against which they had to struggle, that even Dr. Chal- 
 mers, at this period, in his enthusiasm for Church exten- 
 sion in Scotland, and championship of religious establish- 
 ments, was prepared to advise that the Church of England 
 alone should be established in Canada. The influence 
 of the Presbyterians in the colony was, however, too 
 great for this policy to be carried out. It was a strong 
 point that the Church of Scotland was established at 
 home, equally with the Church of England, and there- 
 fore had claims throughout the empire, outside the United 
 Kingdom, that were as good as those of the sister estab- 
 lishment. 
 
 The first claim put forth by the Presbyterians to share 
 in the advantages of Clergy Reserves was when the in- 
 habitants of Niagara of that persuasion petitioned Sir 
 Peregrine Maitland, Lieutenant-Grovernor of Upper Can- 
 ada, lYth May, 1819, setting forth the hardships they 
 had had to endure, and praying His Excellency to grant 
 them the sum of jCIOO, out of the funds arising from 
 Clergy Reserves, or any other fund, at His Excellency's 
 disposal, In forwarding the memorial, he remarks : " This 
 petition involves a question in which I perceive there is 
 a difference of opinion, namely, whether the Act intends 
 to extend the benefit of the Reserves to all denomina- 
 tions, or only to those of the Church of England." The 
 question was submitted by Earl Bathurst to the law 
 officers of the Crown for their opinion. On the 6th May, 
 1820, Earl Bathurst wrote to Sir P. Maitland, informing 
 him that His Majesty's law officers were of opinion that 
 though the provisions of the Act of 1191 were not con- 
 lined solely to the Clergy of the Church of Scotland, yet 
 that they did not extend to all dissenting ministers.
 
 404 
 
 The next document on the subject emanated from St. 
 Andrew's Church, Quebec, in 1819, petitioning for a con- 
 tinuation to a new minister of the <£50 sterling, formerly 
 given to Dr. Spark. But it w^as Mr. Esson w^ho was the 
 chief of the movement. His sense of the injustice of the 
 treatment which the Church of Scotland ministers w^ere 
 receiving would not let him keep silence. 
 
 It was one of the members of the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, J. C. G-rant, Esq., advocate, son of John G-rant, 
 of Lachine, who was selected to go to G-reat Britain as a 
 commissioner to plead the cause of the Presbyterians be- 
 fore the G-eneral Assembly of the Church of Scotland and 
 His Majesty's G-overnment. The following documents 
 give the history of the movement : — 
 
 To the King's Most Excellent Majesty : — 
 
 The most humble petition of His Majesty's most faithful and loyal 
 subjects, the Ministers and Elders in connection witli the Established 
 Church of Scotland in Upper and Lower Canada. 
 
 Most Gracious Sovereign : — 
 
 AVe, the Ministers and Elders in connection with the Established 
 Church of Scotland in Canada, humbly beg leave to represent to Your 
 Majesty the great disadvantages under which we at present labour in 
 these colonies, in consequence of the church to which we belong having 
 no legal provision made by public authority for its support. 
 
 And we would most humbly represent to Your Majesty that means 
 exist in tliis country which will ultimately be available for this purpose, 
 and, as we conceive, amply sufficient; lands having been reserved both 
 in Upper and Lower Canada for the support of a Protestant Clergy, of 
 which the rents, however inconsiderable at present, may be confidently 
 expected to form, at some distant period, a revenue that would aflTord a 
 sufficient provision for the support of a Protestant ( "lergy in connection 
 with both the Established Churclies of Great Britain. We, therefore, most 
 humbly pray Your Majesty to be graciously pleased to grant that a por- 
 tion of said lands be appropriated for the support of a branch of the 
 Church of Scotland in Canada- 
 
 J. SOMERVILLE, ) 
 
 H. ESSON, f Ministers. 
 
 HUGH URQUHART. J 
 
 GEORGE GARDEN, 1 
 THOMAS PORTEOUS, 
 
 PHILIP ROSS, I 
 
 P. LESLIE, I pj, 
 
 ROBERT ARMOUR, ^^^'ners. 
 .TAMES CARSUELL, 
 
 H. Mackenzie, 
 
 THOMAS BLACKWOOD. J 
 Montreal, 12th December, 1822.
 
 405 
 
 [Copy.] 
 
 Downing Street, 19th March, 1823. 
 Mv Lord, 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's dispatch 
 of the 24th January last, transmitting a petition to His Majesty from the 
 Ministers and Elders in connection with the Established Church of 
 Scotland in Upper and Lower Canada, praying for the legal establishment 
 of their church in those provinces, and of an adequate provision for the 
 clergy thereof ; and to acquaint your Lordship that I have laid the same 
 before His Majesty. 
 
 I have the honor to be, etc., etc., 
 
 (Signed,) BATHURST. 
 
 Lieutenant General, 
 
 The Earl of Dalhousie, G. C. B., 
 
 Etc., etc., etc. 
 
 [Copy.] 
 
 Downing Street, 26th June, 1826. 
 My Lord, 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's dis- 
 patch of the 24th March last, transmitting memorials from the difterent 
 congregations and ministers of the Church of Scotland in Canada, praying 
 for pecuniary aid from His Majesty's Government, and recommending 
 the same to my most favourable consideration. In reply, I have to ac- 
 quaint your Lordship that I am of opinion it would be certainly desirable 
 to grant salaries to the Ministers of the Church of Scotland, and in the 
 event of any funds being placed at His Majesty's disposal, by the sale of 
 Crown Lands in Lower Canada, I shall be very ready to entertain the 
 applications which you have recommended, but at present, I can only 
 express my regret that the want of means prevents me from complying 
 with the petitionary request. 
 
 I have, etc., etc., etc., 
 
 (Signed,) BATHURST. 
 
 [A true copy.] 
 
 H. MONTIZAMBERT, 
 
 Asaist-Secretary. 
 
 " A meeting of the clergymen of the Church of Scotland 
 resident in Upper and Lower Canada, accompanied by lay 
 members from their respective congregations, was held at
 
 406 
 
 Cornwall, on Wednesday, the 30th day of January, 1828, 
 to devise such measures as they might deem most expe- 
 dient for promoting the interests of the church at this im- 
 portant crisis. Present : the Rev. Dr. Harkness, Mr. Esson, 
 Mr. Mathieson, Mr. Connel, Mr. Urquhart, Mr. Machar, 
 Mr. McKenzie. ministers ; — the Hon. Neil MacLean, Mr. 
 John MacLean, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. McGillivray, elders ; 
 and Mr. Robert Simpson, William Dunlop, Esq., and Mr. 
 Neil Mcintosh." 
 
 " It was agreed, among other items of business, to take 
 into consideration what might be the best method of pre- 
 paring an Ecclesiastical Chart, exhibiting the errors of 
 Dr. Strachan's, and a correct statement of our own church, 
 &c., which, after some discussion, was referred to the fol- 
 lowing members, viz. — Messrs. Esson, Mathieson and Dr. 
 Dunlop, to report thereon." 
 
 " The prevailing report respecting Mr. McLaurin's ap- 
 plication to be admitted into holy orders in the Church of 
 England, on the score of a conscientious preference, was 
 next taken into consideration, and the following brethren, 
 viz., Messsrs. MacKenzie, Connel, and Urquhart, directed 
 to take such steps to ascertain the facts of the case as to 
 them might seem fit." 
 
 The reference here is to the Rev. John McLaurin, minis- 
 ter of Lochiel, in Glengary, a native of Breadalbane, Scot- 
 land, who came to this country in 1819, and with whom 
 Dr. Strachan had opened a correspondence, encouraging 
 him to join the Church of England. Mr. McLaurin, how- 
 ever, proved constant to his own church, and died in its 
 ministry, in 1833. Speaking of Archdeacon Strachan's 
 endeavors to spirit Presbyterian ministers into the Angli- 
 can communion, gives occasion to relate a good anecdote 
 bearing on the subject. Among others whom he had 
 endeavored to influence, in this direction, was Rev. Mr. 
 Jenkins of Markham, Ontario, connected with the Asso-
 
 40*7 
 
 ciate Synod of Scotland. Mr. Jenkins had continued proof 
 against Dr. Strachan's arguments. The stipend at Mark- 
 ham was small, and Mr. Jenkins was not able to afford 
 a new coat after the nap was worn off the old one. Meet- 
 ing Mr. Jenkins one day, the Archdeacon stroked down 
 his coat sleeve,' and remarked that it was getting rather 
 bare. " It may be bare, Dr. Strachan," was the prompt and 
 witty rejoinder, " but it has never been turned." 
 
 " St. GrABRIEL STREET ChURCH, 
 
 Montreal, 7th February, 1828. 
 
 '' The sub-committee appointed by the General Meeting 
 of the Church of Scotland, resident in Upper and Lower 
 Canada, &c., held at Cornwall, on the 5th of February, 
 1828, met this day in the St. Gabriel Street Church, 
 present : — 
 
 Dr. Harkness, "William Dunlop, Esquire, Revds. Messrs. 
 Mathieson and Esson. 
 
 Resolved, — That by virtue of the powers vested in them, 
 that the Rev. Messrs. Somerville and Black, and Messrs. 
 J. Scott and Cairns be added to their number. 
 
 Resolved, — Tha^ the memorial to the General Assembly, 
 now submitted, be approved, and a copy sent to the 
 General Committee of the two Presbyterian Churches in 
 Montreal, to be laid before their meeting to-morrow." 
 
 "A letter from "William Dunlop, Esquire, addressed to 
 the Rev. Dr. Harkness, chairman of the committee of the 
 Church of Scotland, in the Canadas, was read — the draft 
 of instructions to our agent was read and ordered to be 
 transcribed : — 
 
 " To the Venerable the General AssemVily of the Church of Scotland, — 
 The memorial of clergymen and laymen representing the different con- 
 gregations in Upper and Lower Canada in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, composing a meeting held at Cornwall, Upper Canada, on the 
 thirtieth day of January, 1828, Hvmiily Sheweth : —
 
 408 
 
 " That your memorialists, the clergy and laity representing their breth- 
 ren in Upjier and Lower Canada, are in full communion with the Estab- 
 lished Church of Scotland. 
 
 "That they come before your venerable court to represent in behalf of 
 themselves and their brethren in these provinces their claims and wants, 
 and to solicit your assistance and support in their application to His 
 Majesty's Government for the purpose of obtaining a legal and permanent 
 provision for the support of the Church in this part of the P^mpire." 
 
 " That while your memorialists deem themselves entitled l)y the funda- 
 mental laws of the British constitution, to obtain the advantage of a full 
 legal recognition in the same manner as the sister Church of England, — 
 they are, in point of fact, placed in a situation almost as disadvantageous 
 as any of the Protestant dissenters." 
 
 At the same time there was read by Mr. Esson, a draft 
 of instructions, for Mr. Grant ; also a draft of a memorial 
 prepared at said meeting, to the General Assembly of the 
 Church of Scotland. It ran as follows : — 
 
 " Cornwall, 1st. Feb., 1828. 
 
 " SiE, — A meeting of the clergy of the Church of Scotland,, resident in 
 Upper and Lower Canada, together with lay members from their congre- 
 gations, having appointed you their agent in Great Britain, request your 
 attention to the following instructions which they have drawn up for your 
 guidance in your naission." 
 
 " As the attachment of the Presbyterians ^o their own church 
 has been called in question, and their number represented 
 as inconsiderable, we are perfectly willing that the condi- 
 tions on which the Government aid shall be afforded pre- 
 viously require a certain amount of voluntary contribu- 
 tions from the members of every congregation, claiming 
 'such assistance, as well as such a number of heads of 
 families as may appear to His Majesty's Government suffi- 
 cient to constitute a congregation. 
 
 " We particularly recommend the establishment in the 
 East Indies, as being most likely to attbrd the best prece- 
 dent on which to found our claim to a lonnection with the 
 Church of Scotland, and as we have now in some measure
 
 409 
 
 obtained a recognition and provision in the Provinces, our 
 agent will not fail to urge on the church, the i^ledge which 
 she has given to incorporate us wath her in some measure 
 or other when these conditions should be fulfilled." 
 
 " Minute of G-eneral Committee of the two Presbyterian 
 Churches, in Montreal. 
 
 " Meeting at St. G-abriel Street Church. 
 
 Montreal, 9th February, 1828. 
 
 " The Eev. Mr. Mathieson, chairman, Rev. Messrs. Esson, 
 Somerville, Black, J. C. G-rant, Esq., Messrs. Sweeney, 
 Porteous, Ferguson, Jr., Scott, Bride, Rev. Mr. G-ale, Dr. 
 Caldw^ell, Messrs. Armour, "Wm. Blackwood, Cairns, 
 Simpson, C. Sweeney, Jr., Douglas, J. Mackenzie. 
 
 " A statement of facts in regard to religious matters in 
 Canada, in lieu of a chart, in connection of Dr. Strachan's- 
 chart. 
 
 " Much discussion was occasioned in the Provinces by 
 the publication of Dr. Strachan's chart, (the 2nd one. of 
 1826) ; there was a very general feeling that it was calcu- 
 lated to give most inaccurate impressions in regard to the 
 religious statistics of the country, and that, not so much 
 from direct, absolute departure from the truth, in the 
 statements actually made in it, (though several of these 
 are unfounded, and many of them distorted), as by leading 
 immediately and unavoidably to the most erroneous infer- 
 ences and conclusions on the subject. For instance, he 
 states accurately enough the number of the Episcopalian 
 clergy, but the inference which would naturally be drawn 
 by any one not particularly acquainted with the Province, 
 that the population is mostly Episcopalian proportionate, 
 viz., to the number of the clergy, would be very wude of 
 the truth : — He further states the number of the Scottish 
 clergy to be two. which w^as nearly true, as to the latter.
 
 410 
 
 there being only three (he takes no notice of Mr. Connel) 
 when the Doctor left Canada last year, which leads to a 
 conclusion equally erroneous in regard to the proportion 
 which Presbyterians bear in the population of the Province, 
 and would also go to prove that the Church of Scotland 
 was just expiring." 
 
 The following questions issued by a committee of the 
 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, played an 
 important part historically in connection with the Clergy 
 Reserves discussion. 
 
 QUERIES : 
 
 1st. Wiiat is understood to be the number of persons in the district of 
 
 wlio are attached to the doctrine, government, and worship 
 
 of the Church of Scotland, and who would esteem it a privilege to have 
 access to the ministrations of a clergyman of that established church ? 
 
 2nd. Have any churches been already built within the district, — and, 
 if any, are they at present supplied, or are they vacant ? 
 
 3rd. AVho are the ministers (if any) in the district, and by what Pres- 
 bytery of the Church of Scotland have they been licensed or ordained? 
 
 4th. What stations within the bounds of the district would be most 
 suitable for the erection of churches for the accommodation of settlers 
 desirous of maintaining communion with the Church of Scotland ? 
 
 6th. What contributions might be expected for the erection of such 
 churches, and for the maintenance of ministers ? 
 
 6th. What accomodation would the people undertake to provide for tlie 
 ministers? 
 
 7th. Would security be given for the payment of a certain annual sum 
 to each minister? 
 
 8th. What provision is made for the education of youth, and is there a 
 disposition to furnish adequate encouragement to well qualified teachers ? 
 
 9th. What proportion of the existing teachers may be considered as of 
 the principles of the Church of Scotland ? 
 
 lOtli. Are the teachers in general natives of Great Britain (distinguish- 
 ing England, Scotland and Ireland), or of the United States, — or of the 
 colonies ? 
 
 11th. Have any of the teachers received the education necessary to 
 I>repare them for receiving licenses as Preachers from Presbyteries of the 
 Established Church of Scotland, — or have any of them actually received 
 license to preach ?
 
 411 
 
 12th. Are any other particulars known, which it might be of importance 
 to communicate to this committee? 
 
 It is earnestly requested that answers to the above queries may be 
 addressed within a month after the receipt of this paper to , who 
 
 will take the earliest opportunity of transmitting them to Scotland. 
 
 (Signed, JOHN LEE, 
 
 Convener of the Committee. 
 
 These were the questions, for sending out which to 
 Canada, Dr. Strachan fiercely assailed Dr. Lee. 
 
 The following was the substance of the answers re- 
 ceived from the places mentioned below : — 
 
 " In the city of Montreal there are two congregations 
 under the ministration of Presbyterian clergjnuen of the 
 Church of Scotland, and one under the charge of an 
 American clergyman ordained by the Presbytery of New 
 York. The first two congregations consist of upwards 
 of 800 souls each. Mr. Christmas, the American clergy- 
 man, estimates the number of souls in his congregation 
 at between 6 or YOO, but does not state the number of his 
 communicants. In the one of the two Scotch churches 
 the number of communicants is above 335— in the other, 
 about 170. Signatures of heads of families have been 
 given to the petition in Montreal, representing a Presby- 
 terian population in the town of upwards of 1,600 ; and 
 at the cross, a sort of village about two miles from Mont- 
 real, the petition has been signed by 42 heads of families, 
 making in that place and vicinity a population of 195." 
 
 " On the opposite side of the Saint Lawrence, and about 
 9 miles distance from Montreal, in the village of Laprai- 
 rie, from it and the surrounding country, the petition 
 has received the signatures of 163 heads of families, re- 
 presenting a population of upwards of 600 desirous of 
 obtaining the ministration of a Presbyterian clergyman 
 of the Church of Scotland." 
 
 " From Rawdon, our information is very meagre. Mr.
 
 412 
 
 Holiday, resident there, states that there is no Pres- 
 byterian Church, but that they have divine service per- 
 formed occasionally, by Mr. Brunton of Ste. Therese — 
 that there is a school, the teacher of which is a Scottish 
 Presbyterian — that any dependence in a pecuniary point 
 of view would be very precarious — that any contribution 
 for a minister, would be in kind — that labour would be 
 cheerfully given ; and he gives the following census of 
 the Township — Presbyterian, 92 heads of families ; Roman 
 Catholics, *72 do ; Episcopal, 20 do. The petition received 
 *73 signatures from Rawdou." 
 
 " Mr. Somerville, of Lachine, states that in that village 
 and neighbourhood there are about 339 Presbyterians, 
 and the petition received signatures representing 189 — 
 that there about 70 Episcopalians and 1,400 Roman Ca- 
 tholics. The Presbyterians have entered into a subscrip- 
 tion, which amounts to .£130 5s. 5d. for the erection of a 
 church, and .£66 15s. of annual salary to a clergyman of 
 the Church of Scotland." 
 
 " From the seigniory of Beauharnois, the petition has 
 received the signatures of 188 individuals, representing a 
 population of 791, and in answer to Dr. Lee's queries, it 
 is stated by a committee consisting of seven individual 
 residents there, that an earnest desire exists to obtain the 
 religious privileges which they enjoyed in their native 
 country, and unfeigned gratitude and satisfaction for the 
 interest which the parent church is taking in their 
 spiritual welfare." 
 
 Lord Dalhousie encouraged the Presbyterians to press 
 their claims, and when Mr. Grrant was setting out on his 
 mission in this connection, the Governor-G-eneral fur- 
 nished him with the following letter, with a view to 
 facilitating his undertaking : — 
 
 " The bearer of this, James C. Grant, Eaquire, proceeding to England 
 on public affairs of considerable importance, lias carried with him a cer-
 
 413 
 
 tain quantity of books and documents necessary to the object of hi? mis- 
 sion. I respectfully solicit for him all the favour that can be with pro- 
 priety granted him, in putting these in his luggage at the Custom House 
 where he may land. 
 
 " (Signed,) DALHOUSIE, 
 
 " Governor-General in 
 " British North America. 
 " Quebec, 14th February, 1828." 
 
 " At Edinburgh, the 2nd day of June, one thousand 
 eight hundred and twenty-eight years. — Session ult. 
 
 " Which day the G-eneral Assembly of the Church of 
 Scotland called for the report of the Committee on the 
 Canada petitions, which was given in by Dr. Lee, the 
 convener, and along with it a Memorial of the clergy and 
 laity of Upper and Lower Canada, in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, and an overture from the Presbytery 
 of Paisley, relative to Presbyterian colonists in British 
 North America. 
 
 " It was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed to : — 
 
 " That the General Assembly feel a strong interest in the prosperity of 
 His Majesty's Presbyterian subjects in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, and resident in the British colonies of North America, more 
 especially in their spiritual interests, and the provisions which they require 
 for promoting and maintaining them. That it is, so far, highly satisfactory 
 to know that the countenance of His ^lajesty's Government has been ex- 
 tended to them in some degree, — and the General Assembly entertain the 
 hope that some further provision will be granted as may make them, not 
 only to obtain a legal and permanent i)rovision, but also to enjoy the civil 
 and religious liberties, which they respectfully look for as a people, in com- 
 munion with this established church, and a valuable body of settlers in 
 His Majesty's North American Provinces. That the Assembly approve of 
 the report made by Dr. Lee, and re-appoint the Committee, with instruc- 
 tions to aid by Petition or otherwise, the applications, at present making 
 to Government, by the Scottish ministers in communion with the Church 
 of Scotland in the North American colonies, for a legal and jiermanent 
 provision, and the full exercise of all their rights and privileges, as minis- 
 ters in connection with one of the Established Churches of Great Britain ; 
 and the said committee, of which Dr. Lee is the convener, is hereby re- 
 quired to report to the next General Assembly. 
 
 (Signed) JOHN LEE, 
 
 Eccl. Sec"
 
 414 
 
 The following' is the copy of a letter from Dr. Mearus : — 
 
 " King's College, June 27th, 1S28. 
 
 " My Dear Sir :— Since meeting you and Mr. Urquhart on tlie 7th iiist.' 
 I liave received an an.gwer to the last ^Memorial of the Committee of 
 Assembly, making an allusion to the former method proposed for aiding 
 the Presbyterian ministers of the provinces, but bearing, That whenever 
 a convrresation in any of tliese provinces shall have erected a suitable place 
 of worship, and he prepared to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Church 
 of Scotlaml, and to contribute according to their means, towards the main- 
 tenance of a minister, upon their presenting a memorial to the Governor- 
 in-Council, the Governor will have received His IMajesty's commands, 
 authorizing him upon being satisfied that the conditions have been duly 
 comphed with, to contribute to the support of the clergyman in such pro- 
 portion as, together with the contribution of the parties presenting the 
 memorial, maybe sufficient to afford him a competent maintenance, such 
 contribution, however, being necessarily limited by the funds which it may 
 be in the power of the crown to appropriate to such purpose, and by other 
 claims, wiiich may exist upon these funds, — on receiving this commmii- 
 cation, I immediately wrote to Lord Dalhousie, requesting to Ije informed 
 whether the lands referred to under the limitations specified, were in his 
 opinion such as might be expected to aft'ord effectual aid. His Lordship's 
 answer is not such as to afford much, if any, expectation of relief from 
 that quarter , but he says that the instructions alluded to by Mr. Wilmot 
 Horton, will, of course, be addressed direct to the Governor at Quebec ; and 
 he will not know the extent of them until his arrival there, when he will 
 send the further information. 
 
 Unless the arrangements proposed with the Canada Land Company 
 shall afford resources available, I confess I have less hopes of effectual aid 
 being derived from the quarter now jwinted at than by the method for- 
 merly contemplated by Government. As to this, however, additional in- 
 formation will be obtained In-e-and-bye. 
 
 I hope I shall hear from you on receipt. 
 I am. Dear Sir, 
 
 Very truly Yours, 
 
 (Signed) D. MEARNS." 
 
 To jNIr. Esson. 
 
 It was advautag-eous to the Presbyterian claims that the 
 Canadian Parliament, on motion of Hon. "William Morris, 
 who manfully espoused and maintained the cause of his 
 own church, until its just rights were conceded in 1840,
 
 415 
 
 passed resolutions, in 1824,memorializiug the King to place 
 the representatives of the two Established churches on a 
 par. The Grovernor of the day did not think that the Legis- 
 lature was sincere in its championship of the cause of the 
 Church of Scotland ; and he was probably right. The 
 sentiment of the country was against Established churches 
 altogether ; and it was foreseen that, if the Presbyterians 
 were allowed to share in the proceeds of the Clergy 
 Reserves, other denominations would continue to demand 
 the same privileges, until it should be found necessary 
 to abolish such privileges entirely. Accordingly, the 
 Canadian Legislative Assembly soon after took the ground, 
 which it continued to maintain until its views prevailed, 
 that ia the circumstances of the country, it was impolitic 
 and unjust to favor one denomination more than another, 
 and moved that the Clergy Reserves lands should be 
 applied to the promotion of education rather than of 
 religion. 
 
 About the beginning of 1832, "The ministers and rul- 
 ing elders of the Presbytery of Quebec," petitioned the 
 King to have the rights of the Church of Scotland to share 
 in the Clergy Reserves recognized. Amongst the passages 
 of importance, it had one thing, the legal opinions of Lord 
 Lyndhurst and G-ifford, to whom the question had been 
 submitted by the crown on a former occasion : — 
 
 " We are of opinion that though the provisions made by the 31st George 
 III., ch. 31, sections 36 and 42, for the support and maintenance of a Pro- 
 testant clergy, are not confined solely to the clergy of the Church of Eng- 
 land, but may he extended also to the Church of Scotland, if there are 
 any such settled in Canada (as appears to have been admitted in the de- 
 bate upon the passin>rof the Act) yet that they do not extend to dissenting 
 ministers, since we think the terms Protestant clergy can apply only to 
 Protestant clergy recognized and established by law." 
 
 The Secretary of State for the Colonies, in replying to a 
 former petition, had spoken of the Church of England in
 
 416 
 
 Canada, as '' the Established Church." This assumption 
 the memorialists most vigorously assail : — 
 
 " We deny the justice of their claim to be considered and styled " The 
 Established Church " in these provinces, or exclusively to apply to them- 
 selves the designation of " Protestant clergy," as used in the statute George 
 III., oh. 31." 
 
 Regarding the Clergy Reserve lands, Grovernor Simcoe, 
 on 20th July, 1796, wrote : — 
 
 '• The first and chief of which I beg to offer, with all 
 respect and deference to your grace, must be the erection 
 and endowment of an University, from which, more than 
 from any other service or circumstance whatsoever, a 
 grateful attachment to His Majesty's Government, mo- 
 rality and religion, will be fostered ajid take root through- 
 out the whole province." 
 
 The object of the statesmen and governors of the period, 
 so far as the colonies were concerned, was to foster insti- 
 tutions that would breed loyalty in the people. "With 
 this view, they thought it w^ould conduce to the better 
 attaching of the colonies to the British Empire, if both 
 education and religion were in the hands of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal clergy. Mr. Esson, however, vigorously 
 assailed this notion ; and contended that the record of the 
 Church of Scotland in its relations to both these great 
 interests was as good as that of the Chitrch of England. 
 
 The following document bears on the question of edu- 
 cation : — 
 
 ''To His Excellency, Sir James Kempt, G.C.B., Lieutenant General com- 
 manding His Majesty's forces, etc., etc. 
 
 •'The memorial of the Reverend James Harknees, D.D., minister of St. 
 Andrew's Church, Quebec, and of the Kev. Henry Esson, one of the 
 ministers of the Scotch Church, St. Gabriel Street, Montreal, humlily 
 sheweth : — 
 
 " That your memorialists, ministers of the Church of Scotland, on behalf 
 of their church and of that numerous class of His Majesty's subjects, who
 
 417 
 
 do, or may hereafter belong to her communion, having learned that Your 
 Excellency has been pleased to recommend to the legislature to make 
 some alteration in the Act establishing the Royal Institution for the ad- 
 vancement of learning in this province, feel it a sacred duty to avail 
 themselves of the opportunity, thereby offered, of humbly and respect- 
 fully representing to Your Excellency their just and constitutional right, 
 to be admitted to an equal participation with their brethren, the clergy 
 and members of the cluirches of England and Rome, in the management 
 and superintendence of education, as it now is, or may hereafter be vested 
 in the aforesaid institution. 
 
 " May it therefore please Your Excellency to take the premises into 
 your favourable consideration, and, in such manner as Your Excellency 
 in your wisdom shall see fit, recommend to the legislature in the contem- 
 plated amendment of the Act for the establishment of the Royal Institu- 
 tion for the advancement of learning in the province, to provide for the 
 due representation of the clergy and members of the Church of Scotland. 
 " And Your Excellency's memorialists, as in duty bound will ever pray, 
 etc., etc , etc. 
 
 " (Signed,) JAMES HARKNESS, D.D. 
 
 " (Signed,) H. ESSON, Minister. 
 
 " Quebec, 23rd January, 1829." 
 
 The concession at length granted to the Church of 
 Scotland made the religious communities, unprovided 
 for, clamorous to be put on the same platform. The 
 result was that, in 1832, the Methodists, the ministers of 
 the United Presbytery of Upper Canada, representatives 
 of the non-endowed Presbyterians of Scotland, and the 
 clergy of the Church of Rome in Upper Canada, had 
 the same status accorded them as the ministers connected 
 with the Established Church of Scotland — were granted 
 an annual allowance from the territorial funds of the 
 Grovernment. 
 
 This was the situation of affairs up to 1840, when, at 
 the instance of the Canadian legislature, the Imperial par- 
 liament passed the Act which authorised the sale of the 
 Clergy Reserves. The bill provided that ministers con- 
 nected with the Church of Scotland shoiild receive the 
 same advantages from the proceeds of the lauds sold as 
 B B
 
 418 
 
 those of the Church of England did. It was specially- 
 reserved, however, that all those parties to whom the 
 faith of the Grovernment had been pledged from 1832, 
 onwards, should henceforth share in the benefits of the 
 Clergy Reserves ; and thus it came about that not only- 
 ministers representing the Secession Churches at home, 
 and Methodists, but even the Roman Catholic priests of 
 the western province, curiously enough, participated in 
 an endowment which, in the first instance, was set apart 
 for the support of a Protestant clergy. 
 
 Bishop Strachan to the last opposed the admission of 
 the Church of Scotland to a participation in the advan- 
 tages of the fund, as on an equality with the Church of 
 England. " He thoroughly believed," Fennings Taylor 
 remarks, " and tried to make his belief contagious, that 
 the Anglican Church was the Established Church in 
 Canada." It was not so much, therefore, a question of 
 temporal advantage as of spiritual status he was contend- 
 ing for. Expediency had no place in his nature. Many 
 Episcopalians wished to make the best financial terms 
 possible for the church, and so were prepared to make a 
 compromise, since the judges of the Privy Council of 
 England had, on the 4th May, 1840, determined that the 
 words, Protestant clergy, were large enough to include 
 other clergy than the clergy of the Church of England ; 
 and when asked, what other, if any, they answered the 
 clergy of the Church of Scotland. But the redoubtable 
 bishop would not haul down his colours. The last time 
 his signature appears on the journals of the Legislative 
 Council of Upper Canada, it is appended to a protest 
 against the Act to provide for the sale of the Clergy Re- 
 serves and for the distribution of the proceeds thereof, by 
 which two-thirds of the unsold reserved lands were as- 
 signed to the Church of England and one-third to the 
 Church of Scotland. Reviewing the controversy, Fen-
 
 419 
 
 nings Taylor well says : " The effort on the part of friends 
 of the Church of England to place the ministers of the 
 Church of Scotland in the category of dissenters was ex- 
 ceedingly injudi(?ious." 
 
 The Imperial Act, placing the Church of Scotland on 
 the same footing as the Church of England, was a com- 
 promise that the latter agreed to. But the concession 
 came too late. Had a pact been made at an earlier period 
 between these two churches, the Clergy Reserves might 
 have been kept intact much longer. The disruption of 
 the Church of Scotland in this country took place in 1844, 
 and the ministers going out, being denied a continuance 
 of the allowance which they had been receiving while 
 in the Church, soon joined with the other denominations 
 that were opposed to endowments. Their influence turned 
 the scale against the continuance of special privileges to 
 any church or churches in Canada. An attempt was 
 indeed made in 1847 to save the fund for religious pur- 
 poses by the process known in G-reat Britain as " the 
 levelling-up process.'" All Protestant churches whose prin- 
 ciples would allow them to receive aid from the G-overn- 
 ment, were offered a share in the Clergy Reserves, and 
 amongst others the Presbyterian Church in Canada that 
 had been constituted by those who had separated from 
 the Synod in connection with the Church of Scotland. 
 Their opposition, however, could not be thus bought off. 
 The agitation was continued, and so in 1854. the Clergy 
 Reserves were " secularised," that is, the proceeds of the 
 sales of the reserved lands were handed over to the 
 several municipalities to be expended as they chose, vested 
 rights being held sacred as in the Imperial Act of 1840. 
 These rights were commuted with the several churches, 
 as was done in the case of the Irish churches ; and thus 
 j^originated the fund called the " Temporalities Fund " in 
 the " Presbyterian Church in Canada *' to-day.
 
 420 
 
 The experimeut of Pitt to reproduce Episcopacy here, 
 with bishops in the Le<^islative Council or Upper House, 
 in order to promote loyalty to the crown, failed, and is 
 not likely to be repeated, the mixture of races and creeds 
 making it impracticable, even if it were desirable. And 
 it is found that we are wonderfully loyal without the 
 preserving salt of dominant Episcopal influence.
 
 Hon. JAMES LKbLlE,
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Hon. James Leslie, — Campbell Sweeney, Robert Sweexe\', Campbell 
 Sweeney, Jp« — Dr. Caldwell — D. P. Ross — William Peddie — Coux 
 McDougall — John Jamieson — Charles Tait — Francis Hunter, Sr. 
 Francis Hunter, Jr. — J. C. Grant — James Scott — James Logan — 
 William Suter — Roderick M acKbnzie— Kenneth Walker — Thomas 
 Ross — James Court — Benjamin Workman — Alexander Workman 
 William Workman — Thomas Workman — John Dougall — George 
 Johnston — Archibald Ferguson. 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel, the Hon. James Leslie, J. P., was the sou 
 of Captain James Leslie, 15th Regiment of Foot, who was 
 Assistant Quarter Master Greneral to the army of G-eneral 
 Wolfe, at the capture of Quebec. He could trace his 
 descent from Royalty through the Earl of Rothes and the 
 Stuarts of Inchbreck, in the Mearns, the latter family 
 deriving from Murdoch, Duke of Albany, grandson of 
 Robert the second. 
 
 Mr. Leslie was born at Kair, Kincardine, Scotland, 4th 
 September, 1786, and educated at the G-rammar School, 
 Aberdeen, and afterwards at Marischal College and Uni- 
 versity of Aberdeen. He came to Montreal in 1808, and 
 commenced business on his own account. The firm was 
 known as James Leslie & Co., and in after days as Leslie, 
 Starnes & Company, Hon. Henry Starnes being his partner. 
 They were wholesale grocers and general merchants. Mr. 
 Leslie's connection with the St. G-abriel Street Church 
 began immediately on his coming to the city. In 1809, 
 he purchased pew No. 22, which formerly had been the 
 property of Patrick Robertson, merchant, brother of James 
 and Alexander Robertson, already mentioned. He was
 
 422 
 
 married to Julia, eldest daughter of the late Patrick 
 Langan, 14th December, 1815, by Rev. Mr. Jenkins, the 
 military chaplain. Mr. Langan was formerly an officer 
 in the British army, and became Seignior of Bourchemin 
 and de Ramsay. Mr. Leslie served as an officer in the 
 Montreal volunteers during the war with the United 
 States in 1812. He held a commission in the militia from 
 1811 until 1862, when he retired, retaining his rank as 
 Lieut.-Colonel. 
 
 He was one of the gentlemen calling the public meeting 
 in 1817, to organize the Bank of Montreal, and appoint 
 directors. He was chosen one of its first directors, and 
 continued to serve on the board for many years. He was 
 one of the original board of the G-eneral Hospital. He was 
 also a director of the Savings' Bank, and of the Montreal 
 Agricultural Society, in 1820. Mr. Leslie was one of Mont- 
 real's most esteemed citizens, and took high rank as an 
 honorable merchant. His popularity was shown in the fact 
 that he sat as the member of the East Ward of the city in 
 the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada, continuously, 
 from the general election in 1824 until the union between 
 the provinces in 1840. He was chosen member for 
 Yercheres, in the first general election after the Union, 
 and sat for that constituency until 1848, when he was 
 summoned to the Legislative Council. In March, 1848, 
 he became president of the Legislative Council, and held 
 this position until September following, when he was 
 appointed Provincial Secretary and Registrar. He held 
 office until October, 1851. He continiied to sit in the 
 Legislative Council until Confederation in 1867, in May 
 of which year he was appointed to the Senate by Royal 
 proclamation. He died on the 6th December, 1873, at 
 the advanced age of 87 years. 
 
 If there is any name entitled to respect and grateful 
 mention in the annals of the St. Gabriel Street Church it
 
 423 
 
 is that of Mr. Leslie. His membership in it extended over 
 a period of 65 years, longer than that of any other person 
 connected with it ; and his membership during by far the 
 greater part of that time was one of activity and devotion 
 to the interests of the congregation. He sat under all the 
 ministers that preached in the old church, from Mr. Somer- 
 ville down, and was loved and esteemed by them all. 
 Indeed, it was impossible for any one to know Mr. Leslie 
 and not to love him. 
 
 As early as 1811, he was put into office by his fellow- 
 pew-holders, being that year chosen a member of the 
 temporal committee. He was elected inl813 to the same 
 position, and again in 1816 and 1817, being vice-president 
 in the former year and president in the latter. He was 
 also a member of the special committee for providing funds 
 to procure an assistant to Mr. Somerville in 1817, and was 
 one of those who were instrumental in bringing Mr. Esson 
 to Montreal. He was ever a warm friend and constant 
 supporter of Mr. Esson. When Hon. Peter McGill resigned 
 his position as chairman of the temporal committee, at the 
 crisis in 1830, on account of his leaving for Great Britain, 
 Mr. Leslie was chosen in his place, being second only to 
 Mr. McGrill as a man to be honoured and trusted. But 
 as he had been ordained an elder, March 21st, 1819, he felt 
 that it was not compatible with discharging the functions 
 of his spiritual office to take the presidency, and so he de- 
 clined it, on the score of his being an elder. He allowed 
 himself, however, to be placed on the temporal committee 
 in 1845 and 1846, after the disruption, and in 1845, he was 
 put on a special manse committee, appointed by the con- 
 gregation, as in connection with the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada. Mr. Leslie adhered to Mr. Esson, both in 1832 
 and 1844. Mr. Thomas Blackwood and he were the only 
 elders remaining in the session, after Mr. Black's adherents 
 left the church. It was he who moved the resolution on
 
 424 
 
 January 25th, 1880, expressing the cougregatiou's couvic- 
 tiou, that Mr. Esson had exonerated himself from the 
 charges brought against him by the majority of the elders. 
 And it was he who presided at the meeting of proprietors 
 on June 30th, 1845, w^hen the congregation made changes 
 in the Rules and Regulations, wdth a view to meeting the 
 objections urged against the constitution of the Church. 
 Mr. Leslie always maintained that the proprietors had an 
 inherent right to make such changes, so long as they main- 
 tained the forms of worship practised in the Church of 
 Scotland. He stood out stoutly for the right of the con- 
 gregation to a share of the services of the Free Church 
 deputies, which the Cote Street organization claimed 
 altogether. With Mr. Johnston and Mr. Gunn, he 
 offered his resignation as an elder in 1845, when fault 
 was found with the composition of the session by the 
 Free Church Committee ; but the resignation was not 
 accepted, on the ground that it would be disastrous, 
 in the situation in which things then were, to leave 
 the congregation without a Kirk-session. The effect 
 upon Mr. Leslie of this conflict with the Free Church 
 Committee, combined with Mr. Esson's removal to Toronto, 
 was to cause him to withdraw from the prominent 
 place which he had previously occupied in the con- 
 gregation. He took comparatively little interest in the 
 affairs of the church for many years, and when Knox 
 congregation resolved to remove to their new Church in 
 December, 1865, he declined to accompany them. The 
 conffreffation in connection with the Church of Scotland 
 being reconstructed in 1866, he resolved to cast his lot in 
 with it. It was a great pleasure for the writer to visit the 
 dear old gentleman in his pleasant St. Mary's cottage in 
 Parthenais Street. A more affable and courteous gentleman 
 could not be found than Mr. Leslie. His life and character 
 were stained by no single fault. Satis jteur, sans reproche 
 might very well be said of him.
 
 425 
 
 Mr. Leslie had two sons and two daughters. Patrick 
 was married to a daughter of A. M. Delisle, collector of 
 customs. Both he and his wife are dead, as well as their 
 eldest daughter. A boy and girl survive, as the only repre- 
 sentatives of the family. Mr. Leslie's younger son, Edward, 
 died unmarried. One daughter was married to Major 
 Nairn, Seignior of Murray Bay, — and she died three years 
 ago ; while Grrace was married to Mr. John Henderson of 
 this city, who survives her. 
 
 Campbell Sweeney was inspector of potash for the city. 
 the position filled afterwards by the late Colonel Dyde. 
 A.D.C. to Her Majesty the Queen. Mr. Sweeney was a 
 victim to the first visitation of Montreal by cholera, and 
 died I'Tth June, 1832. He belonged to what was known 
 as a "good family "' in the north of Ireland. As has been 
 already seen. Rev. Mr Esson's first wife was his daughter. 
 The family were all clever, intellectually, and they occu- 
 pied a high social position in the city. The sons were 
 hot-blooded youths, and got into serious scrapes. We have 
 seen that one of them, Campbell, junior, who was a 
 lawyer by profession, got shot in the leg by a novice in 
 the use of the pistol, James Scott. He had previously had 
 an " affair of honour " with William Walker, a fellow 
 advocate, in which he came off better. He shot Mr. 
 Walker in the hand, destroying one of his fingers. 
 
 But this event did not make much stir in the com- 
 munity, compared with the tragedy in which Robert 
 Sweeney, another son of Campbell Sweeney's, was in- 
 volved. He was also an advocate, who had a misunder- 
 standing with Major Ward, an officer of the " Royals " then 
 stationed in the city. He rose hurriedly from his own 
 table, sent a friend directly to the officers' mess with a 
 challenge to Ma,jor Ward. A duel was arranged — the com- 
 batants met, May 22nd, 1838, and Sweeney, whose aim
 
 426 
 
 was always imerring-, shot his adversary dead. The only 
 witness of the affair were the seconds, who, with Sweeney, 
 fled across the lines, and a French farmer named Lauonette. 
 " The old race course " was the fatal field. Lanouette, 
 seeing what happened, said to Sweeney, "Vous-avez mal 
 commence votre journee," — "Yon have begun the day 
 badly." Major Ward was a man of splendid physique, 
 and so great a favorite in the regiment, that at his funeral 
 there was scarcely a dry eye among either the officers or 
 the men. Sweeney was indicted for murder, but as there 
 were not witnesses to testify to the deed, the grand jury 
 brought in " no bill." Public excitement calmed down, 
 and he returned quietly to the city. He had killed his 
 adversary, but an avenging conscience soon killed him. 
 G-od's laws cannot be violated with impunity. Robert 
 Sweeney had been chosen a member of the temporal com- 
 mittee in 1837, and he still occupied this position when 
 the above-mentioned disastrous event occurred. He did 
 not long survive this tragedy. It seemed to prey upon 
 his spirits, and he is said to have died of melancholy over 
 the sad event. His widow afterwards married another 
 young lawyer, John Rose, now Sir John Rose, baronet. 
 She died in 1883. 
 
 Campbell Sweeney's eldest daughter, Jane, was married 
 to Dr. Caldwell in 1822. Another daughter, Elizabeth, was 
 married to George Johnstone, of " Elm Tree," Chateau- 
 guay, who died at Lachine, in 1885. A fourth daughter, 
 Emily, never married. She died at Lachine, December Ist, 
 1885. 
 
 Mr. Sweeney owned pew No. 56, in the old church. He 
 was also a member of the committee appointed by the cour- 
 to receive back possession of the church, in 1832, from the 
 Black party that had possession of it for a year. Of course, 
 he and his family stood energetically for Mr. Esson
 
 427 
 
 So did Dr. William Caldwell, Mr. Sweeney's son-in-law. 
 He was the m edical friend to wliom Dr. Hamilton referred, 
 in his " Trifles from My Portfolio," as " making sport for 
 the Philistines" on Sunday morning, March 6th, 1831., 
 He was a son of James Caldwell, mentioned in an early 
 part of this volume, and occupied a high position in his 
 profession in this city, ranking with Drs. Robertson and 
 Stephenson, and being associated with them in hospital 
 and college work. He was a member of the temporal 
 committee during the stormy period from 1830 to 1883- 
 He took part in the meeting of 2.5th January, 1830, moving 
 a vote of thanks at the conclusion to Hon. L. Gugy, for 
 presiding. He also, as a member of the temporal committee, 
 signed the petition to the convention of Scottish ministers 
 assembled at Kingston, ^th June, 1831. He owned pew 
 No. 51. 
 
 D. P. Ross was a member of the firm J. & D. P. Ross, 
 dry goods merchants, 25 Notre Dame Street. They greatly 
 prospered, and acquired valuable property in the centre of 
 the city, embracing the Albion Hotel, on McGrill Street, 
 which still belongs to the same estate. The fact has 
 already been mentioned, that Donald P. Ross married the 
 daughter of Philip Ross, one of the elders of St. G-abriel 
 Street Church, and that being childless, his property was 
 bequeathed to the late Donald Ross, and his wife, who 
 were nephew and niece of D. P. Ross. John, the senior 
 member of the firm, never married. It was he who built 
 View Mount; and it is through their connection with his 
 estate that the Thayer's and Kirby's, the present proprietors 
 have come into possession. He was a director of the Bank 
 of Montreal in 1842. 
 
 Mr. Ross was treasurer of the congregation in the years 
 1821 and 1822, and was again a member of the temporal 
 committee in 1828. He owned pew No. 83. He was a
 
 428 
 
 staunch friend of Mr. Esson's all through the troubles of 
 1829-33, but. as we shall see. they had at last to part 
 company. 
 
 One of the most prominent of the members of the church 
 for a long time, and one of the fastest of Mr. Esson's 
 friends, was "William Peddie, of the firm of "William and 
 Stuart Peddie. hardware merchants, 127 St. Paul Street. 
 Mr. Peddie's name has already been mentioned, as a mem- 
 ber of a special committee to select a precentor, in 1816, on 
 account of his musical accomplishments. On the 1st 
 December, 1817, when the new pews in the gallery were 
 offered for sale, he bought No. 11 for <£17 10s. No. 10 in 
 the gallery was also leased to him in 1822. He was elected 
 on the temporal committee in 1818, and again in 1822 and 
 1823. In the latter year he was Yice-President. He was 
 again elected to this position in 1829, and, when "William 
 Blackwood died in 1831, Mr. Peddie was chosen by the 
 remanent members to replace him. He was made President 
 in 1833, and was still a member of the committee, when 
 he was cut down suddenly by cholera, during the second 
 visitation of that deadly malady, on 27th July. 1834, aged 
 45 years. 
 
 Mr. Peddie was a fine specimen of the Scotch merchant, 
 — a man of much natural ability, courteous and cultured. 
 He was a director of the Montreal Fire Insurance Company 
 in 1820. He never married, and his death was a serious 
 blow to the church, and especially to Mr. Esson, to whom 
 he was warmly attached, and with whom he had lived, in 
 celibate style, for several years, in part of Beaver Hall. 
 
 Colin McDougall, who bought pew No. 7G, in 1827, and 
 was elected a member of the temporal committee in 1833 
 and 1834, was a partner of the firm of Cuthbertson and 
 McDougall, importers of dry goods. St. Sacrament Street. 
 He supported Mr. Esson at the great crisis in 1830-33.
 
 429 
 
 John Jamieson, who was secretary to the temporal com- 
 mittee in 1824, and owned pew No. *73, was a member of 
 the firm of " Gillespie, MofFatt and Company." He came 
 to Montreal in 1815, and left here about 1842, returning 
 to Scotland. He died in Edinburgh in 1848. He was 
 uncle to A. T. Patterson, the present head of the firm in 
 Montreal. Mr. Jamieson was one of the trustees named 
 in Rev. James Somerville's will. His wife was a daughter 
 of Hon. Samuel Hatt of Chambly. 
 
 Charles Tait was a prominent Scotchman, in Montreal 
 fifty years ago. This was shown, not only in that he was 
 chosen a member of the temporal committee, and secretary 
 of St. G-abriel Street Church, which was counted the Scotch 
 Church, by way of eminence, for the years 1825, 1826 and 
 1829, but also in his election to the treasurership of the 
 St. Andrew's Society, continuously, from 1835 to 1841. 
 Declining re-election to the temporal committee at that 
 critical date, 1831, John Smith was chosen to replace 
 him. Mr. Tait was book-keeper in the establishment of 
 Allison, Turner and Company in his earlier days. He 
 was, at a later period, agent of the Alliance Insurance 
 office of London. Mr. Tait's father had been an elder in 
 Mr. Easton's church in St. Peter Street, but Charles pre- 
 ferred the St. Gabriel Street Church. He bought pew 
 No 69, His sympathies seem to have been about equally 
 divided between Mr. Esson and Mr. Black. Some of the 
 documents which he signed, supported the views of the 
 latter ; but when it came to the matter of going or stay- 
 ing, he determined to stay. And yet he had, by-and-by, 
 to depart from Mr. Esson's wishes, as we shall see. 
 
 Francis Hunter, senior, who signed the petition to the 
 convention of Scotch ministers at Kingston, in 1831, was 
 a retired merchant, who came from Quebec about that time
 
 430 
 
 and resided with his son Francis Hunter, junior, who was 
 in partnership with John Fisher, as a general merchant. 
 Mr. Hunter, senior, was born at Alloa, Clackmannanshire, 
 Scotland, in 1762. He sailed from London, England, for 
 Halifax, N.S., in 1792. In 1798, he had the adventure 
 with Joseph Pro van, already related at page 136. He 
 removed to Quebec about 1794 o, where he resided until 
 he came to Montreal, as already stated. About 1834, he 
 made his home at Belleville, Upper Canada, and there he 
 resided until he died, in 1853, in the 91st year of his age. 
 
 He was appointed an elder in St. Grabriel Street Church, 
 14th April, 1833, at the same time that Kenneth "Walker 
 and Greorge Johnston were ordained. He had been pre- 
 viously ordained, and had served a long time as an elder 
 in St. Andrew's Church, Quebec, under the ministry of Dr. 
 Spark and Dr. Harkness. Mr. Hunter was one of the 
 " kindest of men, honest as the sun, just as Aristides, uni- 
 versally respected and beloved by all who knew him." 
 One of his daughters was married to John Fisher, M.P., of 
 whom we shall hear a good deal by and by ; another, to 
 George Rhynas ; and a third, to Alexander Miller. 
 
 Francis Hunter, junior, who also signed the petition 
 sent up by the Esson party to the synod, in 1881, was the 
 son of the elder just mentioned. He was a partner with 
 his brother-in-law, John Fisher, as a merchant. He re- 
 moved to Upper Canada in 1834, where he continued in 
 trade for some time. Ultimately he received an appoint- 
 ment in the civil service, which he fulfilled for many years. 
 He retired in 1884, and still resides in Ottawa. He spent 
 the winter of 1885 in Montreal, but he prefers life in the 
 Capital, where he meets the people whom he has long 
 known. The writer has been indebted to his friend, 
 " Francis Hunter, junior," for much valuable information. 
 Although upwards of four score, he is so active and A''iva- 
 cious, that the designation "junior," by which he is marked
 
 431 
 
 iu the church documents of 56 years ago, seems not at all 
 inapplicable to him even now. He is younger in spirit 
 than many men of not half his years. 
 
 Mr. Hunter, "junior," was married twice, — first to 
 a daughter of Hon. Alexander Grrant, of L'Orignal, and a 
 niece of Mrs. Ferguson, the mother of Mrs. Andrew Shaw ; 
 secondly, to Mrs. Bell, whose daughter, by her former 
 marriage, was the wife of J. R. Arnoldi, mechanical 
 engineer of the Public Works, and a grandson of Doctor 
 Arnoldi, who occupied a pew in St. Grabriel Street Church. 
 Grrace Hunter, daughter of Marcella Grant, is the happy 
 wife of Rev. G-. Colborne Heine, the respected pastor of 
 Chalmers' Church ; so that Chalmers' Church has this link, 
 among many others, binding it to St. G-abriel's. 
 
 J. C. Grant, Q.C., has been already named on several 
 occasions. His mission to Great Britain on behalf of the 
 church was successful, at least, in part. The Church of 
 Scotland got thoroughly roused to enter the arena on behalf 
 of her daughter in Canada,\and this told more in favour 
 of the claims of the church here than even Mr. Grant's 
 advocacy of them before the Colonial Secretary and other 
 officials of the Government at Westminster. The cause 
 made substantial progress through Mr. Grant's agency. 
 On his return to Canada, he did not take any very promi- 
 nent part in the affairs of the congregation ; but his 
 sympathies were with Mr. Esson in the days of darkness. 
 He died after a brief sickness, on November 25th, 1836, 
 The Gazette of the following day thus characterized 
 him : — 
 
 " It is with most unfeigned regret that we announce the 
 death, last evening, of James Charles Grant, Esquire, 
 advocate of this city. The short illness to which Mr. Grant 
 has fallen, did not, till yesterday, appear to be dangerous, 
 and the sudden change from the stirring activity of life to
 
 432 
 
 the painful trauquillity of death, could not fail to have 
 produced the fearfiil gloom ^vhich pervades the circle of 
 his acquaintauce. As a friend, many can bear witness to 
 his open-hearteduess and generosity ; as a politician, he 
 was strictly consistent, and zealous in forwarding the in- 
 terests of his party — as an advocate, he was upright and 
 unblemished, — as a man and a citizen he was esteemed and 
 respected. Mr. G-rant was a native of the Province, had 
 arrived nearly to the seniority of the Montreal bar, 
 and received from Lord Aylmer, a short time prior to his 
 lordship's departure, his commission as a King's Council." 
 
 James Scott, who was treasurer during the years 1834 
 and 1835, was the head of the firm of " Scott, Tyre, 
 Colquhoun and Company," wholesale dry goods mer- 
 chants, whose warehouse w^as at the corner of St. Joseph 
 and Commissioner streets. He also signed the petition 
 to the Kingston convention inl831, in favour of the views 
 of Mr. Esson. Mr. Scott became a rich man and resolved 
 to retire from business and spend the evening of his life 
 in Scotland. The ship grounded when near the wharf at 
 G-reenock, and the effect of the confusion and alarm on 
 Mr. Scott was such that he died shortly after reaching the 
 shore. 
 
 James Logan, already spoken of, Sir William's eldest 
 brother, w^as treasurer in the years 1825 and 1826. He 
 afterwards protested against the majority's action iu separ- 
 ating from the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connec- 
 tion with the Church of Scotland, in 1844. He carried on 
 the business of his uncle, Hart, when the latter set up a 
 counting house in England, and removed thither. 
 
 At a later period he formed a partnership with Thomas 
 Cringan, under the style of " Logan, Cringan and Com- 
 pany," general merchants, in St. Sacrament Street. He
 
 433 
 
 continued to occiipy one of the old family pews, 28, but 
 27 was taken by the management for the minister's family. 
 He ceased attending church altogether after the disruption 
 in 1844, partly because he could not, with his views, 
 attend there any longer, but mainly on account of the 
 dulness of his hearing-. 
 
 William Suter, whose house was in St. Constant 
 Street, near Dorchester, was a member of the temporal 
 committee in 1833. He also signed the petition to the 
 convention of Scotch ministers at Kingston, in 1831. He 
 was a merchant for some years, but afterwards entered 
 the service of the city. 
 
 Roderick Mackenzie, who bought pew No. 23, in the o-al- 
 lery, in 1825, was a dry-goods merchant in St. Paul Street. 
 He was elected a member of the temporal committee in 
 1835, and was re-elected to this most important position 
 in 183Y and 1838. On more than one occasion, he was 
 solicited to allow himself to be nominated to the eldership, 
 but he shrank from the responsibilities of the office. 
 Mr. Mackenzie was a native of Stranach, Ross-shire, 
 Scotland, and came to Montreal in the spring of 1804. 
 He was not favourable to the movement westward of 
 the church, in 1865, and so he resolved to cast his lot in 
 with the congregation about to be re-organized in the old 
 church ; but he died on 1st August, 1866, a short time 
 before a minister was settled under the auspices of the 
 Church of Scotland. His daughter, Mary Anne, lono- a 
 Sabbath-school teacher, and secretary of the Dorcas Society 
 of St. G-abriel Street Church, became the wife of "William 
 L. Haldimaud, hardware merchant, of whom more anon. 
 
 Thomas Ross was a warm friend of Mr. Esson's. He 
 was a brother of Joseph Ross, of whom mention has been 
 c c
 
 484 
 
 already made. He was boru in Aberdeen, Scotland, and 
 came to Canada in the year 1818. He belonged to the 
 then important guild of coopers, like many others who 
 made their mark in Montreal. He was a man of stalwart 
 proportions, with a mind as vigorous as his body. He 
 was a strong believer in Establishments ; and, therefore, 
 although he had formerly stood by Mr. Esson, when that 
 gentleman forsook the Church of Scotland, Mr. Ross 
 was constrained, much as he was attached to the man, 
 to go into opposition. He was one of the 2Y protesters, 
 in 1844, against the occupation of the old edifice by the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada. Mrs. Ross and the 
 children continued to attend the church for about twelve 
 months after this ; but as Mr. Ross would not accompany 
 them, they all left and went as a united family to St. 
 Paul's. He died, 15th December, 1864, 84 years of age. 
 
 Joseph Moore Ross, merchant of Montreal, who was 
 long the Treasurer of St. Paul's Church, and a member 
 of the Board of Trustees of theMinisters' Widows' and 
 Orphans' Fund of the Church of Scotland, who died 
 suddenly on the 26th of June, 1868, in his 54th year, 
 was his son. Mr. J. M. Ross was also one of the eleven 
 Trustees named in the Act of Parliament, in 1864, to 
 receive the St. G-abriel Street Church back into the 
 possession of the Church of Scotland, — a fit arrangement, 
 considering that it was the church which he attended in 
 his youth. T. P. Ross, secretary of Hochelaga Cotton 
 Company, is also Thomas Ross's son, and Mrs. Whitehead, 
 mother of Col. Whitehead, is his daughter. 
 
 Mention has already been made, at page 140, of Kenneth 
 Walker. He was a stout friend of Mr. Esson's, and it is 
 to be presumed that he was one of the gentlemen whom 
 Mr. Esson wished to have ordained to the eldership on 6th
 
 435 
 
 March, 1831, to prevent which, the church was seized and 
 closed by the opposition, as he was one of the three selected 
 for the office, as soon as St. Paul's people hived off. He 
 was among the nine laying the information before the 
 magistrates on which the leading supporters of Mr. Black 
 were arrested at the church door on the date mentioned, 
 and was one of those who received the church back, by 
 order of the court, in 1832. He was a member of the tem- 
 poral committee in the years 1814,1825 and 1826, and again 
 in the critical period from 1830 to 1832, during which time 
 he was vice-president. He was allowed to exchange his 
 pew No. 98 for No. 100 in 1825. He was one of the original 
 directors of the Montreal G-eneral Hospital, and was a gen- 
 tleman of much mental activity. "When Mr. Esson resolved 
 to cast his lot in with those who separated from the Synod 
 of the Church of Scotland, Mr. "Walker was constrained to 
 detach himself from his old friend and pastor, although 
 he did it reluctantly. He dissented from the resolution of 
 the Kirk-session endorsing Mr. Esson's action, in seceding 
 from " the kirk," although his dissent was not formally 
 entered in the minute. He was also one of the 27 that 
 served the notarial protest on the majority of the congre- 
 gation in resolving to hold the church for the newly 
 formed Presbytery and Synod. The late Joseph Walker, 
 hardware commission merchant, on St. John Street, was 
 a son of Kenneth "Walker's. 
 
 G-eorge Johnston, who was ordained an elder at the same 
 time as Mr. "Walker, 14th April, 1833, if not born in Aber- 
 deen was, at least, brought up in that city. He came to 
 Montreal during the American war, about the year 1813. 
 He belonged to a family that did good service to their 
 country in connection with the Royal Navy ; but he had 
 a taste for trade, and adopted the baking business, which 
 he prosecuted successfully in this city. He was what
 
 436 
 
 was known as " Government baker." His place of busi- 
 ness was in Water Street. "Walter Benny, Robert and 
 William Watson, Mungo Ramsay, and John Anderson 
 were all engaged in the business at the same time, and all 
 filled important positions in society and in the church, as 
 well as supplied the community with the staff of life. 
 
 Mr. Johnston occupied pew No. 2, in 1843, and after- 
 wards. He was one of the committee to receive the church 
 back in 1832, as he stood by Mr. Esson, all through that 
 gentleman's ministry. At the disruption, he voted in favor 
 of his ministers position on the Free Church c^uestion. He 
 was a member of the temporal committee, under the new 
 regime, in 1845, 1846, and 1847. He tabled his resignation 
 as an elder in 1845, at the same time as Mr. Leslie, with a 
 view to paving the way for satisfying the Free Church 
 committee of twelve, and keeping them in St. G-abriel 
 .Street Church. Mr. Johnston was a man of great personal 
 worth, and having served his generation well, he fell 
 asleep, September 20th, 1875, at the advanced age of 84 
 years. Mrs. Muir, widow of the late William Muir, of 
 Muir, Ewan and Company, is his daughter. 
 
 Several members of the Workman family became con- 
 nected w4th the St. G-abriel Street Church. They belonged 
 to Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland. The first to come to 
 Montreal was Benjamin, the eldest of the brothers, who 
 reached the city in May, 1819. He was followed the next 
 year by Alexander, who arrived in Quebec 24th May, 1820, 
 and proceeded to Montreal. The first Sunday he was in 
 the city he went to St. Gabriel Street Church. His recep- 
 tion there I will let him tell in his own words : " I was 
 directed by Mr. Bent to his pew. Miss Bent, afterwards 
 Mrs. Mcintosh, secondly, Mrs. James Court, and her 
 brother, John Bent, were in the double pew. An old gen- 
 tleman, Mr. Fraser, also. He held the pew door firmly
 
 437 
 
 However, my brother and I took our seats peaceably. 
 After service, I said 'I am off to Philadelphia— this is a 
 horrid place.' Having been waited on by several, — Benja- 
 min Hart, James McG-ill Desrivieres, Benjamin Beaubien, 
 Colonel Leviscount, Mrs. Solomon — to accept private 
 tuition in their families, so I remained in Montreal, not 
 a bad old place." 
 
 Benjamin's first position was principal teacher in the 
 Union School, Pres de ville, in 1820. At a later period, he 
 kept school in Chenneville Street, near Craig Street. ' In 
 1829, as we have seen, he became joint proprietor of the 
 Courant, purchased from Mr. Mower, and carried on print- 
 ing and publishing along with teaching. Among other 
 jobs which he did, in the way of business, was printing 
 one of the two celebrated pamphlets, that were issued in 
 connection with the Black-Esson trouble— a job for which 
 he never got paid. He kept neutral in the embroglio, 
 although naturally disposed to sympathize with^Mr. 
 Esson ; and the result, as far as he was concerned, was to 
 disgust him with both parties, and he left the church 
 shortly after the St. Paul's congregation was organized ; as 
 did also Thomas Workman, who had attended the church 
 from the date of his arrival in the city, July, 1827. He and 
 Benjamin then went to the American Presbyterian Church, 
 but did not join its communion. 
 
 A Unitarian minister visited Montreal in 1832, and 
 preached in Benjamin Workman's school-room, corner of 
 St. Sacrament and St. Nicholas Streets. Mr. Workman did 
 not then join the society, but did about 1840, and his 
 brother Thomas with him. Benjamin opened a Sabbath 
 school under the auspices of the Unitarian Society, in 
 1842, and continued an active member of the church 
 which was organized under Rev. John Cordner, in 1843, 
 until his removal to Toronto in 1856. 
 
 Late in life, he studied medicine, and became a physi-
 
 438 
 
 cian, as his brother Joseph was ; and, when the latter 
 was appointed superintendent of the Provincial Lunatic 
 Asylum at Toronto, Benjamin was associated with him in 
 the work of the Institution. The family pew in St. Gabriel 
 Street Church, No. 99, stood in his name. He died at 
 Toronto, 26th September, 1878, aged 84 years. 
 
 Alexander, who has given us a glimpse of his first ex- 
 periences in the city, also established a school here — an 
 English and classical school, — in Hospital Street. He con- 
 tinued to worship in St. Grabriel Street Church until his 
 removal to Ottawa, in 1844. He concludes his communi- 
 cation, from which a quotation has been already made 
 with these words : " I am now in my 90th year, — in fair 
 health, I thank my Creator, and my hatred of King 
 Alcohol." 
 
 Along with Thomas, Samuel and Matthew arrived in 
 Montreal, in 1827. Their father and mother, with "William, 
 reached the city two years later. Several members of the 
 family settled first on a farm at New Glasgow ; but they 
 had all a strong intellectual bias as well as a capacity for 
 affairs, and they drifted into the city by degrees. 
 
 William and Thomas became associated in the hardware 
 business, as partners in the well known firm, " Frothing- 
 ham and Workman," and greatly prospered. William was 
 a member of the temporal committee of St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, in 1842 ; but he also left it, and afterwards went 
 to the Unitarian Church. However, he does not seem to 
 have been quite at his ease in that communion, and he 
 ended his days in connection with Christ Church. William 
 Workman was a citizen of mark, and gave a good deal of 
 his time and thought to public concerns. As early as 1848, 
 he had been designated to a seat in the City Council, but 
 refusing to act, his place was taken by John Whitlaw. At 
 a later date he was elected mayor of Montreal, and held that 
 important position at the time Prince Arthur, Duke of
 
 439 
 
 Connaught, was stationed with his regiment in this city. 
 The address from the city to His Eoyal Highness, bearing 
 date 8th October, 1869, bore the signature, "William 
 Workman." He died, 23rd February, 1878, aged *71 years. 
 Thomas Workman, although often solicited to take part 
 in civic affairs, has so far declined. He, however, repre- 
 sented Montreal Centre in two parliaments since confedera- 
 tion, and was regarded as specially well-fitted to advocate 
 the interests of the most important commercial con- 
 stituency in the Dominion, as belonging himself to one of 
 its leading firms. He obtained a wife out of St. G-abriel 
 Street Church, Mrs. Workman being a daughter of John 
 Eadie, Manager of the Savings Bank, who long sat in 
 that edifice. The Workman family have been remarkable 
 in many ways, but in no respect more than in their 
 longevity, the three surviving brothers averaging 81f 
 years each. 
 
 Archibald Fletcher, one of the signers of the docu- 
 ment refusing to open the church, in 1831, was born in 
 G-lenorchy, Argyllshire, in 1788, and commenced business 
 in Greenock, in 1812. He left with his family for Canada, 
 in 1823, and arrived in Montreal in August. He went to 
 New Glasgow in September, and commenced life in the 
 bush ; he lived there for four years, and returned to Mont- 
 real in September, 1827, to commence his trade here. He 
 and his wife joined St. Gabriel Street Church, and were 
 members until the trouble arose between the two ministers 
 and their adherents. He sided with Mr. Black. At about 
 that time, Mr. Miles — Congregationalist — arrived in Mont- 
 real, and commenced preaching in Mr. Bruce's school- 
 room, McGill Street. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher liked his 
 preaching, and decided to leave the Kirk, and cast in their 
 lot with the Congregationalists. In the sppug of 1831, Mr. 
 Fletcher met with an accident, which resulted in his death
 
 440 
 
 iu December, of the same year. He left a widow with 
 oue sou and live daughters. The widow, with her sou, 
 carried ou the busiuess for some years after his death. 
 The late G-eorge Wiuks, dry goods merchaut, was married 
 to oue of the daughters. 
 
 Colouel Johu Fletcher is a sou of Archibald Fletcher, 
 and was born iu G-reeuock, ou the 23rd May, 1815. Johu 
 attended Mr. Bruce's school, iu McGrill Street, a school iu 
 which a number of our prominent citizens received their 
 first rudiments, and some their only education. His father 
 dying when Johu was but 16 years of age, he gave up 
 school, and assisted his mother in carrying on the 
 business. In 1834, he, with some others, organized a 
 volunteer hook and ladder company, purchasing, at their 
 own expense, a wagon, ladders, implements and uniform. 
 This company did good service until a fire department 
 was formed under the new city corporation, established by 
 charter in 1840. 
 
 When the troubles arose iu 183Y and 1838, a volunteer 
 force was formed iu Montreal. Mr. Fletcher joined the 
 Scotch company. No. 6, of the Montreal Light Infantry. 
 He served two years iu the company. When it was dis- 
 banded in 1839, he had attained the rank of sergeant. 
 
 In 1840, peace was restored to our city ; a corporation 
 was formed and a mayor ai^pointed, a i^olice force and a 
 volunteer hre department of ten companies were organized. 
 Mr. Fletcher joined No. 3 company as branchman. He 
 worked his way up through the several grades to the 
 command of the company. He was appointed captain in 
 1845. In 1846, a new engine was received, when the name 
 of the company was changed from " Alliance " to that 
 of " Protector." Captain Fletcher was appointed 1st 
 Assistant Engineer, iu 1849. He served iu that rank 
 uutil he joined the 100th Regiment, iu 1858, having 
 served as fireman 24 years, continuous service.
 
 441 
 
 His first appearance as an officer in the militia was in 
 184Y, when the Montreal Volunteer Fire Brigade was 
 formed into a battalion of militia, under the command of 
 Lieut.-Col. Hon. James Ferrier, then mayor of the city. 
 By the general order of May 5th, 1847, he was appointed 
 lieutenant and adjutant of the battalion, and by the gen- 
 eral order of the 22nd March, 1850, he received the brevet 
 of Captain. When the militia bill of 1855 was passed, 
 authorizing the formation of fifty rifle companies for the 
 Province of Canada, he raised one of the two allotted to 
 Montreal, and Avas gazetted captain by general order 27th 
 September, 1855. On the 28th November, 1856, he, with 
 Captain T. Lyman, was promoted to the rank of major for 
 the reasons given in the general order of that date, viz. : — 
 " Captains Lyman and Fletcher shall likewise be promoted 
 " to the rank of major, those officers having formed the first 
 " rifle companies in Montreal, and commenced the organi- 
 " zation of a force in that city, whose discipline and ap- 
 " pearance are not excelled by any corps in the province.'' 
 In 1856, he was appointed Instructor of Musketry in the 
 Eifle Corps in Lower Canada, and Drill Instructor to the 
 Rural Companies (having qualified for the appointment 
 under the Instructor of Musketry of H. M. 's Force 
 stationed in Montreal). In the spring of 1858, the 100th, 
 " Prince of "Wales," Eoyal Canadian Eegiment,was raised; 
 he was selected for a commission in it, and having furnish- 
 ed his quota of men, he resigned his appointments in the 
 militia. He served four years in the 100th. Returning to 
 Montreal, on leave, in January, 1862, during the excitement 
 of the " Trent " affair, when corps were organizing through- 
 out the province, he volunteered his services to drill the 5th 
 Battalion, " Eoyal Light Infantry," just formed under the 
 command of Lieut.-Col. Eouth. Having drilled the corps 
 for some months, he resigned his commission in the 100th 
 Eegt., joined the 5th Battalion, and was gazetted major by
 
 442 
 
 general order, 3rd July, 1862. On the 28tli November, 
 1862, he was appointed on the permanent staff of the 
 militia as brigade-major of No. 6 military district of Lower 
 Canada. Ho commanded the volnnteer brigade stationed 
 at St. Johns during the Fenian trouble of 1866. In the 
 spring of 1870, he commanded a brigade stationed at 
 Huntingdon and Hemmingford, on account of a threatened 
 Fenian invasion on that frontier. On the 28th May, an 
 advance was made, a large force, under Colonel Bagot, of 
 H. M. 69th Regiment, against the Fenians entrenched 
 at Trout River. The 50th Battalion Volunteers led the 
 advance, and he was in command of the line of skirmish- 
 ers that drove the Fenians across the border. In March, 
 1874, he was appointed deputy adjutant general, com- 
 manding No. 5 military district. During the next seven 
 years' service as D. A. G., on several important occasions, 
 he had the responsible duty of commanding the troops 
 called out in Montreal in aid of the civil power. For 
 these services he was made a C. M. Gr. by Her Majesty 
 the Queen. 
 
 He commanded successfully brigade camps at Laprairie, 
 Franklin, Granby and Sherbrooke. In 1863, with the co- 
 operation of all the officers in the country, he was success- 
 ful in organizing atHuntingdon the first Rifle Association 
 in the Province of Quebec. This Association has held an 
 annual competition up to the present time. Subsequently 
 he succeeded in having a Rifle Association formed in each 
 county in the district. These associations proved of prac- 
 tical benefit to the active militia of the district, by pro- 
 moting proficiency in rifle practice, and creating a healthy 
 spirit of rivalry in rifle shooting between the corps. 
 
 When a boy, he went to the Sunday-school of the 
 American Church, and became so attached to the school 
 and church that he remained there as scholar, teacher and 
 member, until he left the city in 1858. When he and his
 
 443 
 
 family returned to the city, they joined Chalmers' Church, 
 where they still continue to worship, and where he fills 
 the important duties of an elder. 
 
 Another member of the St. Gabriel Street Church, who 
 afterwards became a power in the land, also left the con- 
 gregation at this crisis, and connected himself with the 
 newly organized Congregational Church. This was John 
 Dougall, the great champion of temperance, and founder 
 of the Montreal Witness newspaper. He is distinguished 
 in the documents as John Dougall, junior, in contra- 
 distinction to John Dougall, senior, his father, who also 
 appended his signature to the application made to the 
 Church of Scotland ministers in 1831. They had both 
 been in attendance on the church for the previous five 
 years, and their sympathies ran out strongly towards Mr. 
 Esson, of whom Mr. Dougall continued to speak in terms 
 of the warmest affection and regard, up till the day of his 
 death. The following sketch of his life and work is bor- 
 rowed from the Daily Witness, of August 16th, 1886, written 
 by John Beattie, long the manager of the Witness printing 
 establishment : — 
 
 "John Dougall was born in Paisley, on the 8th of July, 
 1808, coming of a godly and thrifty ancestry. His grand- 
 father, Duncan Dougall, who was removed from him in 
 age by only thirty-six years, was the son of a well-to-do 
 weaver. He was a muslin manufacturer, an enthusiastic 
 Tory in the midst of surging Radicalism, and a man of 
 imperious but afiectionate nature, passionately fond of 
 flowers — a taste which descended to his grandchildren. 
 His son, John Dougall, was the greatest reader in Paisley, 
 and a keen Reformer in politics. He gave his two boys a 
 desultory education, including almost unlimited reading? 
 and a boys' literary club met at his own house. Out of 
 the six members of this club, one became a poet, and three
 
 444 
 
 became journalists of uote. His elder son had, at the age 
 of fifteen, to manage his father's manufacturing business 
 when the latter was laid up. 
 
 " He sailed for Canada at the age of 18, in the year 1826, 
 with a consignment of goods for the establishment of a 
 branch house and commission business. The travelling 
 which this business involved, and a winter spent in the 
 back woods of Lanark, familiarized him with the embryos 
 of our great cities, and with pioneer life in Canada. 
 
 " Mr. Dougall brought with him a valise well filled with 
 Paisley shawls, which in those days were very much 
 admired, — so much so that he afterwards became an agent 
 for them and other goods also. He is said to have had one 
 lady admirer of the shawls who made repeated visits to see 
 all the patterns that came out, but the shopman, noticing 
 that she never purchased any of them, suspected her of 
 having taken some that were missed. A watchman having 
 visited her abiding place, found several of the stolen 
 shawls concealed there. Mr. Dougall let her go with a 
 warning not to visit his stock again, and he retained the 
 patterns she so much admired for samples afterwards. I 
 have never known him to prosecute any person for theft 
 or any other ofience. I think he considered their morals 
 w^ould not be improved by sending them to prison, and he 
 had no faith in what are termed reformatories." 
 
 " He was so successful with the shawl business that he 
 found it necessary to form a partnership and open a branch 
 of his business in Toronto, which was conducted by his 
 brother Mr. James Dougall, the nurseryman of Windsor, 
 Ont., who, with Mr. John Redpath eventually became 
 partners. They were very prosperous in business, the 
 Bank of Montreal giving them all the credit they required ; 
 but a crisis came on which brought the partnership to a 
 close, the debts, for the most part, having been afterward 
 paid otf. A produce commission business, and a book and
 
 445 
 
 stationery store were soon after commenced in Montreal, 
 the name of the firm having been changed to John 
 Dougall & Co. The management of the two branches of 
 business, above alluded to, was left to others, while Mr. 
 Dougall, with Mr. James Court and another gentleman, 
 formed a temperance society, and issued a monthly publi- 
 cation in connection with it, called the Canada Temperance 
 Advocate. The Advocate changed hands, the late Mr. J. C. 
 Becket having taken the management of it, while Mr. 
 Dougall embarked in another enterprise which culminated 
 in the issuing of the Weekly Witness y 
 
 "On the 6th of May, 1871, the 25th anniversary of the 
 Witness was celebrated by the opening of a four-cylinder 
 Hoe press, followed by a social entertainment. Mr. 
 Dougall speaking, of his ancestry on that occasion, said : — 
 
 " My grandfather was a man of three books, Milton's 
 Paradise Lost, Matthew Henry's Commentaries, and 
 Young's Night Thoughts, and these were the only books 
 his grandchildren were allowed to read on the Sabbath 
 day beside the Bible. My grandmother, who belonged to 
 Ayrshire, (and whose grandfather, a staunch Cameronian, 
 had been concealed for two years in a peat stack, for fear 
 of the troopers of Claverhouse and Dalziel) had more old 
 ballads by heart than any person I ever met with, most of 
 which never appeared in print, either in Scott's Border 
 Minstrelsy or any other collection. My father was one of 
 the two greatest readers connected with the Paisley 
 Library, and the number of volumes each of them read 
 weekly would appear fabulous in this country. William 
 Motherwell, the celebrated poet, whose pathetic piece, 
 ' My heid is like to rend, Willie, my heart is like to break,' 
 stands high in Scottish poetry, came near to the first two 
 for devouring books. Besides a constant supply of books 
 and periodicals from the public library, many of which I 
 read or heard read, there was in the house a choice, private
 
 446 
 
 library, gathered with great taste by my father. It cou- 
 taiued Inchbald's ' British Theatre,' iu some thirty volumes, 
 and the choicest of the British poets, as well as trausla- 
 tions of the works of the great poets of G-ermany, France, 
 Spaiu and Italy, aud most of these I read when quite a 
 child, with uutiring avidity. My father's memory was 
 richly stored with the finest poetry in the English lan- 
 guage, which he frequently repeated, and my memory also 
 retained, without effort, very many passages from favourite 
 authors, especially from Byron's ' Childe Harold,' and 
 'Turkish Tales,' and Scott's poems, which were then fresh 
 from the press. In addition to such varied reading, we 
 had the Edinburgh and Quarterly Revievjs, Blackwood's and 
 Constable's Magazines, and the Glasgoiv Chronicle, which was 
 then the leading newspaper of the west of Scotland, on the 
 Whig or Liberal side. This paper, I often, when very 
 young, read aloud to my grandfather. There was a street 
 club in Paisley in which my grandfather took a prominent 
 part, and I used to listen with much interest to its discus- 
 sion of questions, which were conducted with an ability 
 unsurpassed by the public journals. The Edinburgh Review 
 was the leader of public opinion on the Liberal side at that 
 time, and the curb-stone club, at the foot of the News 
 street of Paisley, was about two years ahead of the Edin- 
 burgh Revieia in advancing the great questions of free trade, 
 repeal of the corn-laws, parliamentary reform, &c., &c., all 
 of which were accomplished within the next thirty or 
 forty years. 
 
 " Nurtured on such mental food, I early aspired to be a 
 writer myself, and an unfinished epic, in imitation of 
 Beattie's "Minstrel" and a play entitled: "The Black 
 Prince," iu imitation, I need not say how distant, of 
 Shakespeare,occupied my leisure time before my fourteenth 
 year. I also wrote for the Grlasgow Chronicle and Black- 
 vjood's Magazine about the same age, and never felt so proud
 
 447 
 
 before or since as when a letter of mine appeared in the 
 Chronicle: but no notice was ever taken of what I sent to 
 Blackv)Qod. 
 
 " My father encouraged a number of young- men of a liter- 
 ary turn to gather weekly in his house for the reading of 
 original essays, poems, etc., and I cannot but regard it as 
 somewhat remarkable, that of six that thus met, four should 
 afterwards have become editors of newspapers, and one of 
 them, Wm, Cross, a poet of considerable fame. After 
 coming to Canada in 1826, 1 wrote a considerable number 
 of pieces in prose and verse for the Montreal Herald, but 
 soon poetry and politics were merged in business and 
 amusement, and it was not until I had been some eight 
 years in the country that the old tastes revived in a new 
 line. About the year 1835, I became editor of the Canada 
 Temperance Advocate, published by the Montreal Temper- 
 ance Society, a position of immense usefulness, which I 
 occupied for nearly ten years. During that time, the cir- 
 culation of the Advocate, partly gratuitous, was very great ; 
 every minister of all denominations was furnished with it, 
 — and I often from time to time meet with people yet, from 
 various parts of the country, who tell me they never tasted 
 intoxicating drinks in their lives, as their fathers took the 
 Advocate and brought up their families on total abstinence 
 principles." 
 
 The Beginning of the " Witness " 
 
 " Coming to the great enterprise of his life, Mr. Dougall 
 said : " In the winter of 1845-46, I carried out a long 
 cherished ambition, by starting a weekly newspaper to 
 advocate all the best interests of the x^eople, temporal and 
 spiritual, and oppose all that conllicted therewith. This 
 paper was the Montreal Witness, published at $3 per annum, 
 and that it was needed was rendered obvious by the very
 
 448 
 
 handsome subscription list, numbering about 800, which 
 it at once obtained. I need scarcely say the Witness was 
 religious without being sectarian, and political, irrespec- 
 tive of party. It advocated, from the iirst, the claims of 
 Evangelical religion — the Temperance reformation — the 
 Sabbath — human freedom, and every other good cause, to 
 the best of its ability, and with no uncertain sound. In this 
 course it has continued for a quarter of a century, and in 
 it, with the help of G-od, it will still persevere." 
 
 Mr. Dougall became a total abstainer fifty-one years 
 before his death — having three years before signed the 
 " half-way" pledge against spirituous liquor. Last year, 
 writing of his 50th Temperance Anniversary, he said that, 
 under God, he owed his rescue from the ordinary class of 
 companions, found in hotels and boarding houses, to Mr. 
 James Court and Mr. James Orr, who had got up a Young 
 Men's Christian Temperance Society,and who a little later 
 founded the Montreal Temperance Society. 
 
 Two sons and four daughters remain, Mr. John Redpath 
 Dougall, the present editor of the Witness ; Mr. James 
 Duncan Dougall, of the New York Witness; Miss Dougall, 
 of this city ; Mrs. A. M. Cochrane, of New York ; Miss 
 Susan Dougall, and Miss Lily Dougall. 
 
 Mr. Dougall, who had scarcely known sickness during 
 his long life, often expressed a wish to die suddenly rather 
 than to linger on a bed of sickness — -.and his prayer was 
 answered. He was living with his younger son, Mr. 
 James D. Dougall, at Flushing, Long Island, and in that 
 home, suddenly, while at breakfast, he breathed his last. 
 No man had better grounds for having no fear of the great 
 change. Not thinking of himself, and never looking back, 
 his whole aim to the end was to do more for the race 
 which already owed hira, under G-od, such a heavy debt 
 of gratitude. 
 
 Mr. Dougall's wife was Elizabeth Redpath, eldest 
 daughter of Mr. John Redpath. She died in 1883.
 
 449 
 
 Among the other names .found on the petition to the 
 convention of ministers at Kingston, in 1831, anent the 
 St. Gabriel Street Church troubles, is that of James Court. 
 It proves how difficult it was to determine the rights and 
 the wrongs of the situation, that men like James Court 
 and John Dougall should have sided with Mr. Esson, 
 while others, like John Redpath and Dougald Stewart, 
 took the part of Mr. Black. 
 
 Mr. Court came from Scotland when a youth of 18 or 19 
 years, and entered the service of his mother's brother, 
 William Blackwood, merchant. He occupied, with his 
 uncle, a seat in pew 61. Mr. William Blackwood having 
 died in 1831, his brother John took over the business, and 
 Mr. Court, who had acquired a knowledge of bookkeeping, 
 began business on his own account, as a public account- 
 ant and land agent. He was the first person in Montreal 
 who laid himself out for this as a profession ; and he greatly 
 prospered in it. The continuance of strife in St. Gabriel 
 Street wearied his young and fervent spirit, and he sought 
 peace in St. Andrew's Church. Here he worshipped 
 for some time, until differing from Dr. Mathieson, on 
 some matter involving the question of the extent to 
 which a Christian may indulge in social freedom, he 
 joined the new congregation, in connection with the 
 Secession church, organized by Dr. Taylor,in Lagauchetiere 
 Street. He remained a worshipper in this church until 
 the " Free Church " in Cote Street was started, and he 
 was added to the original twelve members constituting 
 the committee. He had differed from the session of 
 the Lagauchetiere Street Church on the question whether 
 persons engaged in the liquor trade should be admitted 
 to a place on the communion roll, he believing that 
 they ought not. He was one of the earliest champions 
 in the city of total abstinence from intoxicants. John 
 Dougall, J. S. Orr, and he organized a Christian. Young 
 D D
 
 450 
 
 Men's Society iu 1832, which led up to the formation 
 of the "Montreal Temperance Society" a few years 
 later. These three gentlemen were the founders of a 
 publication which did not a little to disseminate whole- 
 some views as to the evils of intoxication throughout the 
 land, viz., The Canada Temperance Advocate. They got 
 Rev. Dr. Taylor to edit it, and J. C. Becket to print it. 
 
 Another important public movement owed its inception 
 to him. This was the general effort to evangelize the 
 French Canadians. He had always been interested in them, 
 and had sought to do what good to them he could per- 
 sonally ; but he got little sympathy for his aspirations in 
 their behalf from old country people in the city and 
 province. They said, let the French Canadians alone — you 
 will only spoil them by educating them and lessening the 
 influence of the priests over them. The rebellion of 1837-8 
 rather shocked the British portion of the population, and 
 awakened many to perceive that there was no safety for 
 the state, except what was founded on intelligence. Chris- 
 tian people now joined him in his efforts. In 1838, a public 
 meeting was called to organize a society for evangelizing 
 the French Roman Catholics, in the American Church in 
 St. James street. There was a good deal of apprehension 
 for the safety of the building, owing to the excited state 
 of feeling at the time. But all passed off quietly, Colonel 
 "Wilgress, that grand old Christian soldier, being in the 
 chair. " The French Canadian Missionary Society " which 
 founded the institute at Pointo-aux-Trembles, and intro- 
 duced into this country a noble band of missionaries who, 
 with a large force of colporteurs, have scattered the seed 
 of the word pretty Avidely over the province, was then 
 formally established. The Rev. Dr. Taylor and Mr. Court 
 visited Great Britain and the continent in the interests 
 of the new society, and they succeeded in getting many 
 good people pledged to help the cause. During the
 
 451 
 
 thirty odd years of the Society's existence, Mr. Court 
 was the soul of the organization, as he held the respon- 
 sible office of treasurer. He fell in with the proposal to 
 hand over the work to the Presbyterian Church of Canada 
 only when he was convinced that it would be prosecuted 
 more vigorously and successfully than it could be, under 
 the new order of things in the country, by a separate 
 society. 
 
 Of Mr. Court's general character and work, I will let one 
 speak who knew him most intimately, the Rev. Principal 
 MacVicar, of the Presbyterian College. Speaking of him 
 at the funeral in Crescent Street Church, Dr. MacYicar 
 said, among other things : — 
 
 " It may be truly said that faith and prayer were at the foundation of his 
 well-defined and Christian character. He trusted in God, and in all things 
 looked to him for strength and guidance. Not only in his home, mornint' 
 and evening, but also in his private office, M-hen, as the Saviour directs, he 
 shut the door, he was wont often to Iww before God in prayer. 
 Good must it be for commercial enterprizes, when in the very heart of 
 them, and amid the busy scenes of secular activity, the hand of God is 
 thus recognized. Mr. Court had a supreme regard for the authoritv of the 
 Bible. He looked upon it not only as a revelation of grace,— the warrant 
 offaith, thefoodof the soul, an inexhaustible fountain of wisdom —but 
 also as a perfect manual of ethics, to which he was ever readvto appeal. 
 On social and religious questions, he held clear and pronounced opinions 
 and his conduct in relation to such was marked bv the decision and firm- 
 ness for which he was distinguished. . . . It is not surprising that his 
 uniform and manly fidelity to his convictions and avoAved principles 
 coupled with untiring diligence, inspired the utmost confidence in him in 
 the mercantile world, and that his business grew and prospered as vears 
 advanced." 
 
 Such a man was always ready for his Master's summons. 
 He dropped dead on one of the streets of Glasgow, Scot- 
 land, on February 14th, 1883. He had attempted to run, 
 to overtake a tramway car, and this had disorganized the 
 action of the heart. 
 
 Mr. Court had married Mrs. Macintosh, a widow, mother
 
 452 
 
 of John Macintosh, accountant, who was a daughter ofD. 
 Bent, carpenter and contractor, partner of Isaac Shay — the 
 Miss Bent of whom Alexander "Workman speaks in his 
 reminiscences of St. Gabriel Street Church. 
 
 Among others signing the memorial to the Presbytery 
 of Quebec, invoking its intervention to see that the 
 Synod's injunction as to opening the church should be 
 obeyed, were William and Robert Watson. William and 
 his brother Robert, father of the Robert signing the 
 memorial, began life as bakers. Robert, senior, had been 
 appointed flour inspector for the city. One evening, in 
 the Spring of 182*7, as the Rev. Dr. Mathieson, of St. 
 Andrew's Church and he were sitting quietly chatting in 
 his house, in Joseph Street, some miscreant fired a pistol 
 through the window, with deadly aim, and fatally 
 wounded Mr. Watson. He died a few hours afterwards. 
 This event has remained shrouded in mystery till this 
 day. The effects on Dr. Mathieson's nervous system, so 
 great was the shock he sustained, remained with him all 
 his life — affecting his utterance, as well as his powers of 
 recollection. Young Robert died about the time he 
 reached his majority. William afterwards became flour 
 inspector, and died a rich man. He left St. G-abriel Street 
 Church during the Esson-Black dissensions arid joined 
 St. Andrew's Church. A beautiful clock in that noble 
 edifice commemorates his connection with St. Andrew's 
 congregation. He was the uncle of the Ogilvies, who 
 inherited his wealth, William Watson Ogilvie being 
 named after him.
 
 CHAPTER XXIY. 
 
 The Free Church Coxtroversy— Resolutions of the Synod in 1841, 1842 
 AND 1843 — Meant to avert a disruption herb — Intlubncbs brought 
 
 TO BEAR IN THE MEANTniE — POINTS OF AgRBBMBNT IN 1844 — FlNAL 
 
 catastrophe — A DIVIDED Church — Mr. Esson's Address to his Con- 
 GKEGATioN— Resolutions of Congregation and Session — Protest 
 Served by Minority. 
 
 "We come now to the most serious crisis of all in the 
 history of the old church in St. Grabriel Street, — the 
 " Disruption." There were secessions before, not only of 
 numerous individuals, for such reasons as have always 
 influenced individuals, and still infl.uence them in ex- 
 changing one church for another, — reasons good, bad and 
 indifferent, — but also of large sections of the congrega- 
 tion, moved by some common view or feeling. Those seces- 
 sions were, however, occasioned chiefly by local considera- 
 tions ; and after a while things went on as before, and 
 new people came in to fill the places vacated by those who 
 went out. This event was farther reaching in its import 
 and effects. It was going to change the relations of the 
 church and congregation to its own past attitude on im- 
 portant questions, as well as toward many churches and 
 congregations throughout Canada. 
 
 I shall not attempt to discuss the " Free Church " ques- 
 tion. Time and space forbid. But I venture to make a 
 general remark or two on the subject. 
 
 There met in the parent Church of Scotland, as well as 
 in its off-shoot in these provinces, two currents of view 
 and sentiment, in the controversy regarding the practical
 
 454 
 
 relations of the church to the civil magistrate. One view 
 was based on an acceptance of things as they are, making 
 the most of them, — working them to the best advantage ; 
 the other upon the attainment of a state of things ideally 
 and logically perfect. The two views correspond, in a 
 general sense, with the two systems of philosophy, the 
 inductive and deductive. The inductive, or Baconian method 
 proceeds to gather the facts involved and build upon them. 
 The deductive method begins with assuming what insti- 
 tutions ought to be, and, from that lofty point of view, 
 would work downwards into the realm of facts. These 
 two streams of tendency are known in political discussions 
 as Conservatism and Liberalism, or, their extremes, tory- 
 ism and radicalism. So far as the Church of Scotland was 
 concerned, the one party known, as the constitutionalists, 
 took the order of things as they resulted in Scotland, from 
 the past — the facts as they were, the outgrowth of a reform- 
 ation of the middle ages. They wished to preserve the 
 church on the same general lines, as suited to the genius 
 of the country, and they disliked changes, even though 
 such changes might be logically defensible, and might 
 have been well enough embodied in the constitution of a 
 church that was only starting out on its career. The other 
 party were idealists, men of enthusiasm, too, restless and 
 unsatisfied until they saw reduced to fact, the high notions 
 of which their minds were enamoured. 
 
 The " Non-intrusionists " belonged to the latter class ; 
 the "Moderates" to the former. No person belonging to 
 either party would probably admit that he was under the 
 dominion of any particular law of thought. Every man 
 regarded himself as an independent investigator and actor, 
 obeying his reason and conscience, and the law of God, in 
 the course which he took. Nevertheless, there was a tend- 
 ency apparent in his position which we choose to call a 
 law.
 
 455 
 
 The Rev. Henry Essou might be expected to be found 
 in the school of theorists. Speculative Philosophy had a 
 charm for him. He was a worshipper of the ideal. 
 Every fact and institution that did not correspond with 
 his ideal, he had always denounced. Other men were 
 governed more by the matters of fact with which they 
 had to do. With them the question w^as, what can we hold 
 and maintain, of the things that are, consistently with a 
 good conscience and loyalty to the word of God. 
 
 Having premised these few remarks, as generally ex- 
 planatory of the views and courses taken by the several 
 individuals and communities in " the disruption " contro- 
 versy, I proceed to place before my readers a brief narra- 
 tive of the facts relating to the movement, so far as St. 
 Gabriel Street Church was concerned. 
 . As early as 1841, the Synod of the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland, had 
 put on record its views on the subject of the relations that 
 should subsist between the Church and the State. The 
 following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — 
 
 " I. That this Synod, in view of the trials through which the Estabhshed 
 Church of Scothind is passing, and the eventful crisis at which these have 
 arrived, do record our most aflfectionate sympathy with her, and our ear- 
 nest prayer for her success in her struggle against every encroachment of 
 the civil power on her spiritual independence and jurisdiction, and that 
 she may be a faithful witness to all Christian nations of the true principles 
 according to which the civil magistrate should support the visible king- 
 dom of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
 
 " II. That this Synod, enjoying as we do, peculiar opportunities for wit- 
 nessing the great evils that befall a nation wlien the true rehgion is not 
 duly countenanced and maintained by the civil authorities, evils which 
 have long, in the divine goodness, been averted from Scotland, regard it 
 as a great calamity, that collision has occurred between the ecclesiastical 
 and civil tribunals in Scotland, and record our fervent hope that eucli 
 steps may be taken as shall restore the interrupted harmony, so that the 
 church may l)e supported in her labours in her own sphere, and the state, 
 as heretofore, may have increasing evidence that the church is the best 
 bulwark of order, improvement and happiness among the people."
 
 456 
 
 III. " That thie synod experience the highest gratification in observing 
 the enlifrhtened and holy spirit that animates the Parent Church, her ad- 
 vancing internal purity and zeal, tlie removal of hindrances which stood in 
 the way of the return of such of her children as had seceded from her com- 
 munion ; and we do sincerely trust that the Scottish National Church, ad- 
 hering to her primitive and scriptural standards, will, ere long, exhibit to 
 Christendom such a spectacle of unity in the faith, and such an example 
 of scriptural connexion with the state, as shall give assurance that the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, for whose Crown and Sovereignty she is contending 
 will make the land an heritage that the Lord has blessed." 
 
 IV. "Tliat this synod i)etition Her Majesty the Queen, and the Imperial 
 Parliament, in support of all the just rights and claims of the Church of 
 Scotland, and, in jjarticular, that the wishes of the people be duly regarded 
 in the settlement of their ministers, and that the secular courts be pre- 
 vented from all interference with the spiritual concerns of the Church." 
 
 It may seem surprising to the people of Canada, in this 
 generation, that the members and ministers of the church 
 in this country, forty-five years ago, should have been so 
 much moved by what was happening in Scotland, while 
 little interest, comparatively, is taken to-day in the events 
 occurring in that land. But it should be remembered that 
 in those days, the ministers and the members of the church 
 in Canada alike, came from across the sea, and so were 
 familiar with what was going on, on the other side, and 
 interested in it ; while now a large proportion of both 
 the ministers and members of the church were born in 
 Canada, and have only a traditional connection with the 
 British churches. 
 
 The Synod, in 1842, also uttered its voice respecting the 
 non-intrusion controversy in Scotland : — 
 
 " That the Synod, continuing to cherish the sentiments recorded by them 
 during the last session, respecting the struggle which the parent church is 
 at present maintaining against the encroachments of the civil {)ower, and 
 cordially concurring in the great principles asserted in the resolutions of 
 the General Assembly, at their meeting lieldon the 2.3th of August, 1841, 
 and communicated to this Synod, instruct the Committee of Correspond- 
 ence to give unequivocal expression to the views of the Synod in this 
 resi^ectin the letter which is now to be transmitted to the Colonial Com- 
 niittteeof the General A.ssembly of the Church of Scotland."
 
 45 V 
 
 lu the meautime. the disruption in the Church of Scot- 
 land had taken place on the 18th of May, 1843, and 
 although full or official information regarding it had not 
 reached this country, the Synod, by a vote of 28 to 11, 
 passed the following resolutions, framed by Rev. Alexander 
 Gale, Mr. Esson's nephew, and moved by Dr. Cook, 
 seconded by Mr. E. McG-ill :— 
 
 " The Synod having maturely considered the overture 
 from the Presbytery of Hamilton, respecting a testi- 
 mony by this Church, concerning the great questions 
 which have been recently agitating the church and king- 
 dom of Scotland, and the rights and privileges of the 
 Church of Christ involved therein, and the bearing which 
 the recent determination of these questions in Scotland 
 may have on the condition and relations of this Church, 
 Resolved, — 
 
 "That this Synod record their solemn testimony on behalf of the 
 supreme headship of Christ over his Church— the rights which he has con- 
 ferred on its duly constituted otlice-beijrers to rule and minister in it inde- 
 pendently of all external control — and the privileges he has bestowed on 
 his people of exercising a free conscience in the appointment of such office- 
 bearers; as these various principles have been recently contended for 
 by the Church of Scotland ; the Synod having heretofore entertained an 
 assured conviction that these rights and privileges were substantially 
 recognized in the constitution of the Church of Scotland, as well as in 
 those acts of tlie Civil Government by which she has enjoyed the advan- 
 tages of an establishment, and firmly believing that they have full 
 warrant in the word of God, and that the maintaining them iu their 
 integrity, is essential to the well-being of the Church, and so far from being 
 incompatible with, is indispensable to a right and salutary alliance 
 between the Church and the State." 
 
 " That this Synod, while viewing with humble thankfulness the favora- 
 ble circumstances in which the members, office-bearers, and judicatories of 
 the Church are placed, in regard to their perfect exemption from secular 
 interference with their spiritual privileges or functions, and the absence of 
 the temptations wiiich such interference might occasion to discord and 
 disunion in the Church, do yet regard, with the deepest concern, the 
 present condition and prospects of the Church of Scotland ; and do 
 hereby record their deepest affectionate sympathy with those of her rulers
 
 458 
 
 and members, wlio, leaving the establishment at the bidding of conscience, 
 have thereby sacrificed temporal interests and personal feelings to an ex- 
 tent that must ever command the respect and admiration of the Christian 
 Church." 
 
 These resolutions were passed, year after year, with 
 a view to averting a disruption of the Church in Canada 
 It was hoped that by expressing sympathy with the con- 
 tendings of the mother church, on the part of the whole 
 Synod, the more ardent spirits in Canada would be con- 
 tent and not divide the church here, and this course 
 seemed likely to be successful up till the day of final 
 action. Meantime, there was a correspondence carried on 
 between the several parties in Scotland, and their sympa- 
 thizers in this country. 
 
 The matter was discussed in the Presbytery of Montreal 
 in connection with a letter from Dr. Grant, Convener of 
 the Colonial Committee, assuring those ministers that 
 continued loyal to the parent church, of all needful en- 
 couragement and assistance, so far as the means at the 
 disposal of the Committee would allow. A motion by 
 Dr. Black, thanking the Colonial Committee, was carried 
 by a vote of 9 to 6 over one by Mr. Esson, that no action 
 be taken by the Presbytery until it was seen what posi- 
 tion the Synod would take in reference to the whole ques- 
 tion. 
 
 The discussion was continued upon two overtures 
 brought before the Presbytery. Dr. Mathieson moved, 
 seconded by Dr. Black : — 
 
 " It is liumbly overtnred that tlio Synod shall declare that the connection 
 with the Established Church of Scotland as it has hitherto existed, and as 
 set forth in the declaratory enactment of Assembly, 1833, shall continue ; 
 and inasmuch as said connection involves no spiritual jurisdiction over the 
 cliurches so in connection, that the Synod shall disapprove of all agitation 
 of questions tliat tend to divide and distract our churches, and shall enjoin 
 her ministers and members to follow no divisive courses."
 
 459 
 
 A counter overture was moyed by Mr. Esson, seconded 
 by Mr. Henry : — 
 
 " It is hereby overtured by this Presbytery to the Synod, that in the judg- 
 ment of this Presbytery, there appears to be only one course to which our 
 church is pledged by reiterated declarations of her supreme judicatory, 
 that of declaring and maintaining the absolute and entire freedom and 
 Independence of the Canadian Church, which we hold with those great 
 principles to which we proclaimed our unanimous attachment in the reso- 
 lutions passed at se!=sions 1841 and 1842, as fundamental articles of our 
 Ecclesiastical constitution." 
 
 Eleven voted for Dr. Mathieson's resolution and three 
 for Mr. Esson's. 
 
 The Synod met at Kingston on July 3rd, 1844, and an 
 anxious time it M^as for all good men. The great question 
 to be settled was the future relations to the Established 
 Church of Scotland. A conference was held on the 4th of 
 July. On motion of Dr. Cook, of Quebec, it was agreed that 
 the Synod should endeavour to ascertain the points con- 
 nected with the question in which all were agreed. He 
 then placed the following propositions before the Synod : — 
 
 1. " The Church of Scotland does exercise no jurisdiction over the Synod 
 of Canada." 
 
 2. " The Church of Scotland does not claim jurisdiction over the Synod 
 of Canada." 
 
 3. " The Church of Scotland is not entitled to exercise ecclesiastical juris- 
 diction over the Synod of Canada." 
 
 4. " The adherents of the Church in this Province have ample liberty in 
 the election of their ministers." 
 
 5. "There has been no interference whatever on the part of the Civil 
 Powers, with any of our Ecclesiastical Courts." 
 
 6. " There is not, at present, so far as can reasonably be judged, any pros- 
 pect of such interference with the Ecclesiastical Courta." 
 
 7. " There is no external or legal let or hindrance to the extension of the 
 Church in this Province." 
 
 8. " Therefore the alleged causes of disruption at home do not exist 
 here" 
 
 The 4th, 5th and *7th propositions were agreed to by all. 
 Five ministers and an elder objected to the first, — five
 
 460 
 
 ministers aud two elders to the second, — three ministers to 
 the third, — and one minister, to the 6th. The objectors 
 in every case afterwards seceded. 
 
 No fewer than five separate motions and amendments, 
 on the main question, were tabled, — the first, moved by Dr. 
 Cook, seconded by Mr. James G-eorge, — the second, moved 
 by Mr. Bayne, seconded by Mr. Grale, — the third, moved 
 by Mr. McGrill, seconded by Mr. Clugston, — the fourth, 
 moved by Professor Campbell, seconded by Dr. Mathieson, 
 — and the fifth, by Mr. Urquhart, seconded by Mr. Cruick- 
 shank. Ultimately, all these motions were withdrawn, 
 except Dr. Cook's and Mr. Bayne's, — Mr. Urquhart's being 
 finally incorporated with Dr. Cook's. On the evening of 
 July 8th, a protracted and friendly and prayerful confer- 
 ence between the leaders was held, and it was thought 
 that an amicable settlement had been secured ; but during 
 the night, influences were brought to bear on the matter 
 that made a final break inevitable. The vote being taken 
 July 9th, 1844, on Mr. Bayne's amendment, against Dr. 
 Cook's motion, the former was supported by 40, — 20 min- 
 isters and 20 elders ; while the latter motion received 56 
 votes, — 39 ministers and 17 elders. 
 
 The motion carried asserted that the spiritual and eccles- 
 iastical jurisdiction of the Church in Canada had always 
 been, then was, and ought ever to be free, final and un- 
 controlled, notwithstanding any interpretations which 
 might have been or might yet be put on its " connection 
 with the Church of Scotland ;" that the Synod pledged 
 themselves to maintain this independence, and to frame 
 an Act declaring it (which was afterwards done) ; that it 
 would receive duly qualified ministers, from all Presby- 
 terian Churches holding the same standards ; and that the 
 Church in Canada was not (tailed upon to enter on a dis- 
 cussion for itself of the practical bearings of those prin- 
 ciples which had divided the Church of Scotland,
 
 461 
 
 The main difference between Mr. Bayne's motion and 
 Dr. Cook's, was as to continuing the qualifying words " in 
 connection with the Church of Scotland." Here is the gist 
 of the resolution of the minority : — 
 
 " Having assumed the designation ' in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland,' this Synod feel that by continuing any longer in this peculiar 
 connexion witli the aforesaid churcli, they would be virtually giving their 
 sanction to her procedure in the matters which led to her disruption." 
 
 And it proposed that the name in future should be 
 " The Presbyterian Church of Canada.'' 
 
 Mr. Esson supported Mr. Bayne's motion, and afterwards 
 joined in his dissent from the Synod's deliverance and in 
 his determination no longer to hold office in the Presby- 
 terian Church of Canada in connection with the Church 
 of Scotland. 
 
 On his return from the Synod, Mr. Esson lost no time 
 in giving his congregation information of his views and 
 position. He called a meeting of the people on the 30th 
 of July, and addressed them at length. The following 
 passages from his address are given, because they state 
 the grounds on which the claim of the majority to hold the 
 property afterwards rested, in the protracted litigation : — 
 
 " How will St. Gabriel Street Church be affected by what has come to 
 pass at the late session of the Synod ? If it be the fact, as I have stated, that 
 no change has been wrought in the constitution of the Colonial Presbyterian 
 Church, or in the Civil or Ecclesiastical relations, then it follows that all 
 things still are as they were. If it be objected to that I, the minister of the 
 congregation, have made myself a party to the forming of a new Synod, 
 and— separating myself from the old connection— have entered into a new 
 one, my reply is, that in so doing, I have not gone beyond the just limits 
 of my freedom and power, as a minister of the Church, or as a subject of 
 the Civil Government. For let me advise you all, that the title deeds of 
 the Church, its rules and regulations, framed by the proprietors for its govern- 
 ment in its temporal concerns, and more especially in the election of its 
 pastors, and rai/ ordination votes, are all that I know as describing and deter- 
 mining my duties and obligations, and the condition on which I hold my 
 rights and emoluments, my status and office, as pastor of St. Gabriel 
 Street Church."
 
 462 
 
 "There is nothing in any or all of these put together — which prescribes 
 to me any rule or condition limiting my perfect liberty of will or action in 
 regard to forming or dissolving, exercising or renouncing such connections. 
 I am under no obligation in any wise to connect myself as your minister, 
 with any church or ecclesiastical court, in or out of the colony. Neither am 
 I hindered so to do if I please. There is nothing in the bond between us to 
 put any restraint on your perfect freedom, or mine, in regard to such con- 
 nection. I was for more than twelve years a minister of St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, wlien it was much more upon the footing of an Indejiendent, or 
 Congregational, than a Presbyterian Church. During all that time, we had 
 no connection whatever with any other ecclesiastical body, save what in 
 the looseness of common s{)eaking is called such, namely, a friendly and 
 free-will interchange of counsel, sympathy and succour, all of which we 
 received from the church of our fathers, and especially from that section of 
 it W'hich is now disestablished. But this, as I have said, is a connection 
 like that of a father with his son, who is come of age. It touches not the 
 independence and free-will, and free action of the latter as defined by the 
 civil law. This distinction, it is extremely necessary to bear in mind, as 
 ignorance, or inadvertency in this point has, I fear, given rise to much mis- 
 apprehension and blundering, both in and out of the Synod, and a due 
 attention to it may prove of some efficacy to preserve peace and unity." 
 
 Mr. Esson coutimied : — 
 
 " That this church was uot in connection, or even in 
 communion with the Established Church of Scotland be- 
 fore I became one of its pastors, is demonstrated by the 
 fact, that then for the first time, an application was made 
 by the resolution of a general meeting of the proprietors 
 to have such connection recognized by the Parent Church. 
 To secure, if possible, the success of this application, I 
 went up after my ordination by the Presbytery of Aber- 
 deen, to the meeting of the General Assembly, in 181*7. 
 The application gave rise to a short discussion, in which, 
 I remember well, the late Sir Henry Moncrieff, with his 
 characteristic penetration and sagacity, put some ques- 
 tions to those who supported the petition, and finding 
 that the late Mr. Somerville, my predecessor, was a li- 
 centiate of the Relief Church, he declared his opinion, in 
 which the Assembly appeared to acquiesce, that the 
 Church could scarcely be received into communion, much
 
 463 
 
 less into connection, so that it was rather a stretch of 
 their authority, and an act of courtesy and indulgence 
 on the part of the Assembly, when they passed a declara- 
 tion, of which I myself was the bearer to Canada, that 
 St. Grabriel Street Church, having now a regularly or- 
 dained minister of the establishment, would be held to 
 be in full communion with the Mother Church. They 
 are quite mistaken, therefore, as can easily be proved by 
 reference to the Title Deeds and Rules of the Church 
 — who contend that the minister is required to be in con- 
 nection or even in communion with the Church of Scot- 
 land : 
 
 " 7. To prevent anything like a mistake respecting the electing of a 
 minister, it is hereby provided and always to be understood, that no pro- 
 prietor, as is pointed out in the fifth article, upon any pretence whatever, 
 shall give his vote to any person but to one who shall have been regularly 
 bred to the ministry, and who shall have been licensed by some regular 
 Presbytery in the British Dominions, by producing credentials to ascer- 
 tain the same, and who shall profess to be of the persuasion, and who 
 shall adhere to the laws, government and mode of worship of the Estab- 
 lished Church of Scotland, properly so called and denominated and 
 known to be such, and also a natural born subject of His Majesty." 
 
 " Here it is stated as a condition, a qualification of the 
 candidate or nominee, that he must be regularly bred to 
 the ministry, a clause altogether superflous and absurd, 
 as you well know, had it been the mind of the framers 
 to shut out from the pulpit all but licentiates of the Estab- 
 lished Church." 
 
 "He may be of the Relief, as was the late Mr. Somer- 
 ville, or he may be a Burgher or Anti-burgher, or of the 
 Synod of Ulster, or in communion with any section of 
 the Presbyterian Church, not only in the British Empire, 
 but throughout Christendom, provided only that he be 
 a British born subject and licensed by some regular 
 Presbytery in the British Dominions. It is therefore in- 
 dubitably ascertained by these facts and circumstances
 
 464 
 
 that all that is required by the rule is that the miuister 
 adhere to the same ecclesiastical law and order which 
 are recognized by the Established Church of Scotland, 
 and by which criterion she is contra-distinguished from 
 all the numerous and diversified forms and modes of 
 Presbyterianism in the Parent Land, in the colonies or 
 on the continent of Europe and America. This is equally 
 the standard of the Free Protesting Church of Scotland ; 
 and were St. G-abriel Street Church and her minister to 
 become connected with that body, it would be no de- 
 parture from the constitution on which I am commenting. 
 So long as the ministers of the Free Church adhere to 
 their ordination vows, they fulfil and answer to all the 
 conditions and qualifications rightly understood of the 
 seventh rule, so that had I, as many erroneously con- 
 ceived, entered into connection with the Free Church, it 
 would not have invalidated, or at all affected my rights 
 as pastor of this church. It is very important here to 
 understand and bear in mind the undoubted fact that 
 the difference between the Established and the Free 
 Church is a difference, not in faith or principle, but in 
 practice ; not in regard to the standards, Theological or 
 Ecclesiastical, but in regard to a law of the Civil or Mu- 
 nicipal Code of Scotland and its interpretation and appli- 
 cation, as it affects the constitution and polity of the 
 church. The law of patronage is not an ecclesiastical 
 law ; on the other hand, the Established Church has again 
 and again condemned and protested against it, as an in- 
 fringement of her spiritual independence and of her consti- 
 tutional rights and liberties as they have been guaranteed 
 by the union, and as a palpable and violent encroachment 
 and usurpation of the civil power upon the Ecclesiastical. 
 Now, the law and government referred to in the seventh 
 regulation can, it is manifest, be no other than the law 
 of the church, the Ecclesiastical law."
 
 465 
 
 " It is quite certain that St. Gabriel Street Church is 
 not in connection with the Established Church of Scot- 
 land. We are, therefore, the interpreters and administra- 
 tors of the ecclesiastical law and constitution which we 
 have chosen for ourselves. There is no appeal but to 
 the civil courts of the country, and until it is proved be- 
 fore them, that we have by some overt act, renounced in 
 principle, or transgressed in practice, our constitution as 
 defined by our rules and regulations, we cannot, I am 
 persuaded, be deprived of any civil right or temporality 
 which we possess on the condition of adherence to the laws 
 of the Church of Scotland. In like manner, until it is 
 proved that the ministers who have seceded from the 
 Synod of Canada in connection with the Church of Scot- 
 land, have been in error in asserting their belief of the 
 independence of the Colonial Church, they cannot be con- 
 demned, or adjudged to have forfeited any rights or pro- 
 perty whatever. This is just the cause to be tried, and 
 a fair trial must precede a righteous decision." 
 
 " If we are and all along have been, as we believe, inde- 
 pendent, civilly and ecclesiastically, our declaration of 
 that independence can infer no offence, involve no change, 
 no consequences, good or bad." 
 
 Montreal, August 28, 1844. 
 
 " A meeting of the Members and Sitters in St. G-abriel 
 Street Church, took place this evening, when an address 
 on the recent disruption of the Synod of Canada was 
 delivered by the Eev. Mr. Gordon of Gananoque ; on the 
 conclusion of the address, the Hon. Adam Ferrie was called 
 to the chair. 
 
 It was then moved by Dr. McNider, seconded by Mr. J. 
 Turner — Resolved. 
 
 1st. " That this Congregation, feeling themselves bound to take cogni- 
 zance in their collective capacity, of the question which, for some time has 
 E E
 
 466 
 
 agitated, and has now brokeu up the Presbyterian Church, iu this Province, 
 desire to record their firm attachment to the great principles of the 
 Supreme Headship of Christ, and the sole authoritj' of the Word of 
 God, in mattere spiritual and ecclesiastical, believing these principles to 
 be essential at all times, and in all lands to the purity and prosi:>erity of 
 the Christian Church." 
 
 Which resolution was put, aud unanimously carried, — 
 Mr. John Fisher alone objecting. 
 
 Moved by Mr. "William Hutchison, seconded by Mr. Wm. 
 Bethune — 
 
 2nd. " That considering the repeated testimonies borne in favour of the 
 aforesaid principles, by the Synod of Canada, this congregation have viewed 
 "with surprise and regret the recent conduct of a majority of the Synod in 
 adhering to the ranks and strengthening the hands of those who have 
 brought these principles into jjeril, and approving, as they do, of the con- 
 duct of the minority of the Synod, in preserving an unbroken and consist- 
 ent testimony to the truth, resolve to adhere to their protest, and by God's 
 grace to follow them on the course which they have taken." 
 
 "Which resolution was put, and unanimously carried, — 
 Mr. John Fisher alone objecting. 
 
 Moved by Wm. Murray, Esq., seconded by Archibald 
 McFarlane, Esq. — 
 
 3rd. " That this Congregation, cordially approving of the conduct of their 
 esteemed Pastor, in the present crisis, commend his fidelity to his princi- 
 ples and professions, and now declare their resolution to adhere to him 
 and to the righteous cause for which he is contending, and to maintain 
 him by all lawful means, in the xtatru^ which he has so long held as min- 
 ister of St. Gabriel Street Church." 
 
 The meeting was then closed by Rev. Mr. Henry, with 
 a most impressive prayer, and the Apostolic Benediction." 
 
 At a meeting of the session held 31st August, 1844, 
 when Rev. Henry Esson, Kenneth Walker, James Leslie, 
 William Gunn aud G-eorge Johnston were present, the 
 following deliverance was come to : — 
 
 " After mature deliberation, it was unanimously resolved that inasmuch 
 iis this congregation have, at a general meeting called by requisition of
 
 46*7 
 
 the minister from the pulpit, and held on the 28th instant, decided to 
 adhere to the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and further, as this session 
 having been represented in the Synod in 1841-2, are pledged to the resolu- 
 tion unanimously passed at those meetings, they hold themselves bound, 
 in conscientious consistency, to go along with the Pastor and congregation 
 in declaring their adherence to the Presbyterj- of Montreal, in connection 
 with the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada." 
 
 Mr. Walker did not formally dissent, although he did 
 not agree with the position taken by the session, as he 
 afterwards maintained. 
 
 The following- Resolutions were passed at a general 
 meeting of the temporal proprietors of St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, held on the 2nd September, 1844, Hon. James 
 Leslie in the chair : — 
 
 Moved by Hon. A. Ferrie, seconded by W. Hutchison — 
 
 1. " The proprietors of St. Gabriel Street Presbyterian Church, consider- 
 ing the separation of the Rev. Henry Esson, minister of the said Churchf 
 from the Synod of Canada, in connection with the Established Church of 
 Scotland, and his adherence to the recently formed Synod of the Presby- 
 terian Church of Canada, feel bound to declare, that in their judgment, the 
 Constitution of the Church has in no article been violated or broken by the 
 said action of the minister ; and that by the course he has seen fit to adopt, 
 he has not forfeited, in the least degree, his position or his rights, as pastor 
 of this Church." 
 
 Which resolution being put from the chair, and the roll 
 being called over by the Treasurer, there appeared for the 
 motion thirty-two ; against the motion, three. The motion 
 was then declared to be carried. 
 
 Moved by W. Murray, seconded by D. Eea — 
 
 2nd. "Tliat the proprietors, recognizing no jurisdiction or authority 
 whatever over St. Gabriel Street Church, either by the Synod of Canada, 
 in connection with the Established Church of Scotland, or by any of the 
 Presbyteries constituting said Synod, regard the recent conduct of the 
 Presbytery of Montreal, in connection with that body, in declaring the 
 Rev. Hienry Esson no longer Minister of the Church, as an act of unwar- 
 rantable interference ; and approving, as the proprietors hero distinctly do,
 
 468 
 
 of the consistent and conscientious conduct of their Minister, in the present 
 crisis, resoh^e to continue to liini, all the temjioral rights and emoluments, 
 Avhich lie has heretofore enjoyed, and to resist, by all lawful means, any 
 attempts by any individuals or party, who may seek to procure his 
 ejectment." 
 
 "Which resolution being put from the chair, was declared 
 to be carried by the same majority as the former. 
 
 Those opposing Mr. Esson's views and wishes, do not 
 appear to have been organized or vigorous. It was 
 after he left Montreal that they moved to purpose. Indeed, 
 those who were not prepared to endorse his action in the 
 disruption question, or to follow him into the new Presby- 
 tery and Synod that had been formed, were amongst his 
 warmest personal friends and staunchest supporters in 
 former days. He was a man whom they, therefore, found 
 it difficult to oppose. They would gladly have supported 
 their beloved pastor, if their convictions of duty had per- 
 mitted. Mr. Esson's personal popularity with them will 
 account, in some measure, for the small number objecting 
 to the resolutions given above. At the same time, the 
 meetings were not largely attended, as the number of pro- 
 prietors was not great, and but few of them attended — only 
 35 altogether, it would seem, of those who had paid their 
 pew rent for the year then current, and so were qualified 
 to vote. 
 
 But there was a number of proprietors who did not 
 approve of the action of the majority — a number nearly 
 equal 1o those voting at the meeting on 2ud September — 
 although most of them, for some reason or other, failed to 
 put in an appearance and record their votes on that occa- 
 sion. They lodged a protest a few days afterwards against 
 the proceedings of the meeting of the proprietors. The 
 original is in my possession, bearing the signatures of the 
 gentlemen named, — 27 in all. It is headed : —
 
 469 
 
 " St. G-abriel Street Church." 
 
 " In consequence of the publication of certain proceed- 
 ings, leading the public to believe that the congregation, 
 as well as the proprietors of St. G-abriel Street Church, 
 were nearly unanimous in their approbation of the conduct 
 of the Rev. Henry Esson in seceding from the Synod of 
 Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland, as by 
 law established, we, the undersigned, proprietors and 
 members of the church do hereby express our unqualified 
 disapprobation of said secession, as well as of the proceed- 
 ings had thereon, at the meeting, on the 2nd, instant, at 
 which James Leslie, Esquire, was chairman, and against 
 which we do hereby solemnly protest, and declare our 
 full determination to contest the attempt of the party, who 
 are disposed, contrary to the Constitution, to divert the 
 church from the purpose for which it was originally 
 established : — 
 
 Signed, 
 
 Andrew Shaw, 
 Kenneth Walker, 
 WilHaui Laverock, 
 F. MaccuUoch, 
 D. P. Ross, 
 James Logan, 
 Daniel Fisher, 
 James Scott, 
 Thomas Ross, 
 
 John Fisher, 
 Robert Esdaile, 
 Don. Ross, 
 Wm. Muir, 
 David Handyside, 
 D. Gorrie, 
 Robert McFarlane, 
 W. McCuUoch, 
 C. Tait. 
 
 John Speirs, 
 James Tyre, 
 W. M. Peddie, 
 Wm. Suter, 
 John Charles Lilly, 
 Colin Macdonald, 
 Alex. Ferguson, 
 John Blackwood, 
 Wm. Skakel. 
 
 Montreal, Yth September, 1844." 
 
 The day after the dissentients withdrew from the Synod 
 at Kingston, this instruction was issued to Presby- 
 teries : — 
 
 " The Synod instructed the clerk to furnish Presbytery clerks with the 
 names of those ministers who have adhered to the dissent and protest 
 given in by Mr. Bayne ; and the Synod instruct Presbyterias to communi- 
 cate with the said ministers, and any others, with regard to whom afama
 
 470 
 
 may exist of tlieir having seceded, to ascertain wiiether they still adhere 
 to tlie dissent, and to their secession from tliischurcli, — and, on ascertain- 
 ing this, to proceed according to the laws of tlie (.'hurcli, and to intimate 
 the same to the Government, — but to take no steps in regard to property 
 until next meeting of Synod." 
 
 The Presbytery of Montreal met pi-o re nata, on July 29th, 
 1844, for the purpose of following out the instructions 
 thus given by the Synod. 
 
 " The Presbytery having taken the special matter for -which the meeting 
 was called into their consideration, resolved that Messrs. Esson and Black 
 be requested by letter from the clerk to inform them before the next ordi- 
 nary meeting, whether they still adhere to the secession." 
 
 " At Montreal, the seventh day of August, one thousand 
 eight hundred and forty-four : — 
 
 On which day the Presbytery of Montreal met by 
 appointment at St. Gabriel Street Church, their usual 
 place of meeting, but not finding access into the Church, 
 constituted at the door thereof. Rev. Dr. Mathieson, 
 Moderator pro tern, Walter Eoach, John Martin, Mr. Hugh 
 Brodie, Mr. John Bruce. The Presbytery adjourned to 
 meet immediately in St. Andrews's Church. Notification 
 of this adjournment, with the cause thereof, was affixed 
 on the gate of entrance to St. Gabriel Street Church." The 
 same day, the clerk reported that he had received no 
 answers from Messrs. Esson and Black, to the circulars 
 sent them, of 29th July last. The clerk was instructed 
 to communicate again with these brethren, requesting 
 their replies on or before the next meeting of the Presby- 
 tery." 
 
 At a meeting of the Presbytery on the 2tth of August, 
 " the Moderator stated that, in accordance with the injunc- 
 tion of Presbytery at last meeting, the clerk had a second 
 time written to the Rev. Henry Esson and Rev. David 
 Black, requesting to be informed whether they still con- 
 tinued, and meant to continue, in their secession from this
 
 471 
 
 Church, and that no answer had been received. The 
 Presbytery agreeably to the instructions of the Synod, 
 consider the facts of the said Rev. H. Esson and Rev. D. 
 Black, having signed the protest on the rejection of Mr. 
 Bayne's resolutions, and their consequent withdrawal 
 from the Synod, as certified to the Presbytery by the 
 Synod clerk, sufficient evidence of their having seceded 
 from the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection 
 with the Church of Scotland, and that they are no longer 
 ministers of this church,— and the Presbytery do hereby 
 declare that the said Rev. Henry Esson, late Minister of 
 St. G-abriel Street Church, Montreal, and the said Rev. 
 David Black, late minister of St. Therese de Blainville, 
 having by their own act seceded from the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada, in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, are no longer ministers of that Church, nor 
 ministers of the Church of Scotland in Canada." 
 
 At a meeting of Presbytery on the 3rd March, 1845, Dr. 
 Mathieson moved the adoption of the following resolu- 
 tions, which, after due consideration, were unanimously- 
 agreed to : — 
 
 " First.— That St. Gabriel Street Churcli was erected in 1792 for the use of 
 the Presbyterian inhabitants of Montreal, members of the Church of Scot- 
 land, and has always been in possession of a congregation in connection 
 with the Church of Scotland. 
 
 " Second.— Th&t the Kev. Henry Esson, and the congregation then under 
 his pastoral care, did, in 1831 , consent to the formation of the Synod of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with theEstal:)lished Church 
 of Scotland, and the Presbytery of Montreal, as a constituent portion of 
 said Synod, and did place themselves under the spiritual t-uperintendence 
 of said Synod and Presbytery, and did, by various acts since, homologate 
 the engagements into which they then entered. 
 
 " TVarrf.— That the Rev. Henry Esson, in consequence of his secession 
 from the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with 
 the Church of Scotland, has been declared to be no longer a minister of 
 said Church, nor a minister of the Church of Scotland in Canada. 
 
 " Fourth.— That the Church of St. Gabriel Street being now without a 
 stated minister, be declared vacant, and that the ordinary form observed
 
 412 
 
 in such cases be dispensed with, inasmuch as its observance in the pre- 
 sent circumstances of that church miglit lead to unseemlj strife and con- 
 tention, at all times injurious to the cause of pure and undefiled religion ; 
 and instead of sending one of their number to give intimation from the 
 pulpit of this their Act, that the Presbytery send, under the hand of their 
 moderator intimation that they have declared St. Gabriel Street Church 
 vacant to the Trustees of isaid Church, in behalf of the proprietors — to the 
 Trustees of the manse, — to the Kirk-session, and to the temporal com- 
 mittee, and request that the election of a minister for said church and 
 congregation be proceeded in with all convenient speed, in accordance 
 with the laws of the Church of Scotland, and the constitution of St. Gabriel 
 Street Church." 
 
 The moderator was instructed to act pursuant to the 
 terms of these resolutions. 
 
 "At a meeting of Presbytery, on 28th May, 1845, Dr. 
 Mathieson reported that agreeably to the instructions of 
 last meeting of Presbytery, he had forwarded copies of the 
 resolutions passed anent St. Gabriel Street Church, to the 
 Trustees of said church, in behalf of the proprietors, — to 
 the Trustees of the manse, — to the Kirk-session, — and to 
 the temporal committee. A letter was read from the tem- 
 poral committee, the tenour whereof follows : — 
 
 " Montreal, 11th April, 1855. 
 Sm, 
 
 I have to acknowledge receipt of a letter dated the 4th instant, enclosing 
 certain resolutions passed at a meeting of Presbytery, and addressed to 
 the Honoral)le Adam Ferrie ; and I am instructed to inform you that the 
 temporal committee of St. Gabriel Street Church do not recognize the 
 authority of your Presbytery. 
 
 I have the honour to be, 
 Sir, 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed,) J. MACFARLANE, 
 
 Secretary. 
 To the Rev. Dr. Mathieson." 
 
 " The Presbytery consider that though the temporal com- 
 mittee do not recognize the authority of this Presbytery, 
 they do not however hold the opinion of said temporal 
 committee as that of the congregation, nor can they, as a 
 Presbytery divest themselves of their duty to those of
 
 4Y3 
 
 the said congregation belonging to their ecclesiastical 
 communion, and in following up the act of declaring the 
 church vacant resolve to make an offer of such occasional 
 services as shall be in their power to render. The mod- 
 erator was instructed to write to the Kirk-session, en- 
 closing a certified copy of this minute." 
 
 At a meeting of Presbytery, on the 24th June, 1845, 
 Dr. Mathieson reported " that agreeably to the instructions 
 of last meeting he had written to the Kirk-session of St. 
 G-abriel Street Church, Montreal, with a copy of the mi- 
 nute bearing on their case, and put it into the hands of 
 one of the elders of said church, and had received no 
 reply." 
 
 While the old Presbytery was taking action in the 
 manner shown by these extracts, a new Presbytery had 
 been formed in connection with the new Synod of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada, composed of Mr. Esson, 
 Mr. Clugston of St. John's Church, Quebec, Mr. Henry 
 of Lachute, and Mr. Black of St. Therese, with their several 
 elders. In consequence of Mr. Esson's removal to To- 
 ronto, this new Presbytery of Montreal, was in a manner 
 broken up. Mr. Clugston and Mr. Clarke, his colleague, 
 were at so great a distance, that they could not, espe- 
 cially in winter, attend any of the meetings — Mr. Henry 
 was at the distance of 40 miles from Montreal, and Mr. 
 Black of 25. A central missionary committee was ap- 
 pointed in these circumstances, on whom the power and 
 responsibilities of a Presbytery were for a time devolved ; 
 and the individuals composing it were all members of 
 what has been already spoken of as the Free Church 
 committee. The St. Gabriel Street Congregation, while 
 having to endure blame from the old Presbytery, did not 
 think they received the kind consideration and encour- 
 agement from the new Presbytery, or the committee that 
 discharged its functions, to which they deemed them- 
 selves entitled.
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 The leaders in the coxgkegation ox the side of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada, — Hon. A. Ferrie, Wm. Murray, Rev. Dr. 
 Donald Fraser and Alexander Fraser, Wm. Gunn, Robert Smith, 
 Alexander Urquh.vrt, James Turner, Andrew Wilson, Archibald 
 Macfarlane, Wm. C. Cormack,Jas.Macf.\rlane, Robert Dalgleish, 
 Wm. Hutchison, David Rea, Andrew Simpson, John Sutherland, 
 George Middlemiss and Charles Mearns — i"HE 27 protestors on 
 beh.'Ujf of the kirk, — Andrew Shaw, John C. Lilly', Robert Esdailb, 
 James Tvre, Wm. Laverock, Donald Ross, Walter M, Peddib, 
 Ferdinand MacCulloch, Wm. Muir, Wm. Skakel, Daniel Gorrib, 
 Town ^Iajor Macdonald, Daniel Fisher, Roi-.ert Macfarlane 
 Alex. Ferguson, Wm. McCulloch and John Blackwood. 
 
 In proceeding to sketch the persons who took a promi- 
 nent part in the St. G-abriel Street Church, in connection 
 with the disruption movement, it is necessary to state that 
 from this point onward to the end of the volume, the 
 notices of individuals must be brief, for two reasons ; first, 
 that they have yet scarcely got into the perspective of his- 
 tory, or got settled down into their permanent place and 
 relative proportions. The ancient proverb was : " Call 
 no man happy till he dies." We must see the end of our 
 fellows before estimating their lives. The other reason is, 
 that they were well known to many yet alive, and the 
 design of this book is to supply information regarding 
 former generations and events that are already or almost 
 entirely forgotten. 
 
 The Hon. Adam Ferrie, who presided at the congrega- 
 tional meeting, after the disruption, on the 28th August, 
 1844, to ascertain the mind of the people on the Free
 
 4Y5 
 
 Chiircli question, and again on 30th June, 1845, for the 
 purpose of amending the "Rules and Regulations " of the 
 Church, was born at Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, 15th March, 
 1777. He commenced his mercantile career at Grlasgow, 
 and came to be known as a friend of the people. He 
 married 3rd June, 1805, at Port Glasgow, Rachel, daughter 
 of Colin Campbell, of that place. He signalized himself 
 as champion of popular rights in a famous lawsuit, insti- 
 tuted to defend the claim of the citizens to a path along 
 the Clyde, which had long been in use, and across which a 
 wall had been built by a man who had become suddenly 
 rich by liquor-selling. The case went to the House of 
 Lords, and judgment was in favour of the people. The 
 money to pay for the expenses of the suit was raised by 
 workingmen's pennies dropped into a stout, oaken box as 
 they passed. This box was presented to Mr. Ferrie, along 
 with a punch bowl, two goblets and a ladle, of solid 
 silver, and they remain as heir-looms in his family. The 
 inscription on the bowl reads as follows : — 
 
 "Presented to 
 ADAM FERRIE, Esq., 
 
 BY A NUMEER OF HIS FELLOW-CITIZENS, AS A MARK OF THEIR 
 
 ADMIRATION OF HIS INDEFATIGABLE, PATRIOTIC AND 
 
 DISINTERESTED EXERTIONS IN ASSERTING AND 
 
 ESTABLISHING THE EIGHT OF THE PUBUC 
 
 TO THE BANKS OP THE ClYDB. 
 
 Glasgow, :\Iay 1, 1829." 
 
 A gold medal was also bestowed on him and each of 
 his co-workers in the cause of the people on this occasion. 
 The inscription upon it runs thus : — 
 
 " THE REWARD OF PUBLIC SPIRIT." 
 
 " The citizens of Glasgow to Adam Ferrie, c;eorgeRogers,James Duncan, 
 John Watson, junior, John Whitehead, for successfully defending tlieir 
 right to a path on the banks of the Clyde. 1829."
 
 470 
 
 Mr. Ferrie sailed from the Clyde, June 5th, 1829. He 
 commenced business in Montreal as a general merchant, 
 on his arrival that same year, his office and dwelling being 
 in St. James street, near Place d'Armes. He afterwards 
 resided in Beaver Hall Square. He was one of the promi- 
 nent Scotchmen of the city. As such he presided at the 
 public dinner, 1st. December, 1834, at which it was 
 resolved to organize the St. Andrew's Society of Montreal ; 
 and was chairman of the committee that drafted the 
 original constitution of the society. When the first elec- 
 tion of officers took place, the next 5^ear, he was chosen 
 First Vice-President,and Second Vice-President the follow- 
 ing- year. He was a member of the first city Council under 
 the amended constitution, for the years 1840, 1, 2. He 
 connected himself with the Church in St. Grabriel street 
 in 1829, and sided with Mr. Esson in the controversy then 
 in progress. His name first appears in the document sent 
 to the Presbytery of Quebec, complaining of the Black 
 party for not complying with the recommendation of the 
 Synod to open the church in 1831. When it was resolved 
 to increase the number of the members of the temporal 
 committee, from five to twelve on the 15th April, 1842, he 
 was elected a member of the committee and appointed 
 president. He was re-elected to the same position the 
 three following years. He purchased pew No, 62. He 
 was a fast friend of Mr. Esson's. Both were ardent 
 defenders of the popular rights, and champions of liberty. 
 Mr. Ferrie. as might be expected, cordially supported his 
 pastor in voting for Free Church .views in the Synod ; 
 and afterwards stood by him in claiming possession of the 
 church and all its property, for the new Presbytery and 
 Synod. After Mr. Esson's removal to Toronto, however, 
 his interest in the congregation almost entirely ceased, 
 although he was a party to the calling of Mr. Leishman 
 in 1840. He afterwards attended the Unitarian Church
 
 William Murray
 
 477 
 
 in Montreal, having taken offence at the very high 
 Calvinistic views, preached, with great power, in the 
 church on one occasion by Mr. Bayne of Gait. However, 
 Mrs. Ferric and her daughter remained in the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church until the family removed to the west. 
 
 Mr. Ferrie's abilities, as a great tribune of the people, 
 were recognized by Lord Sydenham, who called him to a 
 seat in the Legislative Council, 9th June, 1841. He left 
 Montreal in 1853, and took up his residence in Hamilton 
 in 1855. He died in that city, 24th December, 1863, at the 
 advanced ase of 86 years. He had several sons, well 
 known in commercial, milling, insurance and banking 
 circles, in and near Hamilton ; but they have all passed 
 over to the majorit}'-. His daughter, the widow of Alex- 
 ander Ewing, formerly a prominent dry goods merchant 
 in Montreal, survives, and resides in Hamilton, Ontario. 
 
 After Hon. James Leslie, and perhaps Hon. Adam Ferrie, 
 the warmest and most influential supporter Mr. Esson had, 
 at the stirring period of 1843-5, was "William Murray. 
 
 He first took office in the church in 1842, being one of 
 the twelve on the enlarged temporal committee, appointed 
 that year. He was re-elected every year afterwards until 
 the temporal committee was abolished by Act of Parlia- 
 ment. He became, shortly after 1844, the leading spirit 
 of the congregation and held the office of president of the 
 temporal committee from 1848 until 1864. He was trea- 
 surer of the congregation for 1842 and 1843. He moved 
 the third resolution at the congregational meeting, August 
 28th, 1844, approving of the course of Mr. Esson in seced- 
 ing from the Kirk. He made the motion in the temporal 
 committee, which carried, August 3rd, 1844, calling a 
 meeting of the proprietors, to vote on the Free Church 
 question, on 2nd September of the same year. He moved 
 one of the two resolutions at that meeting, and seconded
 
 478 
 
 the third resolution at the meeting iu June, 1845, anent 
 changes in the " Rules and Regulations." 
 
 In \vhat esteem he was held by his fellow Scots may be 
 gathered from the fact that he was elected First Vice- 
 President of the St. Andrew's Society in 1851, 1852, 
 1853, and 1854, and President in the years 1855 and 
 1856. Besides this national charity, he took a deep interest 
 in the G-eneral Hospital and in the House of Industry and 
 Refuge. After the death of John Redpath, he was elected 
 President of the board of directors. A fine portrait, in 
 oil, of Mr. Murray adorns the walls of the board room. 
 
 The following particulars regarding him have been 
 gathered from an appreciative obituary notice which ap- 
 peared in the Montreal Herald the day after his death : — 
 
 " The worthies of Montreal are fast, one by one, dropping 
 away from us — leaving, alas ! none to fill their places — the 
 breed is fast dying out. Another of the genial faces has 
 departed — William Murray is no more — "William Murray, 
 w^ho was ever foremost to support any good work, whether 
 for the amelioration of the poor, to wit, his presidency of 
 the Protestant House of Refuge, or for the advancement 
 of the commercial interests of the city, to wit, his presi- 
 dency of the Canada Shipping Company. He was one of 
 the early founders of the High School, attached to the 
 University of McGill, and was, at the time of his death) 
 president of the Mount Royal Cemetery Company.'" 
 
 " He was born in Edinburgh on the 31st of November, 
 1798. Of his life in Scotland we have nothing to chroni- 
 cle ; his father died while William was yet young, thus 
 throwing him entirely on his own resources, thereby lay- 
 ing the foundation of that character which so pre-eminently 
 di.stinguished him in after life — great determination, firm 
 without being austere, a thorough hard worker, conscien- 
 tious in all the duties of life, warm in his friendship, a 
 hand always open to assist in any good work."
 
 479 
 
 In 1831, he visited Canada and the United States, and 
 determining to settle in Montreal, he brought out his 
 family in 1832. He obtained a situation in the old firm 
 of Gillespie, Moflatt & Co. in connection with the Phoenix 
 Fire Insurance Company, the agency of which they held. 
 Eventually, from the confidence reposed in him, he became 
 head book-keeper to the same firm, but resigned this posi- 
 tion for the purpose of organizing the Montreal Assurance 
 Co. He, subsequently, became manager of the Company, 
 which prospered under his management, and as a reward 
 for his devotion to its interests, and the iutegi'ity of his 
 character, he was eventually made president, which post 
 he filled to the day of his death, which took place at his 
 residence, Westmount, May 12th, 18Y4. 
 
 Rev. Donald Fraser, D.D., now Minister of Marylebone 
 Presbyterian Church, London, England, a native of Inver- 
 nesshire, Scotland, one of the most eloquent and influen- 
 tial of living divines, also became a member of St. Gabriel 
 Street Church in 1843, the year before the disruption in 
 Canada. His elder brother, Alexander, afterwards sherifi" 
 of Northumberland in Ontario.who occupied pew 26 in the 
 gallery, jointly with him, became Superintendent of the 
 Sabbath School, and filled this office at the time he and 
 young Donald joined the Free Church committee of twelve. 
 He carried oft' with him to the new Sabbath School, 
 established in Cote Street Church, most of the teachers 
 who had been labouring in the St. Gabriel Street School, 
 and many of the scholars. The desire of the Free Church 
 leaders was to close the church in St. Gabriel street 
 altogether, and get all the pious people in it to join the new 
 congregation. When, in the straits to which the congre- 
 gation in St. Gabriel was reduced, they applied to Rev. 
 Dr. Burns, who had left Paisley, Scotland, to guide the 
 Free Church movement in Canada, to afford them assist-
 
 480 
 
 anoe, he replied, advising them to join Cote Street, as the 
 best way out of their difficulties. This was very dis- 
 couraging to a congregation which had sacrificed a good 
 deal for the Free Church cause, and which was unques- 
 tionably the most prominent and influential of all that 
 seceded from the Church of Scotland, Donald Fraser was 
 then a young man, but he must already have eviuced much 
 of the intellectual and spiritual force that have gained for 
 him the high place he occupies to-day in the Christian 
 world, or he would not have been taken into the councils 
 of the committee of " Twelve." His brother, Alexander 
 Fraser, besides being Superintendent of the Cote Street 
 Sunday school, was also secretary of the mission committee 
 to which reference has already been made, as supplying in 
 a manner the place of a Presbytery during the first two 
 or three years after the disruption. I will let Dr. Fraser 
 give his impressions and recollections of this period : — 
 " My elder brother, and I, fresh from Scotland, became 
 connected with the church in St. Gabriel Street, in the year 
 1843, and were soon admitted to some degree of intimacy 
 with the Rev. Henry Esson. "Well do I remember his fine 
 head, spare form, and courtly manner. He was a great 
 enthusiast for liberty, and on this score gave his sympathy 
 to the Free Church movement , which, from its centre in 
 the old country, was beginning to agitate the Colonial 
 Churches. At the Synod of 1844, Mr. Esson took part with 
 those who withdrew from connection with the church of 
 Scotland ; and the question at once arose whether his con- 
 gregation would adhere to him, or whether he could retain 
 his pulpit. A rather heated controversy followed, in which 
 Mr. Esson was sustained by the large majority of his flock. 
 On his side, I recollect the Hon. James Leslie, a small, quiet 
 gentleman, with the most pronounced liberal views, sup- 
 posed at that period to be very dangerous. The Hon. Adam 
 Ferrie, a rough specimen of the same liberal or democratic
 
 481 
 
 order. Mr. "William Murray, head of some insurance office, 
 a warm partizan, and Dr. MacNider, a physician, of a more 
 distinctly evangelical type. On the other side, were Mr. 
 John Fisher, who, on the occasion of some critical vote, 
 stood alone for the old ways, Mr. Andrew Shaw, Mr. D. P. 
 Ross, and others, who found refuge in one or other of the 
 churches that made no change, viz. : St. Andrew's, in St. 
 Peter Street, and St. Paul's in St. Helen Street." 
 
 " I do not now discuss whether the separations at that 
 time were justifiable or no. In the colonies, at all events, 
 the troubles are healed. But it is to me plain and certain, 
 that the action taken in the St. Grabriel Street Church had 
 an important influence on the extension of Presbyterian- 
 ism in Montreal, and throughout what was then called 
 " Canada East," It opened a door of testimony to the Free 
 Church ministers from Scotland, many of whom brought 
 with them a most refreshing fervour. It broke up the 
 torpor which had only been too apparent in almost every 
 one of the existing congregations, and so led to a quickened 
 life and activity, of which the now re-united church enjoys 
 the benefit. 
 
 " I took little part in church affairs. In fact, I was a mere 
 stripling in those days. But my brother, Alexander, was 
 very active in the congregation, and superintended the 
 Sunday school till the formation of the church in Cote 
 Street, of which he and I were among the original founders. 
 
 " In after years, when I was minister in Cote Street, 
 I often preached in the venerable pulpit of St. G-abriel 
 Street, during the incumbencies of my friends, Dr. Inglis 
 and Dr. Kemp. I have a pleasant recollection of the good 
 elder, "William Rowan, who always appeared to me to 
 breathe a sweet Christian spirit." 
 
 Of those voting op the Free Church question, who 
 upheld Mr. Esson's position with much hesitation, was 
 
 F F
 
 482 
 
 William Guuu, one of the elders. Mr. Gunu was born at 
 Lanark, Scotland, July 23rd, 1802, and came to Canada in 
 1804. He was married to Elizabeth Irwin, youngest 
 daughter of William Irwin, Esq., of Argyle, in the State of 
 New York, by whom he had several children. His daugh- 
 ter, Sarah, married the late D. D. Young, Esq., president of 
 the Quebec bank, and now resides at Quebec House, Tam- 
 born, Hants, England. His second daughter, Isabella 
 Annie, was married to William Herring, Esq., of Ravens- 
 wood, Quebec, by Rev. Dr. Cook, on the 7th August, 1851, 
 and she still resides there. The third daughter, Jessie, 
 was married to William Kirwin, known as "Dr. Kirwin," 
 a veterinary surgeon, afterwards the proprietor of the 
 Albion Hotel, at Quebec, for several years. Jane, the 
 youngest daughter, is the wife of R. Whitman, Esq., of 
 Stittsville, Quebec. One son, Henry Esson, died young. 
 Mr. Gunn was high in the service of the Bank of 
 Montreal during his stay in this city, and left here to 
 become manager of the branch of the establishment in 
 Quebec. He was held in such high esteem throughout 
 the provinces, as well as in Quebec, that upon his death 
 in that city the merchants, citizens, and his many friends 
 in other parts of Canada, combined to erect a monument 
 to his memory, in Mount Hermon cemetery, that beautiful 
 Grod's Acre, near Quebec. The inscription on the monu- 
 ment is as follows: — 
 
 " SACRED TO TDE MEMORY OF 
 
 WILLIAM GUNN, ESQ., 
 
 Born at Lanark, Scotland, 1802. Died at Quehec, the 16th of DECEMnER, 
 1856. For twenty years a faithkil servant of the Bank of JNIont- 
 rbal; he was, in 1848, appointed manager of the ukanch hank 
 IN this city, which responsible office he filled till his death. 
 Of strong domestic affections, and unimpeaciiai!lb integ- 
 rity IN i!CsiNi:ss transactions; he was warm in his 
 friendship, and zealous in the di.'-charge of his 
 Christian dutie.s. In tokion of the esteem 
 and respect in which he was held, 
 
 this monument is erected IIY THE 
 MERCHANTS AND CITIZENS OF QCBIJEC AND IIY FRIENDS 
 IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE PROVINCES."
 
 483 
 
 He was ordained an elder in the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, in which he owned pew No. 12, on the 18th of 
 December, 1836. He supported Mr. Esson sometimes, and, 
 at other times, Mr. Black in the troublous period from 1829 
 to 1833, but was the partizan of neither. And so, when 
 the division took place, he stayed in the church. He 
 follow ed*a neutral course also in 1844, voting on 2nd 
 September, for one of the resolutions carried by the Free 
 Church party, and declining to support the other. He 
 was appointed session clerk on Mr. Blaekwood's resigna- 
 tion in 1841, and continued till 1845. He was chosen a 
 member of the temporal committee in April, 1844, and 
 afterwards secretary. In the arrangements made by the 
 committee, 3rd August, 1844, calling a meeting of pro- 
 prietors, to vote on the question of staying in the church, 
 or seceding with the minister, he sided with the president, 
 Mr. Ferrie, Mr. Urquhart, Mr. A. Macfarlane, Mr. Murray, 
 Dr. McNider and Mr. Hutchison, against Mr. John Fisher, 
 Mr. Speirs and Mr. Grorrie. At the same meeting, how- 
 ever, he tendered his resignation as secretary of the com- 
 mittee. He continued to act as an elder up till near the 
 end of 1845, but he was so indignant at the treatment 
 accorded to the congregation by the leaders of the new 
 church, that he withdrew from it and joined St. Paul's, 
 in which Dr. Robert McGrill was then pastor, and was 
 received into the session of that church, 28th December, 
 1846. He removed to Quebec in 1848, and was inducted 
 as an elder into St. Andrew's Church there, which position 
 he held till his death, 16th December, 1856. There is a 
 beautiful window in memoriam to him in that church, 
 the gift of his son-in-law, William Herring, Esq. 
 
 On Mrs, Grunn's coming to reside in Montreal with her 
 daughter, Mrs. Kirwin, in 1869, they both became mem- 
 bers of the St. GTabriel Sti*eet Church, and the writer 
 recalls much delightful fellowship he had with them for
 
 484 
 
 a few years. Mrs. Gunn died at Quebec three weeks 
 before the centennial celebration in the old church, ITth 
 February, 1886.. Mrs. Kirwin died two or three years 
 before her. 
 
 Robert Smith, who was ordained an elder 18th Decem- 
 ber, 1836, at the same time as Mr. Gunn, was a merchant. 
 He was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and son of William 
 Smith, whose elder son was the Rev. James Smith of Col- 
 lege Street Church, Edinburgh. He came to Montreal in 
 1832, with his son Dr. W. P. Smith. He kept a drug store 
 for a time in connection with his son's medical practice. 
 He was an old man when he was made an elder, and died 
 on the 24th day of April, 1841, aged 73 years. He was 
 an upright and conscientious man, and a general favourite 
 with all who knew him, on account of his genial and 
 happy disposition and his truly consistent Christian 
 character. He died on the 24th of April, 1841, trusting in 
 the Master whom he had long loved and served. One of 
 his daughters survives, and was present at the centennial 
 service in the old church in March, 1886. 
 
 Alexander Urquhart, who was appointed treasurer of 
 St. Gabriel Street Church, at the important epoch of 1844, 
 and continued in office for two years, was born 14th April, 
 1816, at Cawdor, Scotland, and came to Canada in June, 
 1840. He remained in Quebec four years, where he mar- 
 ried. Coming on to Montreal, he began business as a 
 wholesale grocer, and continued actively in it till 1875, 
 when he finally retired. He had several partners in 
 business : Alexander Begg, George Hose, Robert Malcolm, 
 long since deceased, and latterly "W. E. Cheese, and J. K. 
 Urquhart, 
 
 He joined St. Gabriel Street congregation, which was 
 then the wealthiest and best attended church in the city,
 
 485 
 
 immediately on his arrival in Montreal, in 1840, having 
 become proprietor of pew No. 99. He was a particular 
 friend of Mr. Esson's, and it was because pressed by the 
 minister to do so that he accepted the office of treasurer. 
 He supported Mr. Esson's views on the disruption ques- 
 tion, and moved the 2nd resolution at the congregational 
 meeting for altering the Rules and Regulations, June 
 30th, 1845. He was appointed a member of a new manse 
 committee by the congregation 22nd July, 1845. He con- 
 tinued to worship in St. Gabriel Street till the end of Mr. 
 Inglis' ministry, in 1855, when he joined St. Andrew's 
 Church, of which he has been a member ever since. 
 
 James Turner, who owned pew No. 92, in St. Gabriel 
 Street Church, and seconded the resolution moved by Hon. 
 A. Ferrie, on 30th June, 1845, for changing the " Rules 
 and Regulations " of the church, was a native of the 
 borders between Midlothian and Berwickshire, Scotland, 
 where he was born in 1801. He came to Montreal in 1833, 
 and began business as a veterinary surgeon. For a long 
 time he was the only one in the city, and he was a 
 thoroughly good and successful one. 
 
 He connected himself with St. Gabriel Street Church 
 on his coming to Montreal, and continued faithful to it 
 through subsequent vicissitudes, till his death on Novem- 
 ber 10th, 1849. 
 
 He was elected a member of the temporal committee in 
 1845, and was re-elected each year afterwards during life. 
 He was also appointed on the manse committee after the 
 disruption. Mr. Turner was a man of sterling integrity, 
 and was highly respected in the community. 
 
 Mrs. Cruickshank, wife of George Cruickshank, manager 
 of the Provincial Loan Company, is Mr. Turner's daughter. 
 She continued a member of the congregation as it was 
 reconstructed in 1866, and remained in connection with 
 it as long as she resided within reach of the church.
 
 486 
 
 Archibald Macfarlane, who with his brother-in-law, 
 T. C. Panton, was joint-proprietor of pew 101, took a very 
 prominent part in the affairs of the congregation at the 
 time of the disruption and afterwards. He was a brother 
 of Andrew Macfarlane, a former merchant of the city, 
 who still survives. They were first in partnership in the 
 wholesale hardware and dry-goods business, at 163 St. 
 Paul Street. Andrew remained in the old shop, but 
 Archibald afterwards set up for himself, in the same lines 
 of goods, at 190 St. Paul Street. He was a public-spirited 
 gentleman, and was, in 1849, one of the vice-presidents of 
 the St. Andrew's Society. In the same year he was ap- 
 pointed a member of the city council, and created an 
 Alderman the following year. He sat also as an Alderman 
 for 1851. After Mr. Panton 's death, Mr. Macfarlane occu- 
 pied his house on the side of the mountain, at the top of 
 Brehaut's hill. He afterwards removed to Cornwall, On- 
 tario, and continued in business there till his death. 
 Robert W. Macfarlane, late proprietor and editor of the 
 Cornwall Reporter newspaper, was his son. 
 
 Mr. Macfarlane was elected a member of the temporal 
 committee in 1845, and every year afterwards until 1849. 
 He was treasurer from 184Y to 1851. At the congrega- 
 tional meeting, to decide on the Free Church question, 
 August 28th, 1844, he seconded Mr. Murray's motion. At 
 the meeting of proprietors, 30th June, 1845,for re-modelling 
 the " Eules and Regulations," he moved the resolution 
 proposing the changes. 
 
 William C. Cormack, proprietor of pew No. 28, who also 
 took an active part in favour of Mr. Esson, in 1844, began 
 life in Montreal as head clerk in the retail department of 
 Hector, Russel and Company's dry goods establishment. 
 He married Miss Kidd, of Laprairie, and entered into a 
 business partnership in the dry goods line with Messrs.
 
 48Y 
 
 Kidd and McKay, under the style of " Kidd, Cormack and 
 McKay." Later the firm was known as " Cormack, Dick- 
 son and Company," 162 St. Paul Street. Mr. Cormack's 
 residence was at the head of Drummond Street. 
 
 Mr. Cormack was elected a member of the temporal 
 committee in 1838, when he was made vice-president, as 
 he was also the next year. He was re-elected a nember of 
 the committee every year afterwards, until 1848. He was 
 also a member of the special manse committee, appointed 
 in 1845. He moved the 3rd resolution at the meeting of 
 proprietors, 30th June, 1845, for changing the rules. 
 
 James Macfarlane owned pew No. 20. He was chosen 
 a member of the temporal committee in 1842, and every 
 year afterwards until 1850. When Mr. Gunn resigned 
 the secretaryship of the committee in 1844, he was ap- 
 pointed to that office, and continued in it for four years. 
 He and his brother, W. S. Macfarlane, were natives of 
 Perth, Scotland, and succeeded Hon. James Ferrier in the 
 grocery business which he had established on Notre Dame 
 street, opposite the Court House, W S. Macfarlane being 
 married to Mr. Ferrier's daughter. He also signed the 
 call to Mr. Leishman. James Macfarlane removed to 
 Chicago, where he died. 
 
 Robert Dalgleish, who owned pew lY in the gallery, 
 and seconded the fourth resolution at the meeting for 
 changing the " Rules and Regulations," in 1845, was a 
 native of the Loudons, near Edinburgh. He came to 
 Montreal in 1828, and that same year received, through 
 Lord Dalhousie, an appointment in the military secretary's 
 department, the duties of which he fulfilled faithfully 
 for 45 years. He died 4th July, 187Y. He married a 
 daughter of "William Aird. She left St. Gabriel Street 
 Church for Cote Street, in 1844, and he afterwards 
 followed her.
 
 488 
 
 David Rea, who owned pew 4Y at this crisis, and 
 second the resolution moved by Mr. TJrquhart, 30th June, 
 1845, was a book-keeper, living in Lagauchetiere Street, 
 near Wolfe street. He was elected a member of the tem- 
 poral committee the same year. Mr. E-ea is still among 
 us, enjoying a green, old age, and attending to business as 
 an agent in his office, St. James Street, as punctually as the 
 youngest. He is a member of Knox Church. 
 
 Andrew Simpson, who was elected a member of the 
 temporal committee in 184*7, and re-elected in 1848, and 
 who owned pew No. 20, at the time of the disruption, was 
 a native of Caithnesshire, Scotland, and came to Canada 
 in 1834. He- was of the firm, Simpson and Dawson, 
 brewers. He moved the 6th resolution at the meeting 
 30th June, 1845, at which the " Rules and Regulations " 
 were changed. He was the step-father of Thomas Graham, 
 now one of the elders in St. Gabriel Street Church, and its 
 treasurer for many years. Mr. Simpson died in 18^1. 
 
 John Sutherland, who seconded the resolution on this 
 occasion moved by Mr. Simpson, and who had become 
 lately joint-proprietor of pew No. 65, in the church, was 
 a blacksmith, partner of William Burnett. Their shop 
 was on Chenneville Street, near Yitre Street. He was a 
 member of the temporal committee in 1842, and again in 
 1847, 1848, and 1849. 
 
 George Middlemiss, who owned pew No. 5, in the gal- 
 lery, and moved the fourth resolution at the meeting on 
 June 30th, 1845, was a cabinetmaker in St. Catherine 
 Street, near Bleury. He was chosen a member of the 
 temporal committee in 1848, and re-elected in 1849 and 
 1850. Mrs. D. McBurney is his daughter. 
 
 James Mearns, who owned pew 25 in the gallery at
 
 489 
 
 this time, and moved the 5th resolution at the proprietors' 
 meeting, June 30th, 1845, and was elected a member of 
 the temporal committee in 1846, was also a cabinetmaker, 
 St. Mary Street, near Campeau. Of Alexander Bertram, 
 blacksmith, who seconded the resolution, a fuller account 
 will be given at a later stage. 
 
 William Hutchison, who owned pew No. 21, and 
 seconded the motion made by Hon. Adam Ferrie, at the 
 meeting of pew proprietors, on September 2nd, 1844, was 
 born at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, 12th September, 
 1809. He came to Canada in the year 1833. He was an 
 enterprising builder, and has left some splendid memorials 
 of his energy and capacity behind him, both in Montreal 
 and elsewhere. The Bank of Montreal, the Bank of 
 British North America, the Baptist College, now Mount 
 St. Mary convent, and St. Andrew's Church, in this city, 
 only need to be mentioned. 
 
 He removed to Cobourg, Upper Canada, in 1857, as a 
 central point from which to conduct the extensive building 
 enterprises he had on hand, which was the erection of 
 houses for the branches of the Montreal Bank, in different 
 parts of the Province. When he had brought these large 
 operations to a successful close in 1860, he entered the 
 Public Works department of the civil service at Ottawa, as 
 inspector of government buildings, and continued in this 
 position until his death, which occurred August 6th, 1875. 
 
 Mr. Hutchison joined St. Gabriel Street Church when 
 he first came to the city. He was elected a member of the 
 temporal committee in 1842, and re-elected in 1843 and 
 1844. In the latter year he was also chosen, along with 
 Walter M. Peddie, a member of the manse trust, in room 
 of Thomas Blackwood and Robert Simpson, deceased. This 
 office he resigned afterwards, when he connected himself 
 with the Cote Street movement. Meanwhile, he built the
 
 490 
 
 manse on Sherbrooke Street, corner of St. Charles Borrom§e 
 Street, now the property of Alderman Mooney, — being 
 both its architect and builder. 
 
 He was one of the twelve gentlemen forming "the Free 
 Church committee," and his energy of mind and character 
 was of great service to their undertakings. He was 
 ordained an elder in that church, 19th September, 1847. 
 In 1835, he married Helen Hall of Largs, Scotland. 
 
 Mr. Hutchison is worthily represented by his sons, A. 
 C. Hutchison, architect, R.C.A., J. H. Hutchison, contrac- 
 tor, and Dr. Hutchison, dentist of Ottawa, all famous as 
 curlers. 
 
 Andrew Wilson, who owned pew No. 94, and was a 
 member of the temporal committee in 1849, was born near 
 Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1822, and came with his family, 
 in 1834, to Montreal. In 1836, he entered the Montreal 
 Herald office, in a very subordinate capacity ; but by his 
 industry, probity and intelligence, gradually secured for 
 himself a leading place in its management. In 1847, he, 
 with Messrs. Potts and Penny, purchased the Herald pro- 
 perty, and he continued a shareholder in it, till his death, 
 24th October, 1879. In 1852, he married Esther Matthews, 
 who survives. The late Senator Penny, who was asso- 
 ciated with him in the conduct of the Herald, wrote this 
 sentence regarding Mr. Wilson, in a brief, but hearty 
 obituary notice : " he never heard him utter an unworthy 
 thought, or do an ungenerous action, while his amiability 
 was such, that during that long period, sometimes in very 
 trying circumstances, no word of unkindness ever escaped 
 him. It is a rare blessing to have such a friend." All that 
 was best in the city of Montreal, cordially echoed this 
 affectionate tribute to Mr. Wilson's worth. 
 
 Mr. Wilson removed, in 1865, with the Knox congrega- 
 tion to the new edifice in Dorchester Street, and worship-
 
 ANDREW bllAW,
 
 491 
 
 ped there for several years, but, owing to trouble over the 
 instrumental music question, and other causes of irritation 
 in the church, he ceased his connection with the congre- 
 gation and joined St. Andrew's Church, in the communion 
 of which he died, and which his family still attend. 
 
 The foregoing were worthy men, and an honour to any 
 Christian church; but, with two or three exceptions, they 
 had not, up to this time, taken any considerable part in 
 the work of the congregation, and many of them had only 
 within a few months acquired the right of voting in its 
 affairs. It was only in the spring of 1844 that the follow- 
 ing had become pew-proprietors : — 
 
 James Turner, Alexander Bertram, Robert Dalgleish, 
 Charles Mearns, Alexander Urquhart, Alexander and 
 Donald Fraser, Dr. Wm. MacNider, Greorge Middlemiss, 
 Archibald Macfarlane, Robert Davie, and Arch'd. McGoun, 
 all of whom were counted in among the thirty-two pro- 
 prietors voting together on September 2nd, 1844. 
 
 The 27 protesters, on the other hand, were, for the most 
 part old members and proprieters of the congregation, — 
 gentlemen who had stood by Mr. Esson in the day of trial, 
 and had contributed to secure the prosperity of the congre- 
 gation, and to give it the high status it occupied in the 
 community. Kenneth "Walker, "Wm. Suter, D. P. Ross, 
 James Logan, James Scott, Thomas Ross, and Charles Tait 
 have already been spoken of as office-bearers, in the 
 church, long prior to 1844. Of John Fisher, a full account 
 will be given farther on in connection with the lawsuits 
 regarding the church property. 
 
 Of the others, the oldest and most noted member 
 and proprietor was Andrew Shaw. 
 
 Mr. Shaw, who, for twenty-five years, was one of the 
 most prominent members of the church, was son of Wil-
 
 492 
 
 Ham Shaw, a West India merchant, of Glasgow, Scotland, 
 and was born in that city, July 2Yth, 1775, and died in 
 Montreal, May 11th, 1862. 
 
 He came to Canada in 1810, acquiring a knowledge of 
 business as head clerk with the late James Dunlop, who 
 died in 1815, when Andrew Shaw begau business on his 
 own account, and was for many years an extensive ship- 
 owner. He projected and superintended the building of 
 the first Atlantic steamer, intended for this port, the 
 " Oneida," but it was purchased by the British govern- 
 ment, for the transport of troops to the Crimea. He was 
 the originator of the Montreal Telegraph Company, and its 
 first president, in 1847. He was " Master of the Trinity 
 House " for many years, and up to the time of his death, 
 in 1862. He was a major in the militia, and took an active 
 part in suppressing the rebellion in 1837. He was a gov- 
 ernor of the Montreal G-eneral Hospital for thirty years, 
 and one of the original contributors to its building fund, 
 in 1820. He married March 14th, 1821, Hannah Ferguson, 
 a direct descendant of the G-rants both of Duldreggan and 
 Corrimony, and had six children. One only survives, 
 Annie, the youngest daughter, wife of Dr. Wheeler of 
 Montreal. Three of his nephews are now living in the 
 city, — David Shaw, a ship broker, James Gibb Shaw, Port 
 Warden of Montreal, and Capt. John Low, a stock broker, 
 — formerly of Her Majesty's 15th Regiment. Mr. Shaw 
 took an active and prominent part in connection with the 
 early history of the St. Andrew's society, being chairman 
 of the committee of management, in 1837 and 1838, first 
 vice-president in 1839, second vice-president in 1840, and 
 again in 1842. 
 
 Mr. Shaw connected himself with the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church on his coming to Montreal, in 1810, and up till 
 1844, it had not a warmer supporter than he. He bought 
 pew No. 8, in the gallery, for iJ19 10s. in 1817, and it he
 
 ' 493 
 
 occupied until after the disruption. He was elected to 
 the temporal committee in 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, when 
 he was made treasurer. In 1822 he and John Fisher, the 
 half-brother of his wife, were appointed a committee for 
 signing deeds of pews. He was re-elected to the com- 
 mittee in 1829, but then declined to act ; but he served on 
 the committee again in 1833, 1834, and 1835, being presi- 
 dent the last named year. He was appointed under Rev. 
 James Somerville's will, made in 1883, a trustee of the 
 jGlOOO which that gentleman left for the erection of. a 
 manse for the future ministers of St. Gabriel Street 
 Church. He was also one of the executors of Mr. Somer- 
 ville's will, after his decease in 1837. He was chairman 
 of the committee appointed to superintend the building 
 of the manse ; he and the other trustees held it for the 
 Church of Scotland, and he received the revenues derived 
 from it during the period of litigation, and applied them 
 in keeping up the property. The surplus was allowed to 
 accumulate in his hands, and afterwards in those of Mr. 
 James Tyre, the tenant of the building, until it amounted 
 to a large sum, and this was available at length to assist 
 in paying off the $5,800 allowed to Knox congregation in 
 lieu of their claim on the old building. Mr. Shaw's name 
 appears first on the protest of 7th September, 1844, 
 against the resolution of the majority of the congregation 
 and proprietors to follow Mr. Esson into the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada. He was also made defendant in the 
 first suit taken for the recovery of the manse by the con- 
 gregation in the church after the disruption, James Leslie, 
 et al., plaintiffs, v. Andrew Shaw et al. defendants,^^ fyled 29th 
 January, 1846. In a subsequent suit ''Kemp v. Fisher,'" he 
 gave important evidence 11th May, 1860. The final suit 
 taken on behalf of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, in 
 connection with the Church of Scotland, by Attorney- 
 G-eneral Cartier, was instituted by his affidavit, made 14th
 
 494 
 
 April, 1860. He aud his family attended St. Andrew's 
 Church, after 1844. 
 
 Mr. Shaw ranks with Duncan Fisher, Thomas Black- 
 wood, James Leslie and John Fisher, as among the most 
 active and devoted members, and office-bearers of the con- 
 gregation, during the period it was in communion with 
 the Church of Scotland, and as such his portrait appears 
 in this volume. 
 
 "Walter Miller Peddie inherited pew No. 11, in the gal- 
 lery, from his brother William. His name appears on 
 existing documents, connected with the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, first in February, 1831, as the favoured purchaser 
 of pew 27, — he. being a friend of Mr. Esson's, had the 
 temporal committee on his side. He next appears as 
 one of the nine laying the information against those who 
 had seized the church, March 30th, 1831. "When his 
 brother, William, died, in 1834, he was chosen a member 
 of the temporal committee in his room by the remaining 
 members. He was chosen by the pew proprietors to this 
 position in 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, 1840 and 1841. 
 He was appointed in April, 1844, a member of the manse 
 committee in place of Robert Simpson, deceased. In his 
 capacity as trustee, he was afterwards involved, with 
 Andrew Shaw and John Fisher, co-trustees, in the several 
 lawsuits, instituted to recover the manse by the congrega- 
 tion worshipping in the church. And when the litigation 
 was at length brought to a peaceful issue, his name as the 
 only survivor of the old trustees, was very fittingly placed 
 at the head of the eleven gentlemen, appointed in the Act 
 of Parliament, to receive the church back into the possess- 
 ion of the Church of Scotland. He and his family returned 
 to the congregation when it was reconstructed in 1866. 
 In the interval, they had attended St. Andrew's Church. 
 
 Mr. Peddie was born at Perth, Scotland, 12th February,
 
 495 
 
 1*79*7, and came to Montreal in 1814. His elder brothers, 
 "William and Stuart, had been here some years pre- 
 viously, and had established a hardware business. He 
 opened a store in 31 St. Paul Street, in the same line. He 
 greatly prospered in trade, and became a rich man. After 
 his brother "William died, "Walter, at his dying request, 
 joined the business of the two houses, and took in as 
 partner Ferdinand Macculloch, who had been long book- 
 keeper to his brother. Hard times came, houses in the 
 west, with which the firm had dealt, came tumbling 
 down, and heavy losses followed, and Mr. Peddie retired 
 to a farm near Sault-aux-Eecollets, a poor man. From that 
 time forward his health grew feeble. 
 
 Mr. Peddie was one of nature's gentlemen. Instinctively 
 honourable, and cultured by training, with a graceful 
 address, he was of a gentle and lovable disposition. He 
 married in 1833, Mary Anne, daughter of Eobert McFar- 
 lane, of Perth, Scotland, mentioned elsewhere. He died at 
 Montreal, Aug. 19th, 18Y6, aged 79 years. Mrs. Peddie and 
 her two daughters opened an academy for young ladies and 
 children, in 1861, which is still kept by Miss Peddie, and 
 which has been a great boon to the community. G-entleness 
 and humanity have been the refining influences brought 
 to bear upon their pupils. Mrs. Peddie was spared to take 
 part in the centennial service in the old church, and to be 
 present at the final leavetakiug of the ancient sanctuary : 
 but she worshipped in the new edifice, with which she 
 was much pleased, only a few Sabbaths when the Lord 
 took her to Himself. A truly " elect " lady was she, in 
 whom the meekness and gentleness of Christ shone forth, 
 — one of God's chosen, chastened by trial and ripe for the 
 Kingdom. She fell asleep in Jesus, 3rd November, 1886, 
 aged 74 years. 
 
 Robert Esdaile, who also entered his protest against the
 
 496 , 
 
 Church in St. Grabriel Street breaking off its connection 
 with the Church of Scotland, could be expected to do 
 nothing else considering that the Church of Scotland was 
 pre-eminently his mother church, he having been born in 
 one of her manses, at Perth, Scotland, November 21st, 
 1816. His father, Eev. James Esdaile, D.D., was 40 years 
 Minister of the East Church, in that town. Mr. Esdaile 
 arrived in Canada in June, 1833, and entered the office of 
 William Peddie, hardware merchant, who was also a 
 native of Perth. He and his brother John afterwards 
 conducted a wholesale dry goods house, in 223 St. Paul 
 Street ; but withdrawing from it they, in 1846, opened an 
 office as general brokers, in St. Sacrament Street. They 
 afterwards confined their operations to grain and produce. 
 Mr. Esdaile was one of the founders of the Montreal Corn 
 Exchange, and was elected its first president. He was 
 repeatedly re-elected to the same honourable position. 
 He was one of the experts in the knowledge of flour, 
 employed as judges to test the capacity of candidates for 
 the office of Flour Inspector for the city. 
 
 Mr. Esdaile joined St. Gabriel Street Church in 183-3, 
 and became one of Mr. Esson's most intimate friends. 
 They lived in the same house for some time, and Mr. 
 Esdaile acted as Mr. Esson's groomsman at his second 
 marriage in 1842 ; but he could not follow his friend out 
 of his mother church. 
 
 Mr. Esdaile having protested against the secession to 
 the Presbyterian Church of Canada, connected himself 
 with St. Andrew's Church, and soon became one of its 
 most prominent members. He married the sister-in-law 
 of Eev. Dr. Mathieson, Nancy McKenzie, daughter of 
 John McKenzie of the firm of Ilussel and McKenzie, and 
 thus his influence in St. Andrew's Church naturally 
 became great. He was elected -a member of the Board of 
 Trustees, and was latterly, for many years, its chairman.
 
 497 
 
 As he stood by the Church of Scotland in 1844, so he was 
 averse to falling in with the Union movement in 1875, 
 although the circumstances were very different. Mr. Es- 
 daile was, however, too sober-minded a man to act a 
 fanatical part in this connection. Although his views 
 were decided and firm, they were held and expressed 
 with calmness. He died at Montreal very suddenly, 
 July 5th, 1882. Mr. Esdaile was one of the original 
 members of the St. Andrew's Society, and held the office 
 of secretary in 1842. He was one of the eleven Trustees 
 named in the Act of Parliament of 1864, which restored 
 the St. Gabriel Street Church to the Church of Scotland, 
 and took an interest afterwards in its rising fortunes, 
 acting for some time as Secretary-Treasurer His son, 
 Robert M. Esdaile, continues his father's business, and 
 inherits much of his public spirit. 
 
 John Speirs, whose signature appears fourth on the 
 protest against the secession from the Church of Scotland, 
 and who owned pew No. 7, was a dry goods merchant of 
 the city. He was elected a member of the temporal com- 
 mittee in 1844. He was married to a daughter of Adam L. 
 MacNider, and after issuing his protest, he and his family 
 attended St. Paul's Church. He died in 1858. His sister, 
 Mrs. Sanderson, however, went to Cote Street Church. 
 
 John Blackwood, who signed the protest, and owned 
 pew No. 72, was a nephew of Thomas Blackwood, the 
 elder. John was a merchant in the city, and afterwards 
 removed to Upper Canada. Thomas Blackwood's son, 
 James McG-ill, also remained a member of St. G-abriel 
 Street Church till about 1840. He was one of the signers 
 of the petition to the Presbytery of Quebec, in 1831. Miss 
 Blackwood, of 112 Union Avenue, whose name is asso- 
 ciated with so many of our public charities, is a daughter 
 G G
 
 498 
 
 of Thomas Blackwood, the elder. Miss Blackwood has 
 been of immense service to the writer in pursuing his 
 historical enquiries. 
 
 John Charles Lillie, another of the 2*7 protesters, was a 
 grandson of John Lillie, mentioned at page 98. He was 
 brought up by his aunt, Miss Lillie, and educated at 
 Edinburgh, Scotland. lie entered the office of Peddie and 
 Macculloch, and afterwards formed a business partnership 
 with J. & R. Esdaile, but he did not prosper. He 
 removed to Toronto afterwards, and obtained a Govern- 
 ment situation. He owned pew No. 21 in the St. Gabriel 
 Street Church. 
 
 Ferdinand Macculloch, who also signed the protest 
 against the secession from the Church of Scotland, in 1844, 
 was the proprietor of pew No. 24. He was the son of 
 "William Macculloch, elsewhere mentioned as a native of 
 Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, Scotland, where Ferdinand 
 was also born. Part of his youth was spent in Edinburgh. 
 Coming to Montreal as a lad, in 1823, he entered the 
 office of "William Peddie, hardware and commission mer- 
 chant. On Mr. Peddie's death, Mr. Macculloch formed a 
 partnership with "Walter M. Peddie, William's brother, 
 who was also a hardware merchant. Subsequently, Mr. 
 Macculloch w^as appointed cashier of the City Bank, an 
 office which he held for 25 years. Mr. Macculloch is still 
 wath us, a hale old gentleman, whose portly form reminds 
 one of the physique of the merchant princes to be seen in 
 the Glasgow Exchange. He married a daughter of Dr. 
 William llobertson. Mr. Macculloch signed the petition 
 to the Synod, as one of Mr. Esson's friends, in 1831. He 
 held the important office of Treasurer in the congregation 
 during the years from 1838 to 1841.
 
 499 
 
 Colin McDonald, who owned pew No. 36, and was 
 among tlie 27 protesters against the secession of St. 
 G-abriel Street Church in 1844, was the redoubtable Town 
 Major. He had been a sergeant in the 79th Cameron 
 Highlanders, and as such had achieved prodigies of valour 
 at Waterloo. That regiment was in Montreal in 1828, 
 and worshipped in St. G-abriel Street Church. On retiring 
 from active service he obtained, in 1834, the appoint- 
 ment of Town Major of Montreal, and bravely did he 
 perform his part, to the delight especially of the boys, 
 who enjoyed seeing the old Highland warrior when 
 he rode forth fully caparisoned on his spirited charger. 
 He was a special favourite with Lord Durham, during 
 that nobleman's stay in the city. On one occasion when 
 Admiral Lord Paget was on a visit to Montreal, he sent 
 for the Town Major and publicly thanked him for having 
 saved the life of the Admiral's brother in the action at 
 "Waterloo ; and the veteran deemed himself amply repaid 
 by the honour done him, when he was invited to dine with 
 his lordship. The Town Major would have considered 
 his loyalty as liable to suspicion, had he not voted in 1844 
 to continue in connection with the Established Church of 
 Scotland. He went to St. Andrew's Church after the 
 disruption. 
 
 David Handyside, one of the 27 protesters of the 7th 
 September, 1844, was an old and influential member of 
 the congregation. He occupied pew No. 25 in 1825. He 
 became an ardent admirer of Mr. Esson's, and adhered to 
 him earnestly until he seceded in 1844. Mr. Handyside 
 was one of those who lodged information against the 
 Black partizans for seizing the chiirch, and he was one 
 of the committee to receive back the edifice in 1832. He 
 was elected a member of the temporal committee in 1834, 
 re-elected in 1835, when he was made vice-president,
 
 500 
 
 which office he held again in 1836 and 1837. In 1838, 
 1839, 1840 and 1841, he was president. He was left off 
 the enlarged committee in 1842 and 1843, but was again 
 chosen on it in 1844. He was re-elected every year after- 
 wards up to 1848, when Dr. "W". P. Smith's name was 
 substituted for his. Although he protested against the 
 secession of the congregation from the Church of Scot- 
 land, he held on to his pew and his rights in the church 
 for several years afterwards, and even signed the call to 
 Mr. Leishman, although he formally protested against his 
 induction. 
 
 David Handy side was born in Edinburgh, 11th August, 
 1794. He came to Montreal with his two brothers while 
 a young man. At first they were merchants on St. Joseph 
 Street. His brothers afterwards owned the distillery on 
 the Longue Pointe road, alongside where the new House 
 of Industry and Refuge is. David's distillery stood where 
 the Adams' tobacco factory at Hochelaga now stands. 
 
 He was named a member of the new Corporation of 
 the city in 1840, but declined to act. He married Melinda 
 Adams of Burlington, Vt., who died in 1848. Mr. Handy- 
 side himself died, 15th March, 1855. After withdrawing 
 from St. Gabriel Street Church, he joined St Thomas' 
 Episcopal Church. His eldest daughter is the wife of 
 Joseph Jones, Coroner. One son, Charles, resides at 
 Lachine, and two daughters remain unmarried. 
 
 Daniel G-orrie, who owned pew No. 27, and who pro- 
 tested against the Presbyterian Church in Canada's claim 
 to hold the St. Gabriel Street Church, was a native oi 
 Glasgow, Scotland, who came to this country in 1820, 
 when he was only 15 years old. His family belonged, 
 however, to Perth. Daniel early showed ability, and 
 acquired a high reputation among his fellow-citizens. 
 He had a taste for public life, and in 1845 he entered the
 
 501 
 
 City Council. He served as councillor that year and the 
 following one. In 1859, he was appointed an Alderman, 
 for at that period there were two ranks in the Council, — 
 Councillors and Aldermen. He continued to serve as an 
 Alderman from 1859 to 1864, when he retired. His chief 
 business was conducting a brewery in Jacques Cartier 
 Street ; but he had also contracts with the G-overnment, 
 during the period the military were in Canada, for the 
 supply of fodder for the army horses, — and he became 
 a rich man. 
 
 The first time his name occurs in connection with St. 
 Grabriel Street Church w^as on the memorials and petitions 
 in the differences between Messrs. Esson and Black. 
 He joined the church in 18B0. At this period, he acted 
 with the Black party, as did also Charles Tait and 
 "William Grunn. These three were not prepared, how- 
 ever, to go the length of separating from the church, and 
 so they stayed in it, in 1833. All three had to leave 
 in the long run. He was appointed a member of the 
 temporal committee in 1842, and remained in that office 
 for the four following years. He was one of the three 
 proprietors present to vote against changing the Rules 
 and Eegulations, 2nd September, 1844, the other two 
 being D. P. Ross and James Logan. 
 
 Mr. Gorrie continued to hold his pew in the old church, 
 as several of the other protesters did, in the hope that it 
 would revert to the Church of Scotland ; and Mr. Gorrie 
 lived to see that wish accomplished. The writer had the 
 melancholy satisfaction of officiating at his burial. He 
 died 2nd July, 1872. 
 
 William MacCulloch, one of the 2t protesters, Tth Sept- 
 ember, 1844, was a native of Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, 
 Scotland. He was father of Ferdinand MacCulloch of 
 the City Bank. He came to Canada in 1823. For some
 
 502 
 
 time he was connected with the Indian Department of 
 the Civil Service. Afterwards he held a connection with 
 the Champlain Railway. He died in November, 1856. 
 
 Robert McFarlane, who also protested against the 
 secession of 1844, was born near the town of Perth, Scot- 
 land, and was a merchant in that town before coming to 
 Canada. His business proper was that of a wholesale 
 grocer, but besides this he engaged in large grain trans- 
 actions with Baltic ports. He was proprietor of the estate 
 at Orwell, situated on the banks of Loch Leven ; but 
 certain of his trading ventures having involved him in 
 heavy losses, he was obliged to part with it. His only 
 daughter, Marianne, having married "Walter M. Peddie, 
 of Montreal, in 1833, he followed her to Canada a few 
 years afterwards, and did a limited business here as a 
 grain broker. He died 1st May, 1861, aged V5 years. 
 
 William Skakel, also signing the protest of *7th Sept- 
 ember, 1844, who owned pew No. 68, was a clerk in the 
 Ordnance Department. He was a brother of the teacher, 
 Dr. Skakel, and had been connected with the church from 
 the early days of Mr, Somerville onwards. 
 
 "William Laverock, who owned pew No. 50 in St. 
 Grabriel Street Church, and was one of the 2t proprietors 
 and members who issued the protest of Yth September, 
 1844, began life in Montreal as a storeman, and after- 
 wards kept a grocery at 9*7 Craig Street. 
 
 James Law, proprietor of pew No. 17. attended St. 
 G-abriel Street Church from 1831, when he first came to 
 Montreal, on to the disruption in 1844. He was a native 
 of Kirkoswald, Ayrshire, Scotland, and was born in 1812. 
 He was one of the noble Scottish merchants of whom 
 Montreal has had occasion to be proud. He was a mem-
 
 503 
 
 ber of the firm of " Isaac Buchanan and Company," after- 
 wards " Buchanan, Harris and Company," " Harris, Law 
 and Company," and now " Law, Young and Company," 
 general merchants, with branches in Toronto and other 
 places. He, too, went off to St. Andrew's Church after 
 1844. He died in February, 1868. Mr. Law never 
 married. 
 
 James Tyre, who also protested in 1844, against the 
 church's being handed over to the Free Church sympa- 
 thizers, and owned pew No. 3, in the old church, was born 
 at Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 180Y, and came to Canada 
 in 1825. He resided at Niagara, Upper Canada, for some 
 time, where he married Miss Clarke. For many years he 
 was engaged in the dry-goods business, in Montreal, first as 
 a member of the firm of Scott, Tyre & Co., and subsequently 
 as principal of the house of Tyre, Colquhoun & Co. 
 Eetiring from that business he afterwards became an 
 official assignee, and in that capacity wound up a large 
 number of extensive estates. For a long period he was a 
 keen curler, and was for nearly forty years a member of 
 the Montreal curling club. He was one of the well- 
 known " Auld Callants " team, consisting of Col. Dyde, Sir 
 Hugh Allan, Hon. John Young and himself, and his death 
 made the first inroad in their ranks. Now, alas ! they are 
 all gone! 
 
 A special interest attaches to Mr. Tyre's name in con- 
 nection with the St. Grabriel Street Church property, not 
 only from the fact that he was treasurer of the congrega- 
 tion in 1837, but for thirteen years was a tenant of the 
 manse on Sherbrooke Street, and had injunction after 
 injunction served upon him by the courts, as to paying 
 any rent to either party claiming the property. A con- 
 siderable sum for back rent lay in his hands for some time, 
 and this became finally available for the settlement of the
 
 504 
 
 amount agreed, in the compromise, to be paid to Knox 
 Church. 
 
 After the disruption, he and his family attended St. 
 Andrew's Church. He died at Lachine, 8th May, 1876. 
 
 William Muir, another of the protesters, and the owner 
 at that date of pew No. 71, was the senior partner of 
 the well-known firm of "W. & R. Muir," importers of 
 dry goods, 166 McGill Street. He was a merchant of 
 high character, and was held in general esteem. He 
 died 13th December, 1853. His brother, Robert, continued 
 the business under the old name. Eobert Muir, who 
 surviA^es, and lives at "Wimbledon, near London, England, 
 was one of the eleven trustees of the St. Grabriel Street 
 Church, appointed by the Act 27-28 Vict. Cap. 161. 
 The two brothers went to St. Paul's Church after 1844. 
 
 Daniel Fisher, whose name appears on the protest, was 
 a brother of John, the most vigorous champion of the 
 claims of the Church of Scotland, at this time and after- 
 wards. They were sons of Alexander Fisher, one of the 
 original trustees of the St. Gabriel Street Church. He 
 and John were at one time in partnership, as general mer- 
 chants ; but John retiring from the firm, Daniel carried it 
 on alone, for some years. Finally he went into the busi- 
 ness of auctioneer, at 22 St. Fran9ois Xavier Street. The 
 late John Fisher, of the stamp and news ofiice, St. Fran- 
 9ois Xavier Street, was his son. One daughter was the 
 first wife of J. Y. Gilmour, merchant in St. Paul Street. 
 Two daughters are unmarried. 
 
 Alexander Ferguson, who signed the 7th September, 
 1840, protest, owned pew No. 34. His father was an old 
 "Waterloo hero, and a comrade in arms of the late Colin 
 Macdonald, the Town Major, having been with him in the 
 79th Highland Infantry. Alexander was born in 1810,
 
 505 
 
 in the same room in Edinburgh castle, in which " Mary- 
 Queen of Scots " first saw the light, — the regiment being 
 quartered in the castle at the time of his birth. He came 
 to Montreal about 1829, and joined the forwarding com- 
 pany of Macpherson and Crane, of which he was made a 
 partner. He was a gentleman of fine literary taste, many 
 efiusions from his pen appearing from time to time in the 
 Montreal Herald, in which he had a financial interest, 
 under the no7n deplume of McCrimmon. He died 1st May, 
 1846, of rapid consumption. He had married Miss Orkney, 
 grand-daughter of Benaiah G-ibb, senior, and his widow, 
 Mrs. Ferguson, who lived, in the lifetime of Benaiah 
 Gibb, the younger, and afterwards, at the Gribb Mansion, 
 St. Catherine Street, was well known up to the time of 
 her death, a few years ago, as an active Christian lady. 
 Mr. Ferguson's niece, who was brought up by him, mar- 
 ried Peter Sinclair, bookseller of Quebec, and survives. 
 The Fergusons went, with the most of the others, to St. 
 Andrew's Church, after the disruption. 
 
 Donald Eoss, late of View Mount, the founder of the 
 Trafalgar Institute, was also among the twenty-seven 
 protesters on this occasion. He has been already men- 
 tioned as a nephew, as his wife was a niece, of D. P. Eoss, 
 dry-goods merchant. He followed the business of auc- 
 tioneer, and made money at it, and, having become heir 
 to part of his uncle's estate, besides, he was counted a rich 
 man by himself, and was so regarded by others. The estate, 
 however, w^hich he left for the Trafalgar Institute, has not 
 proved so valuable as he considered it ; consequently, the 
 Ladies College, which he had designed, has not yet been 
 put in operation. Sir Donald A. Smith has come to the 
 rescue, with characteristic generosity, and ihas added 
 $25,000 to the endowment, so that there is a prospect that 
 the wishes of the founder will soon begin to be realized.
 
 506 
 
 Donald Ross connected himself with St. Paul's Church 
 after leaving St. Gabriel Street, and had a good deal to do 
 with erecting the magnificent edifice in Dorchester Street, 
 in which that congregation now worships. He was spe- 
 cially active in introducing the use of the organ into the 
 worship of St. Paul's Church. He died of jaundice, 16th 
 May, 1877, aged 65 years ; and Mrs. Eoss did not long 
 survive him. She died of the same disease, August 2nd, 
 1879. 
 
 But the gentleman who had the greatest responsibility 
 cast upon him of all that protested against the secession of 
 1844, was John Fisher, the proprietor of pew 26. The son 
 of one of the original trustees, baptized in the church, all 
 his life associated with it, and one of its most active mem- 
 bers for the previous thirty years ; he was looked up to by 
 the Church of Scotland party as their natural leader, 
 holding, as he did, strongly by their views. He was first 
 elected a member of the temporal committee in 1821, as 
 John Fisher, junior, to distinguish him from his uncle, 
 John. He was again chosen in 1822, and he and Mr. Shaw 
 were entrusted with signing the pew deeds, on behalf of. 
 the committee He was a member of the committee, also, 
 in 1823 and 1824. In 1827 he was made president of the 
 temporal committee, and continued in that responsible 
 ofiice in 1828 and 1829. In January, 1830, he seconded a 
 motion of Andrew Shaw's, at the public meeting at which 
 Mr. Esson vindicated himself with reference to the charges 
 laid against him by the elders, in favour of the procedure 
 suggested by Mr. Esson. Hon. Peter McGill having re- 
 signed the presidency of the committee when leaving for 
 Great Britain in 1831, Mr. Leslie was first chosen in his 
 stead, but he declining on the score of being an elder, Mr. 
 Fisher, then M.P.P., was elected, 10th March, 1832. He 
 was on the committee to receive the church back that
 
 JOHN FISHER.
 
 50*7 
 
 spring. He was chosen on the committee every year after- 
 wards, up to, and including 1844 ; on which year he was 
 vice-president, as he had been in 1833, 1842 and 1843 — 
 while president again in 183*7. 
 
 Born in Montreal, in 1788, John Fisher, when a lad, was 
 sent first to the country to learn farming. But he early 
 showed a predilection for business, and he was put by his 
 step-father, Mr. Ferguson, into the warehouse of Hector 
 Russel & Co., in which he remained for some years. He 
 afterwards formed a partnership with his brother Daniel, 
 under the style " Daniel and John Fisher," groceries and 
 dry-goods merchants. On 27th October, 1821, he was mar- 
 ried, by Rev. Dr. Harkness, to Miss Hunter, daughter of 
 Francis Hunter, merchant of Quebec, who was afterwards 
 an elder in St. G-abriel Street Church. Mrs. John Fisher 
 was the handsome old lady who, with her daughter, Mrs. 
 Baird, attended St. G-abriel Church, nearly fifty years after- 
 wards, during the writer's early ministry in Montreal. 
 
 Mr. Fisher formed a business partnership with his 
 brother-in-law, Francis Hunter, junior, after he and his 
 brother Daniel separated. It was during this palmy 
 period of his career, that he was elected member of the 
 Provincial Parliament. He represented Montreal West 
 for the term from 1830 to 1834. 
 
 Mr. Fisher having had a large commercial connection 
 in both Upper and Lower Canada, and getting many 
 concerns into his hands in the way of securing him- 
 self against losses, thought his best policy was to retire 
 from business altogether and endeavour to realize as 
 much as possible out of the farms and other securities of 
 which he had become possessed. Nominally, he was a 
 rich man at this time ; he thought himself so, but he 
 found the value of the securities shrink immensely as 
 he tried to realize upon them. 
 
 But he was best known to men of the last generation
 
 508 
 
 as the chief defendant named iu at least two of the law- 
 suits that took place to determine the proprietorship of 
 the St. Gabriel Street Church and manse. This somewhat 
 unenviable distinction fell to him because he had been 
 named as one of the trustees of the money left by Mr. 
 Somerville to build the manse, as well as an executor of 
 that gentleman's will. After Andrew Shaw, the next 
 person in order to be proceeded against was John Fisher. 
 These suits were " Smith vs. Fisher et al.,'' and " Kemp 
 vs. Fisher et al'' The former was brought to an issue, 
 and the decision is reported in the 2nd Vol. of the " Lower 
 Canada Jurist," p. 74 — the latter was one of the suits 
 settled by the compromise in 1864. 
 
 It will be seen that these twenty-seven dissentients 
 represented more largely than the leaders on the other 
 side on this occasion, the old time congregation, especially 
 the substantial mercantile community. They were also, 
 for the most part, the party that had stood by Mr. Esson 
 in the day of trial. They were hard-headed Scotchmen, 
 men who loved their minister and admired his enthusi- 
 asm, but who were not themselves of an enthusiastic 
 temperament. Those who sided with Mr Esson were, 
 many of them, new people in the congregation, and 
 probably were more responsive to the minister's enthu- 
 siasm. Dr. Donald Eraser indicates that this latter 
 characteristic was specially true of their leader, Hon. 
 James Leslie. The 27 protesters' chief defence of their 
 position lay in the views with which they had been 
 carefully indoctrinated by Mr. Esson himself For 25 
 years at least, he had been lauding the Church of Scotland 
 to them, and expressing the desire to have the bonds 
 uniting them to that church drawn closer. They had 
 been assiduously taught by him to revere and love that 
 church, as one of them said to me — and added, that if the
 
 509 
 
 minister changed his attitude towards the parent church 
 by a sudden accession of light, he could scarcely expect 
 that they should all see with his new eyes. It was a 
 very painful thing for them to go into opposition to his 
 wishes ; but their dispassionate estimate of the questions 
 at issue left them no alternative. Yet their love for their 
 dear friend and pastor was such that most of them 
 stayed away from the meetings at which the situation 
 was discussed, rather than actively oppose him. For the 
 same reason, the greater number of them satisfied them- 
 selves with issuing their protest, then withdrew from 
 further action in the matter, and joined the other churches 
 in the city connected with the Church of Scotland. St. 
 Andrew's Church received the most of them, and from 
 that day forward, at least until the union in 1875, it 
 secured the preponderance — and became what St. Gi-abriel 
 Street Church had unquestionably been before, the Scotch 
 church of Montreal, by way of eminence. 
 
 Two additional names belonging to this period remain 
 to be mentioned. The first is that of James Millar, owner 
 of pew No. 58, who was a member of the temporal com- 
 mittee and secretary in 1839, 1840 and 1841. He remained 
 a member of that committee in 1842 and 1843, although 
 he was not secretary. Mr. Millar was head of the firm 
 of "Millar, Parlane and Company," in which Sir Hugh 
 Allan got his training in the shipping business. Mr. 
 Millar was one of the first directors of the Bank of Mont- 
 real, of the Montreal G-eneral Hospital, of the Montreal 
 Savings Bank, and of the Montreal Insurance Company, 
 
 The other name is that of .Tohn Rose, who occupied 
 pew No. 99. He was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 
 in 1820. He came to Canada with his father's family in 
 1834, and tried farming for a while ; but he felt called to
 
 510 
 
 a life more stirring. He entered' as a student at Queen's 
 College, Kingston, but completed his Arts course at 
 Marischal College, Aberdeen. He taught school at Hunt- 
 ingdon, Quebec, for about twelve months, and also acted 
 as a tutor for some time in the family of the famous Col. 
 By, the Chief Engineer of the Rideau Canal. He began 
 the study of law in the office of his uncle, James Thom, 
 Editor of the Herald, popularly called Judge Thom, who 
 was appointed Recorder of Rupert's Land in 1839. He 
 completed his law studies in the office of the late Justice 
 Day, and was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1 842. 
 He had distinguished himself in the examining of wit- 
 nesses, in connection with the trial of the rebels of 183Y 
 and 1838, and his success at the Bar was already 
 o-uaranteed. In 1851 he was returned to Parliament 
 for Montreal Centre, Dorion being his colleague for the 
 Eastern Division, and D'Arcy McG-ee for the Western. 
 He was appointed Solicitor-General (East) in November, 
 1851. He was Commissioner of Public Works in 1859, 
 and it fell to his office to make the arrangements for the 
 tour through Canada, in 1860, of His Royal Highness 
 the Prince of Wales. Although the facilities for travel 
 were not then what they are to-day, there was not 
 a single hitch in the arrangements, so far as they de- 
 pended on Mr. Rose. Every steamboat, and railway 
 car and stage-coach was ready to start at the moment 
 announced, and so satisfactory was this to the methodical 
 mind of the Prince, that he was pleased to treat Mr. 
 Rose, then and since, it is understood, as a friend. 
 He resigned office in 1861, on the score of ill-health, 
 and in 1864 was appointed an Imperial Commissioner 
 on the Oregon boundary question. He was returned 
 member for Huntingdon at Confederation, in 186Y, and in 
 November of that year succeeded Sir A. T. G-alt as Min- 
 ister of Finance. The duties of this office he discharged
 
 511 
 
 ■with much ability for two years aud more, but the wear 
 aud tear of public life was too much for him, aud he was 
 obliged to retire from politics altogether. He removed to 
 London, England, shortly afterwards, and entered a bank- 
 ing firm there. He was first made a Gr.C.M.Gr., and in 
 18^2 a baronet. His career has been one of spotless 
 integrity. He was immensely popular among the Scots 
 of Montreal. They made him repeatedly president of 
 the St. Andrew's Society, and when, he left the city, they 
 presented him with a very appreciative address. 
 
 It has been alread}' mentioned that Sir John married 
 the widow of Robert Sweeney. In this way he had a 
 quasi relation to Mr. Esson, and so his name does not 
 appear among the protesters in 1844. Indeed, it would 
 appear as if the course he was to pursue on the Free 
 Church question was not fully decided some time after- 
 wards ; for the temporal committee resolved to put into 
 his hands the case for recovering the manse for the con- 
 gregation in possession of the church, as late as 1845. 
 But when Mr. Esson's connection with Montreal ceased, 
 Sir John cast in his lot with St. Paul's congregation. 
 
 In 1886, Sir John married the Dowager Marchioness of 
 Tweeddale. The imagination of Canadian youths may 
 well ponder this remarkable career. Perseverance, high 
 principle, thrift, and correct habits, founded on the train- 
 ing received in an intelligent and pious Scottish farmer's 
 home, have brought the young tutor and schoolmaster of 
 fifty years ago to his present high estate.
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 The Free Church Committee, members for a time of St. Gabriel Street 
 Church — They organize Cote Street Church — Archibald McGoun 
 — The MacKay Brothers — The Free Church Deputies, Revs. W, C. 
 Burns, J. McNaughton, and J. Bonar, preach in St. Gabriel 
 Street — Rev. W. Leishman called and Ordained in St. Gabriel 
 Street Church — His ministry brief and one of trials — The U. P. 
 Congregation worship in St. Gabriel Street — Rev. Dr. Taylor — 
 Warden King — Rev. Dr. Gray — Robert Davie — G. A. Pi' per — 
 David Wylie and William Rowan. 
 
 From the date of Mr. Esson's removal to Toronto as 
 professor, the St. Grabriel Street Church occupied a some- 
 what trying' situation. The bulk of the congreo;ation had 
 loyally followed their much-loved and popular pastor into 
 the new organization, and felt that by so doing they had 
 earned a right to consideration on the part of all those 
 with whom they were associated in the movement. They 
 naturally supposed that Free Church sympathizers, both in 
 Scotland and in Canada, would rally to their support, and 
 make their church the centre of operations for the city and 
 surrounding district. The leaders of the movement, how- 
 ever, determined otherwise, as we have seen. The Free 
 Church committee had been formed 10th of January, 1844, 
 consisting of John Redpath, chairman, James R. Orr, 
 David and Archibald Ferguson, A. McGroun, James Morri- 
 son, Wm. Hutchison, Alexander Eraser, Donald Eraser, 
 Evander Melvor, Wm. Bethune, and William Mcintosh ; 
 and they had gained the ear of the leaders in the Synod, 
 as well as that of the Free Church of Scotland. 
 
 There were representatives of most of the Presbyterian
 
 513 
 
 Churches in the city among these gentlemen. Mr. Red- 
 path was from St. Paul's. Mr. Orr and the two Fergusons 
 were from Lagauchetiere Street Church (Dr. Taylor's), Mr, 
 Mclvor was from St. Andrew's, as were also Mr. Joseph 
 MacKay and Adam Sterenson, who were shortly after- 
 wards added to the Free Church committee, along with 
 Mr. Court from the U. P. Church, in Lagauchetiere 
 Street. The remaining seven, Archibald McGroun, James 
 Morrison, William Hutchison, Alexander Fraser, Donald 
 Fraser, William Bethune and William Mcintosh, were 
 members of the Church in St. Grabriel Street, although 
 most of them had but very recently come into it. The 
 Frasers and Mr. Hutchison have already been mentioned. 
 Mr. Bethune was a schoolmaster in the city at the time, 
 who afterwards became a minister of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada. Mr. Mcintosh was employed after- 
 wards as a catechist, his office being to supply elementary 
 religious instruction to the people in destitute localities, 
 where ministers did not exist. James Morrison who pur- 
 chased pew 96 in April, 1844, was a builder, and lived in 
 Belmont street, Beaver Hall, 
 
 Archibald McGroun, who became owner of pew 63 at 
 the same date, had been connected with the congregation 
 for several years previously. Born in the parish of Dou- 
 glas, Lanarkshire, Scotland, 29th October, 1817, he came to 
 Canada in 1831, and after residing in Quebec for a couple 
 of years, arrived in Montreal in 1833. He attended the 
 services in St. Gabriel Street from the time he came to the 
 city until he joined Cote Street Church in 1845. He be- 
 came a communicant in St. Grabriel Street in 1834 or 1835. 
 He commenced life as a grocer's clerk, then took to book- 
 keeping in 183*7, which he prosecuted until 1870, when he 
 was appointed secretary-treasurer and accountant to the 
 " Citizens' Insurance Company." He was ordained a 
 H H
 
 514 
 
 deaeou iu the Free Church, Cote Street, iu 1852, and au 
 elder iu the same church, 15th February, 1863. 
 
 He was one of the office-bearers appointed by the Canada 
 Presbyterian Church, to assist in making- preparations for 
 the proposed final consummation of the Union in June, 
 1875. He was appointed secretary-treasurer to the joint- 
 committee ; and the writer, who had the honour to act as 
 chairman of that committee, bears glad testimony to the 
 zeal and efficiency with which his colleague, Mr. McG-oun, 
 entered into the work arising out of the occasion. It was 
 evidently a joyful task to him to aid in cementing the 
 union of the scatteredforces of Presbyterianism iu the land. 
 
 As Mr. Esson was known to sympathize strongly with 
 the Free Church movement in Scotland, those who held 
 the same views in the other Presbyterian Churches took 
 refuge in the St. G-abriel Street Church, pending the issue 
 which was to be finally reached at the meeting of Synod 
 to be held in July, 1844. 
 
 Among the others, who then came and took sittings in 
 the old church, was Joseph MacKay, the founder of the 
 well-known dry-goods firm in McG-ill street, " MacKay 
 Brothers." His brother, Donald, had been connected with 
 the Church in St. G-abriel Street Irom the time he came to 
 the country, in 1836, and remained in it until he removed 
 to Hamilton, in 1849. Donald MacKay had a merchant- 
 tailoring establishment at 162 Notre Dame Street. He 
 is now of the house of Gordon and MacKay, Toronto. He 
 signed the call to Mr. Leishman in 1846. 
 
 The name of Joseph MacKay is one that will long re- 
 main fragrant among good men. His delightful home, 
 " Kildonan," in Sherbrooke Street, is gratefully remembered 
 by Christian travellers of every section of the church. Its. 
 doors were wide open to all good men and true, that
 
 515 
 
 visited Montreal as strangers, as it was the joy of our 
 genial departed friend, and his no less generous brother, 
 Edward, and their beloved niece, Henrietta Gror don, cut off 
 alas! all too soon, to entertain the representatives of their 
 own church, whenever there was occasion for it. 
 
 The MacKays were all born in the parish of Kildonan, 
 Ross-shire, Scotland. Joseph was the pioneer of the family 
 in coming to Canada. He settled in Montreal, in the year 
 1832. Edward did not come till 1840. By industry and 
 perseverance coupled with good business talents, and all 
 backed up by a fervent religious spirit, they greatly pros- 
 pered, and soon took high rank among the merchant 
 princes of the city. And they recognized that it was of 
 the Lord's goodness that they had succeeded so well : 
 every object that appealed to them in Grod's name was 
 sure of a favourable hearing. And their memory is blessed. 
 Joseph built that noble charity, the " MacKay Institution" 
 for the instruction of the Deaf and Dumb ; and at his death 
 left $10,000 for the Home Mission work of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Canada, as well as 1 10,000 towards the Endow- 
 ment of the Presbyterian College. He was ordained an 
 elder in the Crescent Street Church, February 2ud, 18*79. 
 He died 2nd June, 1881. Edward MacKay, though of a 
 different stamp from Joseph, and more brusque in his 
 manner, was, nevertheless, a grand specimen of manhood. 
 He was a director of the Bank of Montreal, the highest 
 commercial position attainable in the city, at the time of 
 his death, which occurred on the 6th May, 1883. Both 
 Joseph and Edward were in the Ylst year of their age at 
 the time of their decease. Edward munificently added 
 $40,000 in his lifetime to his late brother Joseph's con- 
 tribution to the College, endowing the Joseph MacKay 
 chair of Systematic Theology ; and his nephews, Hugh, 
 Robert, and James, emulating their uncles' fine spirit, 
 followed their noble example, and have endowed the 
 college in memory of their uncle Edward.
 
 516 
 
 The immediate cause of the withdrawal of the Free 
 Church Committee from St. Grabriel . Street was the de- 
 mand that the Kirk-session should be reconstructed, and, 
 as a preliminary to this, that the former elders should 
 resign. They declined at this stage, although they tabled 
 their resignations afterwards, under pressure from Mr, 
 Esson, when it was too late. Finding that it was unlikely 
 that their ideal of an Evangelical church was going to be 
 easily realised in the old edifice, the committee took 
 the step of seceding from it, after little more than a year's 
 connection with it, taking away with them as many 
 as they could influence, as well as the Free Church 
 deputy who had occupied the pulpit. This naturally 
 exasperated those who remained and stuck to the old 
 ship. The Free Church Committee had run up a tem- 
 porary erection in Cote Street, which was opened for 
 public worship by Rev. John Bonar, of Larbert, on the 
 10th of May, 1845. Up to that time, the deputies from 
 the Free Church of Scotland had officiated in the old 
 church, but declined to do so afterwards. This was a 
 great grievance to the St. G-abriel Street congregation, 
 and led to a vast deal of warm feeling, during all the 
 years that Cote Street Church was supplied with preach- 
 ers from Scotland. Some of the most eminent ministers 
 from the parent Church visited Canada in the course of 
 those six years ; and as they refused to give supply to St. 
 Grabriel Street Church, and officiated in a new edifice so 
 close to it as Cote Street, it will be seen that the congre- 
 gation worshipping there had not a little to contend 
 against. 
 
 But this period of the history of the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church is not without its precious memories. At least 
 three of the Free Church deputies filled the pulpit for 
 several weeks each — these were the saintly Wm. C. 
 Burns, the eloquent Mr. McNaughton, of the High
 
 51*7 
 
 Church, Paisley, and the godly John Bonar. The occu- 
 pancy of the St. G-abriel Street Church pulpit by Wm. C. 
 Burns, for even a brief period, has made it almost holy 
 ground. The Church was, of course, full to overflowing, 
 while he, Mr. McNaughton and Mr. Bonar officiated in it. 
 Besides the morning and evening diets of worship, there 
 was a special service for the military at one p m., the 
 93rd Highlanders being then quartered in the city, of 
 whom four hundred came to the church. The remarkable 
 devotion to his Master's cause on the part of Mr. Burns, 
 and the earnestness of his efforts for the salvation of sin- 
 ners, are well known. Many citizens can yet remember 
 his attempts at street preaching to the French. But few 
 probably know the means he took to qualify himself for 
 this work. He knew nothing of their language on his 
 arrival in Montreal, but his faith and zeal made little of 
 obstacles : he determined to acquire French so as to be 
 able to tell to that people in their own tongue the won- 
 derful works of Grod. And it shows not only how great 
 was his facility in mastering new forms of speech, but 
 also how a consecrated heart sharpens all the faculties, 
 that, shutting himself up in a room with Rev. E. Tanner 
 for a few days, and devoting his entire powers to the 
 study of French, he was able to speak in. that language 
 so as to make himself understood by the people. This is 
 a most interesting phenomenon for the psychologist to 
 study. 
 
 After the new exodus to Cote Street, the Presbytery 
 afforded occasional supply, but this was quite inadequate, 
 so that the congregation had to apply for assistance to 
 other denominations. They were under special obliga- 
 tions to the Rev. Dr. Cramp, then principal of the Baptist 
 College, who often filled the pulpit at an hour's notice, 
 and earned the gratitude of the congregation for all 
 time. Rev. Mr. Grirdwood, of the Baptist Church, Rev.
 
 518 
 
 Mr. McLeod, of the American Presbyterian Church, 
 and Rev. Dr, Taylor, of the IJ.P. Chnrch, were all helpful 
 at this crisis. No one knew a week in advance who was 
 to officiate next. The Missionary Committee's aid was 
 invoked, but to little purpose, and the wonder is that 
 there was any congregation left, after mouths of such 
 experience. Yet there was a band of faithful and deter- 
 mined men in the old congregation, and they kept the 
 door open every Sabbath-day, even if they had to get a 
 mere layman to officiate. 
 
 Mention has been already made of the Missionary 
 Committee as being almost identical with the Free 
 Church Committee. Mr. Leishman took exception to its 
 constitution, because it was not composed of members of 
 Presbytery. The §t. Gabriel Street congregation also 
 took up the complaint, and urged the fact that they had 
 no representation in it. This complaint was signed by 
 James Turner, A. Bertram, Chas. Mearns, G-eo. A. Pyper, 
 Jas. Allan, Jas. McLaughlin, Jas. Kinlayside, Donald 
 Mackay, Peter Macfarlane, George Cruikshank, David 
 Wylie, Alex. Urquhart, "Wm. Murray, Arch. Macfarlane, 
 A. Murray, Ken. Macaulay, Alex. Ronald, E. W. Scobell, 
 Jas. McGibbon, Jas. Ewing and J. Macfarlane. 
 
 During this period, and after Mr. Leishman's pastorate, 
 the Rev. Thomas Lowry, now of Toronto ; Rev. John 
 Scott, afterwards of London ; Rev. Professor Lyall, now 
 of Halifax ; Rev. Robert "Wallace, of Toronto, and Rev. J. 
 C. Quin, officiated in the St. Gabriel Street Church for a 
 longer or shorter period. 
 
 The congregation first tried to get a minister from 
 Scotland, but they thought the influence of the Colonial 
 Committee of the Free Church was against them, and 
 they failed. 
 
 Then, at a meeting on 0th July, 1845 : " The Session 
 agreed to petition the Presbytery to make application on
 
 REV. WILLIAM LF.ISHMAX. T.L.D.
 
 519 
 
 the behalf of this flock for the services of Mr. Leishman, 
 during the next six months, and, if consistent with the 
 laws of the Church, they pray that he may be ordained 
 so as to qualify him for the legal performance and regis- 
 tration of the acts of marriage, baptism and burial, 
 according to the statute law of this Province. This is of 
 great importance to give stability and union to the con- 
 gregation after so long a period of disappointment and 
 fluctuation, and of deprivation of such services in the 
 absence of an ordained pastor." 
 
 On the 26th Nov., 1845, a call from the St. Gabriel 
 Street Church was addressed to Rev. TV. Leishman. He 
 was a native of Edinburgh, and had received his educa- 
 tion at the famous university of that city, sitting at the 
 feet of Dr. Chalmers in his divinity course. He had 
 made his mark at college, and among other prizes had 
 carried off the medal in the moral philosophy class, then 
 taught by the famous " Christopher North." Casting in 
 his lot with the Free Church, he was sent out to the 
 Presbytery of Montreal as a missionary, by the Colonial 
 Committee of that Church, in response to an earnest 
 appeal for ministerial help sent to Scotland by the Pres- 
 bytery. He brought with him the highest testimonials 
 as to character and scholarship from leading men in Scot- 
 land, and he was cordially welcomed on his arrival here. 
 The congregation worshipping in the old church being 
 disappointed in either getting a minister from Scotland, 
 although they had petitioned the Colonial Committee to 
 send theiQ one, or sharing in the services of the deputies 
 that visited the city, sought to secure Mr. Leishman for 
 supply, while looking out for a minister ; but the Pres- 
 bytery wanted his services in the country districts, and 
 kept him at work mostly outside the city. He first re- 
 ceived a call to Huntingdon, on the 14th May, 1845, and 
 seemed inclined to accept it, but on the 6th of June he
 
 520 
 
 declined it ; for, by this time, overtures were made to 
 him by the St. Gabriel Street congregation, which re- 
 sulted in his ordination and induction to the charge on 
 the 4th of March. 184G. A protest was served, 4th March, 
 1846, by Messrs. Lappare and Crawford, notaries public, 
 on James Leslie, James McFarlane, "William Cormack, 
 G-eorge Johnston, William Murray, Alexander Urquhart, 
 Archibald McFarlane, Adam Ferrie, David Rae, James 
 Turner, D. G-orrie and A. Haudyside, at the request of 
 John Fisher, David Handyside and Walter M. Peddie, act- 
 ing on behalf of Andrew Shaw, AVilliam Skakel, Donald 
 P. Ross, Robert Esdaile, John Speirs, Kenneth Walker, 
 William Suter, James Logan, Daniel Grorrie, Charles Tait, 
 John Blackwood, Colin McDonald, Thomas Ross and 
 others, members and proprietors of the said church, 
 adherents to the Presbyterian Church of Canada in con- 
 nection with the Established Church of Scotland, " call- 
 ing upon them to desist from the proceedings," and from 
 " installing or procuring to be installed or ordained any 
 person as minister of the said church," other than one in 
 connection with the Church of Scotland. It is not a 
 little interesting to note that Dr. James Begg preached 
 the sermon on the occasion, and on the following Sabbath 
 introduced the young minister to his congregation. Mr. 
 Leishman was chosen Presbytery clerk, 25th November, 
 1846. He was a man of fine taste as well as scholarship, 
 but he was also very high strung. Of a nervous, excit- 
 able temperament, he was capable of splendid efforts at 
 oratory ; but, like all men of an enthusiastic turn, the re- 
 action after such flights of eloquence was quite distress- 
 ing. He was fond of poetry, and had been brought up 
 in the old school, which did not embrace active pastoral 
 work, but only preaching, in its programme, and was not 
 averse to the social glass. Mr. Leishman did not quite 
 meet the hopes of the enthusiastic members of his con-
 
 521 
 
 gregation. The strain of the position was at all events 
 too heavy for the comparatively inexperienced preacher. 
 When it is remembered that Cote Street Church, hard by, 
 vp^as supplied by a succession of tried preachers from 
 Scotland — men of eminence, like Revs. William Arnot 
 and A. N. Somerville and R. Bremner, of Grlasgow ; J. 
 McG-illivray, of Aberdeen ; John Buchanan, of Bothwell ; 
 J.. MacNaughton, afterwards of Belfast; Gilbert John- 
 ston ; J. Alexander, of Kirkcaldy ; J. C. Burns, of Kirk- 
 liston ; James Lewis, of Leith, and J. C. Fairbairn, of 
 Allanton, it will be seen w^hat a heavy draught was 
 made on the nervous force of the young minister of the 
 St. Grabriel Street Church, when placed in competition 
 with them ; and it is not to be wondered at that he 
 broke down under the weight of his cares and efforts, 
 and that he was constrained to ask to be relieved of his 
 duties, as he did, in March, 1849. His first thought was 
 merely to obtain leave of absence for a few months, to 
 visit Scotland and recruit his shattered health ; but he 
 found it impossible to get supply for his pulpit during 
 the time he proposed to be away, and so there was 
 nothing for it but to table his resignation, which he did 
 on the 16th of August, 1849. The grounds on which he 
 placed it were: (1) Want of financial support; (2) the 
 want of sympathy and co-operation on the part of the 
 Cote Street congregation ; and (3) the recognition of the 
 fact that a minister is justified in seeking a new field, 
 when he finds his usefulness hindered in his sphere of 
 work. As there was not Christian fellowship between 
 the two congregations, nor Ministerial fellowship be- 
 tween him and the brethren officiating in Cote Street, his 
 health, he said, could bear the strain no longer. The 
 Presbytery " resolved unanimously to place upon record 
 a strong expression of their sympathy with their revered 
 and much loved brother, in the extraordinary discourage-
 
 522 
 
 ments under which he has suffered throughout his min- 
 istry in St. G-abriel Street Church ; and after solemn 
 prayer, &c., agreed to accept of Mr. Leishmau's resigna- 
 tion as pastor of the said church, and to loose him from 
 his charge, with the deepest regret that his health had 
 been injured in consequence of the discouragements re- 
 ferred to." After resting some time in Edinburgh, Mr. 
 Leishman was induced by Rev. Dr. Mackay, of Dunoon, 
 to accept an appointment in Australia. He was settled 
 in two charges in Victoria, and Jiually in Sidney, New 
 South Wales, where he died 18th November, 1870. Dur- 
 ing his residence in Australia, the degree of LL.D. was 
 conferred upon him. " He was," said a Sydney news- 
 paper, " a faithful and laborious minister of the Grospel, 
 and died as he had lived, trusting in his Redeemer. 
 Amid the intense sufferings of his last days, he was en- 
 abled to express his calm and joyful confidence in the 
 Lord whom he had served." He had married Miss G-ibb, 
 a niece of Dr. W. P. Smith. He left her a widow ; but 
 they had no children. She is now the wife of Dr. Web- 
 ster, dentist, Montreal. 
 
 One very pleasant gleam of sunshine fell along Mr- 
 Leishman's otherwise dark path in Montreal, and that 
 was the brotherly fellowship that existed between the St. 
 G-abriel Street congregation and that of Dr. Taylor, as re- 
 vealed in the following correspondence and memoranda. 
 The U. P. congregation had first made advances towards 
 Cote Street Church, but they were not responded to. 
 Learning of this the temporal committee of the Church in 
 St. Gabriel Street sent the following letter to Dr. Taylor : — 
 
 Montreal, 5th April, 1847. 
 Rev. Wm. Tayior : 
 
 Rev. Dear Sir, — Understanding that at an early day you intend com- 
 mencing to alter your present place of worship, therehy rendering it 
 necessary that you should have temi)orary accommodation until the same
 
 523 
 
 is completed, the temporal committee of the St. Gabriel Street Church 
 will have much pleasure in offering the use of said church to your congre- 
 gation on Sabbath evenings. Of course, your congregation defraying the 
 expenses of lighting, &c., until your own church is completed. 
 
 I remain, &c., 
 
 GEORGE A. PYPER, 
 
 Secretary." 
 
 The following arrangement was finally made : — 
 
 " During the forenoon service, when the pulpit shall be occupied by the 
 Rev. W, Leishman, it shall be recommended to the congregation of St. 
 Gabriel Street Church to give every accommodation in their power to Mr. 
 Taylor's congregation, — the collection belonging to the funds of St. Gabriel 
 Street Church, During the afternoon service when the pulpit shall be 
 occupied by the Rev. W. Taylor, it shall be recommended to Mr. Taylor's 
 congregation to afford every accommodation to the people of St. Gabriel 
 Street the collection belonging to the funds of Mr. Taylor's church. 
 During the evening service, when the pulpit shall be occupied alternate 
 Sabbaths by the respective pastors, both congregations shall assemble 
 indiscriminately, the collections going to defray the expense of lighting, 
 &c., and the overplus to belong to the funds of St. Gabriel Street Church." 
 
 This pleasant and brotherly arrangement puts the 
 author in the happy position of having a right to notice 
 that grand old man, Dr. Taylor. His noble presence, and 
 calm and dignified demeanour always commanded atten- 
 tion and respect. Dr. Taylor was a scholar and a Christian 
 gentleman. His family, who owned landed property in 
 his native county, belonged to the Church of Scotland, 
 but he preferred the Church of the Erskines, and was 
 licensed to preach in 1827, and ordained at Peebles in 
 1831 to the ministry of the Secession Church. He landed 
 in Montreal June 3rd, 1833, and on the 20th of the same 
 month the Secession congregation was organized. At the 
 first communion, on July 21st, 1833, 105 members par- 
 ticipated. Although a seceder, Dr. Taylor had great 
 respect for the Established Church of Scotland, and no 
 one more cordially promoted the union of all the Presby- 
 terians in the country into one body than he, and it was
 
 524 
 
 liis happiness to see that event consummated before he 
 departed hence. He was a fine Hebrew and Grreek 
 scholar, and, in consequence, was an excellent expounder 
 of Scripture. His views, while warmly evangelical, were 
 liberal, and his sentiments were eminently catholic. He 
 was a life-long apostle of temperance, and an earnest 
 upholder of religious liberty. His ministry covered a 
 period of 43 years ; and the result is seen in the splendid 
 congregation worshipping in Erskine Church. The ex- 
 tended ministry is that which tells. He gave the con- 
 gregation a character, and stamped a spirit upon it, which 
 it bears to this day. 
 
 Warden King, one of the strong pillars of Erskine 
 Church, we also claim a part in. Born in Grourock, 
 Scotland, on Christmas day, 1823, he came to Montreal 
 with an uncle and aunt in 1832. They connected them- 
 selves with St. G-abriel Street Church in 1833, and young 
 "Warden attended the Sabbath-school, which was then 
 superintended by a Mr. Graham, and afterwards Mr. 
 Esson's Bible Class. He took singing lessons in the 
 church from David Smith and James Cameron, precentors, 
 and in this way was led into connection with Laugauche- 
 tiere Street Church. He was the successful candidate for 
 the precentorship in the church when he was only 17 
 years of age. It was, therefore, in no spirit of dissatis- 
 faction that he became separated from the old church. 
 This took place in 1840, before the disruption contro- 
 versy had arisen in Canada. 
 
 Mr. King was ordained as an elder in Lagauchetiere 
 Street Church in December, 1850. Mr. Greorge Rogers 
 and he commenced business together on their own 
 account in St. Mary's Foundry, St. Mary Street, near 
 Papineau Road, in June, 1852. They removed to their 
 present premises in 1856. Grod has greatly blessed and
 
 525 
 
 prospered his servants ; and they recognize His favour 
 show^n them, by holding their substance as from Him, and 
 dedicating a proportion of it yearly to His service. Mr. 
 King has done eminent service in the way of promoting 
 church extension in Montreal. Chalmers Church and 
 Taylor Church, especially, owe much to his efficient help. 
 
 Among others prominent in the Church at this period 
 appears the name of Robert Davie. He was chosen a mem- 
 ber of the temporal committee in 1849. He owned pew 
 No. 76. He was one of the 32 voting for the Free Church 
 platform, on 2nd September, 1844, along with A. McGoun, 
 Donald Fraser, James Turner, H. B. Picken, William Gunn, 
 Eobert Dalgleish, William Murray, Alexander Urquhart, 
 Alexander Fraser, Alexander Bertram and others. Mr. 
 Davie was an auctioneer at 180 St. Paul Street. His brother, 
 J. C. Davie, who carries on a dry-goods business at 769 
 Notre Dame Street, is vice-president of the Banque Yille 
 Marie. He was a member of Knox Church. 
 
 The John Gray whose name stands as proprietor of pew 
 No. 49, in 1844, is now the Rev- John Gray, D.D., pastor 
 emeritus of the Presbyterian Church of Orillia, Ontario, 
 and clerk of the Synod of Toronto and Kingston. At the 
 time of the disruption he was a clerk in the town major's 
 office. He is a native of Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland. His 
 father was commandant at Lachine for some time, and an 
 officer in, the Royal Canadian Rifles. The rest of the family 
 remained in the old Kirk, but John's sympathies with the 
 non-intriisionists in Scotland were strong. After a course 
 of study in Knox College, he was ordained at Orillia, a beau- 
 tiful town on the banks of Lake Simcoe, May 21st, 1851. 
 Here he continued in the faithful and efficient discharge 
 of his ministerial duties, until failing health compelled 
 him to resign his active pastorate, 31st December, 1881.
 
 526 
 
 He received the well merited honorary degree of DD. from 
 Knox College, in 1885. 
 
 No member of the church rendered heartier personal 
 service to it from 1844 to 1850 than Greorge A. Pyper. He 
 came to Montreal on May 1st, 1844, and witnessed the 
 disruption movement in the old church. He is of a Peter- 
 head family although born in Edinburgh, his father being 
 a writer to the Signet. He is a nephew of the formerly 
 well-known Professor Pyper, of the Chair of Humanity in 
 St. Andrew's University. He enlisted in the Sabbath 
 School at once, under Alexander Fraser, then Superinten- 
 dent of the St Gabriel Street School ; and when Mr. 
 Fraser withdrew to Cote Street, the duties of superintend- 
 ent devolved upon him. He shall tell the story himself : — 
 
 " The Sabbath before the opening of the new Church, Mr. A. Fraser, 
 superintendent of the Sabbath School, reciuested the teachers to remain 
 after the exercises- The teachers remained as desired, when, in the pre- 
 sence of Mr, Bonar, he alluded to the formation of the new church, and 
 stated that the teachers and scholars would meet in the new building on 
 the following Sabbath. The majority of the teachers were in sympathy 
 with Mr. Fraser, but I suggested the propriety of calling a meeting of the 
 teachers during the week, as it was possible there might not be unanimity 
 on the subject. My suggestions acted like a bomb-shell, as it was taken 
 for granted that not a hooj should be left behind, Mr. Fraser, in rather a 
 cavalier manner, replied : " Oh ! if that is so, we shall meet on Wednes- 
 day evening." In the interval I had seen a few of the teachers who were 
 in harmony with my views, and who engaged to be present at the meet- 
 ing. (I may here state that up to this time I had not taken any active 
 part in church matters, being young in years and wanting in exjierience)- 
 When we met I concluded that wlioever took the initiative would have an 
 advantage. T spoke first and gave my reasons why we should remain in 
 connection with the old church, as I regarded the steps taken as neither 
 generous nor honorable, and expressed my determination to stick to the 
 old ship so long as a plank remained, Mr. Fraser's temper got the better 
 of his judgment, but I held the fort. The following Sabbath, the school 
 met but the sight was a painful one. Teachers who for many years had 
 been connected with the school were absent, and empty pews told plainly 
 how the school had been decimated. I may say that I had been appointed 
 to succeed ^Ir. Fraser, and from that day until I left for Toronto, on 1st of 
 November, 1850, 1 never lost faith in the promises of God,"
 
 521 
 
 Mr. Pyper was chosen a member of the temporal com- 
 mittee iu 1846, and was re-elected every year so long as he 
 remained in Montreal. When, at Mr. Leishman's sugges- 
 tion, the session constituted themselves a Deacons' Court, 
 for the management of the finances, 28th November, 1848, 
 Mr. Pyper was named an assessor to it along with Archd. 
 Macfarlane, Jas. Turner, W. J). McLaren, Andrew Starke, 
 Alex. Grardner and James Stevenson, — Robert Davie's 
 name being afterwards added. Mr. Pyper got the congre- 
 gation to try what is known as the weekly offering system. 
 The finances of the congregation being very much embar- 
 rassed, he had understood that Zion Church had succeeded 
 with the envelope method. He says : — 
 
 " I suggested to the members of the temporal committee the propriety 
 of our trying the envelope system. And as a result, although we could not 
 pay arrears, we raised sufficient to pay the minister his salary and cur- 
 rent expenses. The system continued until I left for Toronto, the result 
 being satisfactory." 
 
 After residing in Toronto for some time Mr. Pyper re- 
 moved to the country for some years. He now resides in 
 Woodstock, Ontario, and continues interested in the 
 development of church matters in Montreal. 
 
 All the elders in St. Gabriel Street Church resigned in 
 1846, and the Presbytery appointed assessors to aid Mr. 
 Leishman to constitute a Session. An election of elders 
 was held in January, 1848, which resulted in the choice 
 of David Wylie and William Eowan. 
 
 David Wylie was born at Johnstone, parish of Paisley, 
 Eenfrewshire, Scotland, March 23rd, 1811. He came to 
 Montreal in the year 1844, and connected himself at once 
 with the old Church in St. Grabriel Street, and became a 
 teacher in the Sabbath School. Mr. Wylie came to 
 Canada to take the position of foreman in the late J. C. 
 Becket's printing ofiice. While in this position, he ad-
 
 528 ' 
 
 vised with Mr. John Dougall as to the conducting of the 
 " Canada Temperance Advocate " and the Montreal Wit- 
 ness, — prepared an outline of the same, and made up the 
 first forms in type with his own hands. He removed to 
 Brockville in 1849, after the burning of the parliament 
 buildings in Montreal, with a view to editing the Recorder 
 newspaper, published in that town. This work he dis- 
 charged with singular ability, retiring from the editorial 
 chair only a few years ago. He continued to take a share 
 in Christian work after going to Brockville. He was the 
 superintendent of the Sunday School in connection with 
 the first Church for several years. He has also been an 
 elder in that church for a long period. He was for some 
 time Lieut.-Colonel and paymaster of volunteers in Mili- 
 tary District No. 4. He has been a member of the public 
 School Board of Brockville for 38 years, and chairman of 
 the Board for 26 years. On the occasion of his leaving 
 Montreal for Brockville, the Kirk-session of St. G-abriel 
 Street Church put on record the following minute : 
 
 " Mr. David Wylie, printer in Montreal, and one of the 
 elders of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, St. G-abriel 
 Street, Montreal, being about to depart from the city to 
 reside in Brockville, Canada West ; — the Session in ad- 
 dition to the ordinary certificate of membership granted 
 to Mr. Wylie and his spouse — cordially and unanimously 
 agreed to give him a letter commending him to the kind 
 regards and the christian love of the minister and elders 
 and conffrecration of the Church at Brockville in connec- 
 tion with the Presbyterian Church of Canada " : 
 
 "The session do, therefore, bear a most affectionate and cordial testi- 
 mony in behalf of their beloved brother from whom they are now about 
 to separate. Mr. AVylie during his residence in this city has secured the 
 confidence and respect of all who have known him — as an intelligent, 
 upright and consistent Christian man. In this congregation, and as an 
 elder of the church, ho has been universally esteemed and there is an 
 unmingled feeling of regret on parting with him. While, therefore, the
 
 WILLIAM ROWAN.
 
 529 
 
 e 
 
 Session say farewell to Mr. Wylie with much sorrow, they commend him 
 earnestly to God and to the word of his grace — and to the christian 
 kindness and brotherly regards of the minister, elders and congregation 
 at Brockville, as well as to all Christian brethren in all places to whom 
 at any time these lines may bear testimony. That He that keepeth 
 Israel and neither slumbers nor sleeps may preserve from all evil — from 
 this time, forth and for evermore their brother in the bonds of the Gospel : 
 — that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our Father which 
 hath loved his people, and hath given them everlasting consolation and 
 good hope through grace, may comfort his heart and stablish him in 
 every good word and work throughout his pilgrimage on earth, and may 
 receive him at length into his heavenly kingdom, is tlie earnest prayer 
 of his brother office-bearers in the church. Given at Montreal, on this 
 fourteenth of June, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine, and 
 subscribed in name, and by appointment of the Session, by 
 
 (Signed, "WILLIAM LEISHMAN, 
 
 " Moderator. 
 
 "WILLIAM ROWAN, 
 
 " Sesdm Clerk." 
 
 "William Rowan, who owned pew No. 47, and became 
 a prominent and useful member of the Scotch Church 
 in St. G-abriel Street, was a native of Strathaven, Lanark- 
 shire, Scotland. At the age of 17, he entered the British 
 army, serving in the 79th Highlanders, in which he rose 
 to the rank of serQ:eant. He came to Canada with the 
 regiment. Soldiers are exposed to a great many tempta- 
 tions, and, as a rule, piety is not very much countenanced 
 among them. Notwithstanding this, "William Rowan's 
 religious character was early shown. His piety was deep 
 and abiding, and of a kind not to be concealed. By much 
 study of the Scriptures, he became so well grounded in 
 the word of Grod, that he was ever well able and ready 
 to console the mourner, counsel the doubter, and comfort 
 the sick and afflicted, and thus make himself a welcome 
 visitor in every household. He was a ready expounder 
 of the Bible, and was specially interested in the spiritual 
 welfare of the young, with whom he always cherished a 
 warm sympathy. He was for upwards of 20 years super- 
 I I
 
 , 530 
 
 intendent of the Sabbath School in the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, as he was indeed ready for every good work. 
 His activity and usefulness soon fixed all eyes on him as 
 a fit and proper person for the eldership, and he was 
 unanimously chosen for that office, and was set apart to 
 the office at the same time as David "Wylie, 30th January, 
 1848. For 26 years he continued in the faithful discharge 
 of its duties under the ministrations of the Rev. W. Leish- 
 man, Eev. W. Rintoul, Rev. D. Inglis, Rev. A. F. Kemp 
 in the St. Grabriel Street Church, and Rev. Dr. Irvine and 
 Rev. R. M. Thornton in Knox Church, — part of the time 
 acting as Session clerk. Rev. Dr. Donald Fraser makes 
 an appreciative allusion to the sweetness of Mr. Rowan's 
 Christian character. When a soldier is a man of God, he 
 is one out and out. Mr. Rowan had also served as an 
 elder in Knox Church, Toronto, for some time, under the 
 ministry of Rev. Dr. Burns. He died in Montreal, 21st 
 January, 18*74, in his 7 1st year. 
 
 At the distribution of tokens to the new communicants 
 at the communion before his death, Mr. Rowan gave an 
 address to those then joining Knox Church, which was 
 so full of the Gospel and of the experience of a long 
 and faithful walk with Christ Jesus, that all present 
 were moved — many to tears. He warned them that the 
 lips that then addressed them might never do so again, 
 as if he had a presentiment that he was soon going 
 home. 
 
 Mr. Rowan was appointed town sergeant under Town 
 Major Macdonald, both being retired veterans of the same 
 famous Highland regiment. Although he accompanied 
 the Knox congregation to their new church, he never 
 ceased to be interested in the old one, and always spoke 
 words of encouragement to the writer m connection with 
 his attempt to build up a new cause in the ancient edifice. 
 His three daughters, each in turn, became members of 
 the congregation in St. Gabriel Street.
 
 REV. WILLIAM RINTOUL, M. A.
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Rev. William Rintoul, M.A. — Sketch of his career — His illness and 
 Death — Rev. Dr. Burns' Tribute to his memory — Rev. William 
 Reu), D.D. of Toronto — Rev. George Smellie, D.D., of Fergus — 
 Rev. David Inglis, D.D., LL.D. — His work in Montreal — His 
 
 SUBSEQUENT CAREER. 
 
 The Rev. "William Rintoul, M.A., was born at Kincar- 
 dine, Perthshire, Scotland, on the 30th of October, 179*7. 
 He studied at the Universities of Edinburgh and Grlas- 
 gow, and took the degree of M.A., at the former. He was 
 ordained by the Presbytery of Dunblane, in 1821, as 
 minister of the Presbyterian Church at Maryport, Cum- 
 berland, England. But he was deeply imbued with the 
 missionary spirit all through life, and his thoughts 
 travelled beyond the seas. His sympathies followed his 
 co-religionists who were then in large numbers seeking 
 homes in the distant colonies, and he wrote a pamphlet 
 on the " claims of the colonists on the churches at home." 
 In 1831, he was appointed by the Glasgow Colonial 
 Society to the charge of St. Andrew's Church, Toronto, of 
 which he was the first minister. He arrived in Canada 
 just in time to take part in the formation of the Synod 
 of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connection with 
 the Church of Scotland. In 1834 he was translated to 
 Streetsville ; but so public-spirited did he commend him- 
 self to his brethren, and so clear-headed an organizer and 
 man of affairs generally, that he was the same year 
 appointed missionary and corresponding secretary to the 
 Synod. It was intended that he should resign his charge
 
 532 
 
 and devote his entire energies to this work ; but he did 
 not see his way to leaving Streetsville so soon after his 
 settlement there ; and so^ the Synod had to be satisfied 
 with such efforts in the way of promoting church exten- 
 sion as he could put forth in conjunction with the duties 
 of his pastoral charge. We find the Synod in 1835 " ex- 
 pressing the high sense which that Reverend court enter- 
 tained of Mr. Eintoul's diligence in fulfilling the duties 
 of his ojfice during the past year." It shows how emin- 
 ent the services were which he had already in five years 
 rendered to the church in this country, that in 1836 he 
 was placed in the Moderator's chair of the Supreme Court, 
 the highest honour which the church had in its keeping. 
 When it was resolved to establish Queen's College at 
 Kingston, with a view especially to training candidates 
 for the ministry, Mr. Rintoul, with Dr. Cook of Quebec, 
 was selected for the task of visiting the churches of 
 Great Britain and Ireland, for the purpose of helping to 
 raise the necessary funds to equip the Institution. This 
 was a kind of work for which he had a special aptitude, 
 as his mind was at once nimble and vigorous. In 1844, 
 he chose to cast in his lot with the Free Church sympa- 
 thizers, and this step involved him in herculean labours 
 in order to extend the organization of the newly formed 
 church throughout the entire country. He was appointed 
 Clerk to the new Synod when it was constituted in 1844, 
 and he performed the duties of the office efficiently until 
 he resigned in 1851. Subsequent history tells how re- 
 markable was the success which followed the efforts of 
 the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Its ministers and 
 missionaries were everywhere ; and Mr. Rintoul bore no 
 small share in the plans and labours by which these 
 remarkable results were achieved. Like Mr. Esson and Mr. 
 Leishman, he was a man of ripe scholarship ; and so when 
 Knox College was organized, he was appointed to the
 
 533 
 
 Chair of Hebrew and Biblical Criticism in that Institu- 
 tion. In consequence of a change in the arrangements 
 in University College, by which a Professor of Hebrew 
 was added to the staff, the authorities of Knox College 
 resolved to abolish their Hebrew Chair, and in this way 
 Mr Krintoul was again free to accept of a call to a pastoral 
 charge. The Eev. Thomas Henry, of Lachute, having 
 declined the call tendered to him by the St. G-abriel Street 
 congregation in March, 1850, the attention of the people 
 was drawn to Mr. Rintoul, and a unanimous call was 
 addressed to him on the 3rd of July, 1850, and as he 
 was present and signified his acceptance of it, he was 
 inducted to the charge on the same day. The Rev. J. C. 
 Fairbairn of Allanton, Scotland, then supplying Cote 
 Street Church, preached. So crying were the necessi- 
 ties of the situation that the Presbytery felt they were 
 justified in dispensing with the usual somewhat tardy 
 preliminary steps. A protest was served on the con- 
 gregation by Mr. Gordon Mack, as in the case of Mr. 
 Leishman. The settlement of Mr. Rintoul was full of 
 promise. The congregation felt that they had secured 
 the services of a strong man, a man of mark and experi- 
 ence in the country, and they were able to indulge in 
 sighs of relief that at last they seemed getting out of 
 deep water. The faint-hearted acquired new courage, and 
 the resolute now became confident. But while man 
 proposes, God disposes. Scarcely had his ministry begun 
 to make itself felt here, and the congregation to rally to the 
 old church, when he was suddenly cut down by that fell 
 disease — cholera. But he died in harness. He was about 
 his Master's business at the time, prosecuting, with 
 characteristic zeal and eagerness, missionary work on the 
 lower St. Lawrence. He was sent by the Presbytery to 
 visit the congregation of Metis, which at the time was 
 without a pastor. He had got as far as Trois Pistoles
 
 534 
 
 when he was struck with the illness which proved fatal 
 on the 13th of September, 1851. This was a serious blow 
 not only to the prospects of his own congregation, but 
 also to those of the church to which he belonged, in this 
 Province. His judgment was such as to inspire confi- 
 dence in all with whom he came into contact. He was 
 also a man of deep personal piety, as well as of exemplary 
 pastoral fidelity. Mr. Rintoul wielded a facile and 
 vigorous pen, and amongst other good services rendered 
 by him to the church was editing for two years the 
 Ecclesiastical and Missionary Record of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada ; and he well merited the eulogium 
 passed upon him by Rev. Dr. Burns who preached his 
 funeral sermon on the 28th Sept. 1851, as well as the 
 appreciative minute which the Presbytery passed at their 
 first meeting after his death : " The Presbytery in con- 
 sideration of the heavy loss they have sustained in the 
 lamented death of the Rev. Wm. Rintoul, late minister of 
 St. G-abriel Street Church, do most readily avail them- 
 selves of this opportunity to record the high sense which 
 they entertain of the many virtues and excellencies 
 which adorned his character, both as a man and a Chris- 
 tian minister. While none were more exemplary in the 
 relations in which he stood to his fellowmen or more 
 amiable in the intercourse of private life, few equalled 
 and none surpassed him in the diligent and conscientious 
 discharge of the duties connected with the pastoral office; 
 and as a member of Presbytery his services were invalu- 
 able. During his short residence in Montreal, he secured 
 to himself the love and esteem of men of all classes 
 among his fellow citizens." Dr. McLagan, surgeon to 
 the 20th Regiment, then stationed in Montreal, an elder 
 of the t'hurch, proceeded with Mr. Rintoul's son, David, 
 to Trois Pistoles, as soon as word reached Montreal of Mr. 
 Rintoul's illness. He afterwards communicated to the
 
 535 
 
 Missionary Record of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, 
 the following interesting account of the last days of this 
 man of G-od : 
 
 " Mr. Rintoul left Montreal to all appearances in good 
 health on the evening of Monday, the 1st of September, 
 reached Quebec next morning, and after a stay of an hqur 
 or two at that city, proceeded by steamer on his way to 
 Metis, and arrived at Cacouna, 120 miles below Quebec, at 
 night. He appears to have been somewhat indisposed 
 during the voyage, nevertheless he started on "Wednesday 
 morning by land, and in the evening reached Trois Pistoles, 
 a distance of twenty-one miles. There he was received 
 into the house of Mrs. Sexton, from whom, and from her 
 son, Mr. John Gr. Sexton, he received unwearied attention 
 during the short remainder of his life. Mr. R. had been 
 decidedly ill on the road between Cacouna and Trois 
 Pistoles, and soon after his arrival at the latter place, his 
 illness took the form of cholera ; and as he had suffered 
 from a form of the disease before, he thought lightly of it, 
 and expressed his intention of going to Metis, as soon as 
 the parties sent to meet him from that place should arrive. 
 On Tuesday, the 4th, however, his illness had so rapidly 
 increased, that although the expected convoy had arrived, 
 all idea of going on to Metis, in the meantime, was aban- 
 doned. On Wednesday evening he had conducted family 
 worship, but on Thursday, being too ill to rise, he requested 
 that when the family were assembled the psalm might be 
 sung and the Scriptures read in his hearing, and this being 
 done he offered up a fervent prayer from his sick bed. On 
 Friday and Saturday he became much worse, and consented 
 to have medical advice, but he still refused to send word 
 to his family in Montreal, lest they should be too much 
 alarmed. On Sabbath, Tth, his illness still increased and 
 he dictated a letter to his son in Montreal, requesting him 
 to join him as soon as possible, as he sometimes doubted
 
 536 
 
 whether he should ever reach home again ; and begging 
 that the elders and the congregation generally should pray 
 for him. The letter he signed in a faint and irregular man- 
 ner, which attests his weakness at the time. It was on 
 the same day that a gentleman passing on his way to 
 Quebec, and hearing of the sick stranger visited him, and 
 promised to convey the intelligence to his friends ; and it 
 was through this channel that the first report of Mr. K-in- 
 toul's illness reached Montreal, on Wednesday, the 10th. 
 From the time that the letter was written, he seems to 
 have been impressed with the certainty of a fatal issue to 
 his sickness. He remarked what a blow it would be to 
 his family, and by many other expressions intimated a 
 consciousness of his danger. His uncomplaining patience 
 and quiet resignation were observed, and afterwards fre- 
 quently commented upon by his kind attendants. Mrs. 
 Sexton spent much time in reading the Bible to him ; the 
 ^th chapter of Job, and the Psalms, particularly the xxiii. 
 and xxxi., were more than once asked for by the sufferer, 
 and several times he repeated the last verses of the xi. chap- 
 ter of Matthew, and said quietly. That is just what I am 
 doing-, evidently alluding to the 28th verse. As the body 
 failed, the mind suffered with it. And having some verses 
 read on Tuesday or Wednesday, he exclaimed, sorrowfully. 
 Is it not amazing" that I cannot fix my thoughts on spiritual thinirs, 
 — and after this time he lay, for the most part, in a kind 
 of stupor, only occasionally asking with eagerness, if there 
 were no tidings of his son. I had started from Montreal 
 in company with the latter on the 10th, as soon as the 
 account of Mr. Rintoul's illness was received, and by tra- 
 velling day and night we reached Trois Pistoles, on Friday 
 evening the 12th. For a moment he revived and seemed 
 to recognize us both, enquiring if any letter had arrived 
 from Mrs. Rintoul, then in Scotland, and almost imme- 
 diately relapsed into his former state of semi-consciousness,
 
 from which he did not again rally. Every means likely 
 to stimulate and revive the vital powers were at once had 
 recourse to, but without the slightest benefit. When spoken 
 to, he gave evidence of having heard, but it is doubtful if 
 he ever comprehended what was said, or could join in 
 prayer offered up at his bedside. During Saturday, the 
 13th, he continued to sink gradually, and at seven in the 
 evening breathed his last, quietly and without pain. 
 
 Under the circumstances it was impossible to have his 
 body conveyed to Montreal, and as he had himself re- 
 quested to be buried in the nearest Protestant burial place, 
 his remains were next day carried to Riviere du Loup, a 
 distance of twenty-seven miles, where we were kindly 
 received by the Rev. Mr. Ross, of the Church of England, 
 in whose church the body was laid for the night. Through 
 the kindness of the same gentleman, and their own desire 
 to do every honour to the almost friendless stranger, nearly 
 all the Protestant inhabitants of the village were in the 
 church next morning, when the burial service was read 
 by Mr. Ross, and the body committed to the dust." 
 
 The following tribute to Mr. Rintoul's memory was 
 paid by Rev. Robert Burns, D.D., Toronto, through whose 
 agency, Mr. Rintoul came to Canada, in a sermon preached 
 in St. Grabriel Street Church, September 28th, 1851 : — 
 
 " The mind of Mr. Rintoul had early attached itself to 
 the spiritual interests of the North American colonies, and 
 while at Maryport he published an excellent pamphlet on 
 the ' Claims of Scotsmen abroad ' to the benevolent con- 
 sideration of the churches at home. The design of this 
 publication was to rebuke the apathy and indifference of 
 ministers and preachers in Scotland in regard to a theme 
 whose importance was at that time rightly appreciated by 
 very few. The work became, under God, the occasion of 
 Mr. Rintoul's settlement, personally in Canada. It brought 
 him under the notice of the Glasgow Colonial Society,
 
 538 
 
 which had been formed iu 1825 ; and when, in 1831, ap- 
 plication was made to that Society by the Trustees of St. 
 Andrew's Church in the town of York, U. C, for a minis- 
 ter, Mr. Ivintoul was selected as one that seemed to possess 
 the qualifications desired — soundness in the faith ; expe- 
 rienced zeal in pastoral duty ; pious discretion ; and a 
 steady, consistent walk. Moreover, he loved the colonial 
 field, and this was a recommendation of no ordinary kind, 
 at a time when the prejudices of young men lay strongly 
 in an opposite direction, and when few were found ready 
 to emigrate, from choice, to the settlements of the west. We 
 may add that Mr. Rintoul came to Canada at a time when 
 the difficulties which lay in the way of success were much 
 greater than now. He had few predecessors in the colonial 
 line, and certainly there had not been above one or two 
 who had from choice their lot amid the supposed bush- 
 men of British America. He had the wish to begin as one 
 of the pioneers in the service ; and we this day have to 
 thank G-od that for twenty years these lands have been 
 permitted to enjoy the services of such a man. His name 
 will stand out in the page of the future historian of the 
 Colonial Church, as that of a faithful and devoted minister 
 of the cross, who was ever ready to spend and be spent in 
 the service of his Master. 
 
 " In the town of York, now the city of Toronto, he 
 labored faithfully for the space of three years. He preached 
 the word in all purity and simplicity ; he reproved vice and 
 sin of every form ; and he maintained the wholesome dis- 
 cipline of the house of Grod with impartiality and inde- 
 pendence. The city was then limited in population and 
 extent, but its character was in the process of formation, 
 and the footsteps of Christian men and Christian ministers, 
 are deeply and beneficially indented on the virgin soil ; for 
 it is by the conscientious labors of such men, and their 
 consistent conduct in connection therewith, that a favor-
 
 539 
 
 able national character is formed. He organized the church 
 in that city ; he beheld it with pious interest in the first 
 germ of its spiritual being ; and he watched over its infant 
 strength with anxious solicitude. There are still to be 
 found in the midst of us, those who loved the good man 
 for his own and his Master's sake, and who look back on 
 his early labours with a grateful remembrance. 
 
 " The sentiments of Mr. Rintoul, regarding the spread of 
 the gospel iu the province and in the world, were enlarged 
 and liberal. He entered cordially into the formation of the 
 Upper Canada Bible and Religious Tract and Book Socie- 
 ties, and he was an office-bearer in both till his removal to 
 Montreal. Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes in his own 
 congregation he zealously patronized. For union among 
 brethren he earnestly pleaded and perseveringly prayed, 
 and few men were more respected and loved by brethren 
 of all denominations, than was your late laborious and 
 painstaking pastor. 
 
 " To the circumstances which led to a change in the field 
 of Mr. Rintoul's pastoral labours, I do not advert further 
 than to say, that the breath of slander never lighted on the 
 pious minister of Christ, whose sincerity was unques- 
 tioned, and whose unimpeached fidelity was the theme of 
 just approval of all conscientious men. His Lord and 
 Master, had ample service in reserve for him in another 
 and no distant field ; and for thirteen years the worthy 
 members of the Church at Streetsville, enjoyed the labors 
 and example of this judicious and humble minded pastor. 
 The Christian society there was likewise young, and the 
 memory of his ministrations among its members is still 
 fragrant. 
 
 " Amidst various labours Mr. Rintoul's special aim was 
 the advancement of the cause of evangelical truth in con- 
 nection with his own countrymen and his own church. 
 His correspondence with friends in Scotland, and especially
 
 540 
 
 with the Colonial Society of Griasgow, was large and full. 
 The iuformation he furnished was minute and authentic ; 
 and he spared no pains in methodizing and arranging for 
 practical use his ample store of statistical investigation. 
 Ceaseless were his efforts to induce young men of piety to 
 come out to these colonies ; and it was the difficulty of 
 gaining this object to any great extent that led him very 
 early to form the plan of a local institute for training a 
 native colonial ministry. The idea of a Theological Col- 
 lege early engaged his mind, and the first lessons in litera- 
 ture and theology were gratuitously given by him to a few 
 hopeful aspirants to the Christian ministry, who are now 
 pious labourers in the field of the harvest. 
 
 " As a special feature in his character, I observe that Mr. 
 Rintoul was a very valuable visitor at the bedside of the 
 sick and dying. Yea, there are few men whose services 
 in distress were so cheerfully rendered, and when render- 
 ed ever proved so beneficially effective. Without any 
 show of warm feelings, he really possessed them. A kind 
 adviser, a most disinterested friend, he never grudged 
 labour nor expense when conscience or duty dictated their 
 application. 
 
 " With advance of years he grew in devotional spirit. He 
 walked with God. He was a man of prayer ; and while 
 he held communion with his Grod, he cultivated a profit- 
 able self-employment in secret. The best experiment we 
 can make in order to know a man thoroughly, is to live 
 with him, and see how he is, and how he acts, in everyday 
 liie. Such as knew your pastor best, esteemed him the 
 most." 
 
 The Montreal Witness of 2!)th September, 1851, in an 
 appreciative notice of Mr. Rintoul, remarked : 
 
 "The leading object of his Hfe, from linst to la.st, was to fill North 
 America with good ministers; and it was somewhat remarkable, that 
 one of the last acts of his career was to assist in sending ofl'the tirst mis-
 
 541 
 
 sionary to the large Presbyterian population of the Red River 
 
 Mr. Rintoul had in a singularly short time secured the confidence and 
 love of the ministers and laymen who form the committees of our reli- 
 gious societies. He was secretary of the Tract Society, and since Mr. 
 Black's departure had been induced, at the unanimous request of the 
 committee of the French Canadian society, to fill his place. Both these 
 institutions will suffer materially in losing his services ; and unless God 
 in His mercy see fit to raise up others in his room, his death will in this 
 point of view be a public calamity." 
 
 The congregation placed a monumental tablet on the 
 wall of the church, with the following inscription : 
 
 SACRED TO THE MEMORY 
 OF THE 
 
 REVD. WILLIAM RINTOUL, M.A., 
 
 ' WHO DIED AT TROIS PISTOLES, C. E., 
 
 13th SEPTEMBER, 1851, 
 IN THE FIFTY-FOURTH YEAR OF HIS AGE, 
 AND THE THIRTY-FIRST OF HIS MINISTRY. 
 
 After labouring in England and Canada, he was appointed professor 
 
 of Hebrew and Oriental Literature in Knox's College, Toronto ; 
 
 from which he was called to the pastoral charge of this 
 
 congregation. Distinguished by extensive erudition and 
 
 unaffected piety, by the catholicity of his spirit, and 
 
 his missionary zeal, as well as by his ministerial 
 
 faithfulness, commanded the esteem of his 
 
 flock, and of all who knew him. 
 
 He was attacked by cholera 
 
 while performing a missionary journey to Metis, and 
 
 suddenly called from his earthly labours, to his heavenly reward. 
 
 " Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh, 
 
 shall find so doing." 
 
 In the interval which elapsed between the death of 
 Mr. Rintoul and the settlement of another pastor, the 
 pulpit was supplied by several of the ministers of the 
 western province. Two of them deserve special notice, 
 Dr. Reid and Dr. Smellie. 
 
 The Rev. William Reid, D.D., the venerable Clerk of 
 the General Assembly and agent for the schemes of the
 
 542 
 
 western section of the church, who was in charge of the 
 St. G-abriel Street Church pulpit at the beginning of 
 1852, when the annual register required to be taken out, 
 and whose name is inscribed in the register for that year 
 as officiating minister, was born in the parish of Kil- 
 drummy, Aberdeenshire, 10th December, 1816. He was 
 educated at King's College, Aberdeen, in both Arts and 
 Theology, and was licensed to preach in 1839. He came 
 to Canada in the autumn of that year, and was ordained 
 to the ministry and inducted to the united charge of 
 Grrafton and Colborne, Ontario, 30th January, 1840. In 
 April, 1849, he was translated to Picton, Ontario, where 
 he laboured faithfully until he was appointed editor of 
 the Record of the Presbyterian Church of Canada and 
 agent for the schemes of that church. He was appointed 
 joint-clerk of its Synod when Mr. Rintoul resigned that 
 office in June, 1851, — and sole clerk in 1853. When the 
 Canada Presbyterian Church was formed by the union 
 of what is popularly known as the representatives of the 
 Free Church and United Presbyterian Church in Canada, 
 in 1861, he became joint-clerk of the new G-eneral Assembly 
 — and when the larger union was consummated, in 1875, 
 he was continued in the oflB.ce, for which he is admirably 
 qualified by business ability, and knowledge of church 
 law. He was chosen Moderator of the Synod of the Pres- 
 byterian Church of Canada, in 1850, and Moderator of 
 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada, in 1879. The university of Queen's College con- 
 ferred upon him the well merited degree of Doctor of 
 Divinity, in 1876. Dr. Reid kindly took part in the cen- 
 tennial services in March, 1886, and his sermon and ad- 
 dress, near the end of this volume, will be read with 
 interest. 
 
 The Rev. Greorge Smellie, D.D., minister of Melville
 
 REV. D.WII' INGl IS, l>. I'
 
 543 
 
 Church, Fergus, Ontario, was another of the kind friends 
 who came to the relief of the St. Grabriel Street Congre- 
 gation, and officiated for a considerable length of time, 
 after Mr. Rintoul's sad taking off, and before the congre- 
 gation could find another pastor. Dr. Smellie is a son 
 of the Manse, his father being minister of St. Andrews, 
 Orkney. He received his literary and professional train- 
 ing at Edinburgh University, and was set apart to the 
 office of the holy ministry, March 30th, 1836, as assistant 
 and successor in Lady Parish, North Isles. In 1886, the 
 jubilee of this event was held in his church at Fergus, 
 and it was shared in by the Presbytery of Gruelph, of which 
 Dr. Smellie has been long an honoured member, as well 
 as by his own congregation, who made a handsome pre- 
 sentation to himself and his partner on the occasion. On 
 March 18th, 1843, he was married to Margaret L. Logie, 
 daughter of Eev. Dr. Logie, of Kirkwall, and immediately 
 afterwards he removed to Canada,settling at once at Fergus, 
 where he has since remained ; and by the consistency of 
 a noble christian life, as well as by the faithful ministra- 
 tion of the word and sacraments, has built up a strong 
 and influential congregation — affording another proof of 
 the value of long pastorates. In 18*71, he published a 
 brief memoir of his friend and neighbour, the great leader 
 of the Free Church party in Canada, Dr. John Bayne, of 
 G-alt. The university of Queen's College bestowed upon 
 him the well-earned degree of D.D. in 1885. His dauiyhter, 
 
 CD O ' 
 
 Elizabeth Logie, was married to Rev. D. J. Macdonnell, 
 minister of St. Andrew's Church, Toronto, 2nd July, 1808." 
 
 The next settled pastor was Rev. David Inglis. "While 
 paying a visit to some friends in this city, he preached 
 with such acceptance in several of the churches that the 
 St. Gabriel Street Congregation resolved to extend a call 
 to him to become their pastor. He accepted it, and was
 
 544 
 
 inducted on the 13th July, 1852. It was a blessed Pro- 
 vidence that threw him in the way of the congregation 
 at this particular crisis. His style of preaching began 
 soon to tell, and crowds flocked to the old church. The 
 tables were now turned upon the churches that had drawn 
 people away from St. G-abriel Street : it became once more 
 the popular resort. There was magnetism in this new 
 preacher. He had pathos in his voice as well as in his 
 soul. His tongue answered to his heart. People yet 
 speak of a wonderful series of discourses on the Apoca- 
 lypse which he delivered on Sabbath evenings to im- 
 mense gatherings. But this tide of prosperity also was 
 alas ! destined to be short lived. A great sorrow befell 
 this young prophet in the year 1854. With one fell stroke 
 cholera swept away his beloved partner and three of his- 
 four children, and left him desolate. 
 
 The following is the entry in the Registers : 
 
 "Jane Meldrum, wife of Rev. David Inglis, died 8th 
 July, 1854, and was buried on the 9th day of the same 
 month, aged 30 years." 
 
 Elizabeth Archibald Inglis, died 10th July, aged 6 
 years and 9 months. Catherine Meldrum Inglis, died 
 10th July, aged 3 years and two months. James Inglis, 
 an infant, died 19th July, only 19 days old. 
 
 The constitution of the church, even with the changes 
 effected in 1845, was not according to his mind. There 
 was friction between the Session and the temporal com- 
 mittee. He had succeeded in getting the congregation 
 to have deacons appointed for managing the business 
 matters of the church. A deacons' court was accordingly 
 constituted 17th June, 1853. The next step was to get 
 the temporal committee to surrender their prerogatives 
 to the deacons. A good deal of misunderstanding fol- 
 lowed, which was attended by an irritating correspond- 
 ence between the minister and the temporal committee.
 
 545 
 
 The outcome of it was that the committee agreed to 
 denude themselves of the fiiuctions they had discharged 
 for 50 years, and hand over the church and all its belong- 
 ings to be managed by the deacons, — the committee how- 
 ever, remaining nominally in possession. This was the 
 condition of things until, in 1864, the temporal committee 
 was abolished by Act of Parliament. The committee 
 took this action, 11th April, 1855, but the concession 
 came too late. These unpleasant diiferences following so 
 soon after his great sorrow, Montreal had lost for him its 
 charm. His health gave way under the double pressure, 
 and as a change of scene seemed advisable, he accepted a 
 call, 26th April, 1855, to what is now known as McNab 
 Street Church, Hamilton, where a portion of Knox 
 Church, having separated from their brethren, had set up 
 a new cause. Mr. Inglis had declined a call to the 
 undivided Knox Church, the year before. A blessing 
 rested upon his ministry in this new sphere, as well as 
 in Brooklyn, where he ended his days in distinguished 
 usefulness, Dec. 15th 187*7. 
 
 The following sketch of Rev. David Inglis, who re- 
 ceived the degree of D.D. from the Rutgers College in 
 18Y4, and of LL.D., from ,01ivet College, Michigan, has 
 been kindly contributed by Rev. David "Waters, LL.D., 
 formerly of St John, N.B., now a pastor in Newark, New 
 Jersey, — an intimate friend of Dr. Inglis, who was with 
 him at the time of his death, — and will be read with 
 pleasure by the many friends of the departed divine. 
 
 " His father Rev. David Inglis, was for many years 
 pastor of a U. P. Congregation in the parish of G-reenlaw, 
 Berwickshire, on the Scottish side of the Tweed. He was 
 a man of good attainments, and was highly esteemed in 
 the United Presbyterian Church of which he was a 
 minister. By his influence and example, a suitable bent 
 was given to the aspirations of his son David, who in 
 
 K K
 
 546 
 
 time resolved to study for the ministry of the church. 
 His attention to his scholastic studies was from the very 
 first assiduous and devout, and in the various subjects of 
 humanity, moral philosophy, rhetoric, belles leitres, &c., 
 he distinguished himself at once by his zeal and attain- 
 ments. After passing through the regular course in the 
 University of Edinburgh, he graduated with honors. He 
 subsequently passed through a course of divinity studies, 
 attending among others the classes of those eminent 
 theologians, the late Dr. Chalmers and Dr. John Brown. 
 At the early age of 20 years, he was licensed by the Pres- 
 bytery of Carlisle, England. 
 
 " After licensure he resided in Cumberland, England, for 
 a short time. It was not destined that he should remain 
 long at home. Providence pointed out the western world 
 as affording a more suitable sphere of labor, and having 
 paid a short visit to his friends in Scotland, he emigrated 
 to America in 1846. Almost immediately he entered on 
 missionary work in the "Western States, after which he 
 became pastor of the Detroit Scotch Church, 1846-7 ; stated 
 supply N. Y. C. "Washington Heights, 1847 ; Bedford, 
 N.Y., 1847-52. From Bedford he came to Montreal, and 
 from Montreal he was called to McNab Street Church, 
 Hamilton. 
 
 "This church was puny and small. It was formed by 
 the division of Knox Church, then under the care of the 
 Rev. Dr. Irvine. It consisted of only forty-two members. 
 Divine services were conducted in a wooden building 
 which would accomodate only about 300 persons. But 
 under the efficient ministry of the new pastor, the con- 
 gregation and church rapidly grew in numbers and 
 strength, and it was soon found necessary to build a new 
 church. This led to the erection of the present hand- 
 some and commodious structure on McNab Street. Here 
 he carried on his pastorate for upwards of sixteen years.
 
 54Y 
 
 He gradually drew around him a large and strongly- 
 attached congregation, and during the period of his 
 ministry he received into membership with this church 
 not fewer than 1000 persons. In Hamilton he married for 
 his second wife Miss Grale, daughter of the late Eev. 
 Alexander Grale, a well known Presbyterian minister, and 
 grand niece of Eev. Henry Esson. As the pastor of a 
 large and flourishing congregation, and as a man of recog- 
 nized public ability, he took an active interest in the 
 affairs of the Presbyterian Church, and in the social and 
 moral well-being of the city. His talents were often in 
 requisition for special religious services, for lectures in 
 connection with literary and other institutions, and for 
 contributions to the press. These services were always 
 cheerfully rendered, and whilst they contributed to the 
 instruction and interest of the people who attended them, 
 they added greatly to his own reputation and influence. 
 A commodious stone manse was also erected for him. His 
 congregation always on the increase was devotedly attach- 
 ed to him ; whilst in the city, amongst all denominations 
 and classes, he was regarded as a central figure, as a use- 
 ful citizen, and as a distinguished ornament. In 1805, on 
 the resignation of Mr. Kemp, and before Dr. Irvine was 
 thought of, Mr. Inglis received a very pressing call to 
 return to his old congregation in Montreal, then about 
 removing to their new edifice of Knox Church ; but he 
 did not see his way to accept it. 
 
 "But the exigencies of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada, seemed to require that he should take charge of 
 a most important and responsible post in connection with 
 Knox College. His eminent attainments as a scholar and 
 his sound theological views as a divine, evidently fitted 
 him for training candidates for the Christian ministry. 
 He was therefore summoned in 18 tl to occupy the chair 
 of systematic theology in Knox College, Toronto. It was
 
 548 
 
 a call which came upon him unexpectedly ; the strongest 
 efforts were made by his friends to induce him to decline 
 it. But he felt it to be the call of G-od ; and painful 
 though it was to separate from his flock, he had no alter- 
 native but to obey. His spirit was one of devout faith ; 
 his conduct an illustration of cheerful obedience to the 
 call of duty. 
 
 " In leaving Hamilton the friends of Mr. Inglis, resolved 
 to present him with some tangible token of their esteem. 
 A public subscription was therefore organized, and a very 
 liberal sum of money was spontaneously contributed from 
 all classes of the public. This, with a service of plate, 
 was presented to him at a public meeting which was 
 largely attended. The Hon. Isaac Buchanan presided at 
 the meeting, and recounted in glowing language the 
 many excellent qualities possessed, and the many useful 
 services rendered, by Mr. Inglis. 
 
 " The duties of his new vocation, he discharged with 
 exemplary zeal, and with great acceptance to the church, 
 and profit to the college. But in about a year another 
 change was proposed. He was called to the pastorate of 
 the Reformed Church on Brooklyn Heights. To the great 
 grief of the Canadian Church, he saw it to be his duty to 
 sever his connection with the college, and accept the call 
 which was so cordially extended to him. As pastor of 
 this church, he labored with great zeal and much accept- 
 ance, beloved by his people, and highly respected by the 
 whole community. His labors were not only appreciated 
 by his own flock, but were influential and useful in a 
 public sense generally. The church grew under his 
 ministration, and honors were conferred upon him. But 
 his happiness was not unmixed with pain. He lost a 
 beautiful child and subsequently his wife. 
 
 " A short time before his death, he received a unanimous 
 call to Knox Church, Toronto, to become the colleague
 
 549 
 
 and successor of the venerable Dr. Topp. He was not 
 able to come to any decision in regard to this matter. 
 There were strong influences at work either way. But 
 in the meantime he had been attacked by malarial fever 
 and other ailments. Medical skill failed. He was called 
 up higher. 
 
 " Dr. Inglis was a man of commanding presence, of kind 
 and genial disposition, and one whom to know was to 
 love. He won the aiFection and esteem of a large number 
 of his brethren in the ministry, and his people were 
 devotedly attached to him. He was a powerful and elo- 
 quent preacher of the great truths of the G-ospel. Many 
 will remember his striking and earnest appeals which 
 thrilled the souls and melted the hearts of his hearers. 
 For years he had made systematic theology his special 
 study. That combined with a careful study of kindred 
 subjects made him in every way well qualified to fill the 
 professor's chair or the preacher's desk. 
 
 " For some years he prepared the Sabbath School lessons 
 for the Soiver. These were masterly expositions of Scrip- 
 ture. He had been appointed Vedder lecturer for 18Y9, 
 and was engaged in preparing these lectures when taken 
 ill. He was a most valuable member of a Church Court. 
 Possessed of a powerful mind, an able debater, and being 
 well acquainted with the rules and forms of ecclesiastical 
 procedure, he was able to guide the discussion of import- 
 ant subjects, and not seldom was a wise conclusion of a 
 difficult question reached through his instrumentality. 
 
 " As a Scotsman he always cherished an ardent love for 
 his native land, and was fond of roaming among its hills 
 and dales, and of portraying with his pen some of the 
 more stirring scenes of its history. He was a member of 
 the St. Andrew's Society of New York, and warmly 
 espoused the interests of other organizations by which 
 his countrymen could be benefited. Whether viewed as
 
 550 
 
 a Scotsman, as a pastor, or as a friend, he gave evidence 
 of the possession of the noblest qualities ; and in his 
 removal the lamentation of old may be repeated that a 
 great man and a prince in Israel has fallen. 
 
 " He engaged with deep interest in all the deliberations 
 which were held during many years, in reference to the 
 union of all the branches of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada, a union which he did much to further, and in 
 the consummation and success of which he greatly 
 rejoiced. 
 
 " In the summer of 187*7, he went as one of the delegates 
 of the Reformed Church in America, to the Presbyterian 
 Council at Edinburgh, and rendered good service there." 
 
 Dr. Inglis was an author of repute. Among his publi- 
 cations were, " Crown Jewels," a sweet little book giving 
 an account of his bereavement in Montreal ; papers to a 
 monthly, "Waymarks in the Wilderness," published in 
 Detroit, of which he -was associated as editor with his 
 brother, Rev. James Inglis, and Rev. John Hogg, after- 
 wards Dr. Hogg, minister of St. Andrew's Church, Guelph; 
 Exposition of International S. S. lessons in Sower and 
 Gospel Field, 1874-7 ; Historical sermon commemorating 
 the 25th Anniversary of the church on the Heights, 
 Brooklyn, 1875; Many contributions to the press; Ved- 
 der lectures in course of preparation at his death.
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Rev. J. Cromkie, M.A. — Rev. A. F. Kemp, LL.D., settled as Pastor — His 
 birth and training — his ministry in montreal — subsequent career 
 — John McCallum — Dr. McLagan — Wm. McBean — Edward Moore 
 — Donald McLean — Angus McIntosh — H. B. Picken — Geo. Selkiek 
 — Robert Gardner — Andrew Mitchell — Aechd. Moir — Hector 
 MuNKO— Dr. W. p. Smith — William D, McLaeen — Peter Dods — 
 Aechd. Swan — Alex. McGibbon — Jas. Brown — Matthew Hutchi- 
 son — David Rodger — George Cruickshank — Jasies Sculthorp — 
 "WiLLiAJi Brown — W. F. Lighthall — George Irving — JAmes 
 Robertson. 
 
 The Eev. John Crombie, M.A., supplied the pulpit of 
 St. Gabriel Street Church from the beginning of May till 
 the middle of August, 1855. Mr. Crombie was born in 
 the city of Aberdeen, 13th November, 1820, but when he 
 was two years old, his father received an appointment 
 under Gordon of Fyvie, and he was brought up in the 
 delightful neighbourhood of Fyvie castle. He received 
 a good education in the parish school, and entered 
 Marischal College when he w^as 1^ years of age with a 
 view to preparation for the ministry, Gordon, who was 
 a patron, aifording encouragement that he should not 
 want a parish when qualified for it. John was borne 
 along, however, on the wave of enthusiasm created by 
 the non-intrusion controversy, and, despite the earnest 
 protestations of his father, and the sacrifice of his eccle- 
 siastical prospects, he cast in his lot with the Free Church ; 
 and was required by his father to leave the home of his 
 childhood and provide for himself. Through what he 
 could make as a teacher, and the good offices of Free
 
 552 
 
 Church frieuds, he was able to complete his education 
 for the ministry — which he did at Edinburgh under Chal- 
 mers, Cunningham, Buchanan, and Duncan. Licensed 
 by the Free Presbytery of Kincardine O'Neil, 19th June 
 1849, after serving as an assistant for some time in Aber- 
 deen and Bantt, and occupying the mission station of 
 Newburgh and Foveran for three years, he was per- 
 suaded by Dr. John Bonar, Convener of the colonial 
 committee of the Free Church, to offer himself for work 
 abroad. In consequence he came to Canada in 1854, and 
 began work in the Scotch settlement of Inverness. He 
 was first settled for months at Laguerre, then 14 years 
 in Inverness, Quebec, and during the last 18 years he 
 has been minister of Smith's Falls, Ontario. He resigned 
 this charge in March, 1887, and is now pastor emeritus. 
 Mr. Crombie laboured hard to bring about the union in 
 Canada, and has been an honoured and useful minister 
 of Jesus Christ. He was raised to the dignity of 
 Moderator of the Synod of Montreal and Ottawa, in 
 1881. 
 
 Rev. Alexander Ferrie Kemp succeeded to the pastorate 
 of St. Gabriel Street Church, 4th September, 1855. Mr. 
 Kemp was a man of the kind that always makes a deep 
 mark on the community in which he resides. He had a 
 strong individuality, and contact with him was influen- 
 tial. Yet his strongly accentuated nature made him foes as 
 well as friends. He had many personal qualities which 
 were fitted to keep him in the remembrance of his fellow- 
 men; and yet, in the city of Montreal to the public interests 
 of which he devoted not a little of his time and energy, 
 during his stay in it, but a few here and there can recall 
 his face and form, — and to the rest his very name is un- 
 known. " Sic transit gloria nmndi.'" It is not yet quite 
 twenty-two years since that ministry here ceased, which
 
 REV. ALEX. KEMP, T.L. D.
 
 553 
 
 has been so soon forgotten — a mournful commentary upon 
 the fate of a public man, if there was nothing for him to 
 look forward to beyond posthumous fame. 
 
 Mr. Kemp was born in Greenock, Scotland, in 1822, so 
 that he was only 62 years of age at the time of his death. 
 He studied first at the university of Edinburgh, and after- 
 wards at the Presbyterian College, in London, England. 
 Receiving his orders from the Presbytery of Lancashire, 
 his first exercise of the functions of the ministry was as 
 chaplain to the 26th Cameronian Regiment, then sta- 
 tioned in Bermuda. When Mr. Inglis was translated 
 from this church to McNab Street Church, Hamilton, 
 Ontario, Mr. Kemp, on the recommendation of eminent 
 men in Great Britain and America, was called to St. Ga- 
 briel Street Church, although he had never oflB.ciated here 
 previously, nor was he known except to a very few per- 
 sons in the congregation. Mr. Kemp continued earnestly 
 and faithfully to proclaim the Gospel message in Mont- 
 real, until his resignation was accepted by the Presby- 
 tery on the 9th June, 1865. It was a transition period 
 in the history of the churches of the city, and Mr. Kemp 
 came in for even more than his share of the trials from 
 which all ministers and congregations were at that time 
 suffering, through the removal of members and adherents 
 from the centre to the suburbs, and the demand that arose 
 for new churches and organizations in what is called the 
 " West End." In accepting his resignation, the Presbytery 
 put on record their appreciation of his peculiar aptitude 
 for business, his accurate knowledge of church law, his 
 lively interest in missionary work, his laborious and ex- 
 cellent services as Clerk of Presbytery, and his earnest 
 and enlightened zeal in promoting all the schemes of the 
 church. This was a well merited tribute from those who 
 knew him best. 
 
 But Mr. Kemp, though feeling that he owed his chief
 
 554 
 
 labours to the cause of religion, and especially to that 
 congregation and church to which he had promised his 
 undivided allegiance, on the occasion of his induction, 
 stood also in active and useful relations to the wider 
 public. He was for some years a school commissioner, 
 at a time when the discharge of the duties of that office 
 was attended with even more anxiety than it is to-day ; 
 for the means at the disposal of the Board of that period 
 were meagre in comparison of those which it now com- 
 mands. He took an active interest in all efforts to pro- 
 mote the intellectual and moral welfare of the citizens, 
 without distinction of nationality or creed. He was a 
 valued contributor to the " Canadian Naturalist," the 
 earlier numbers of which were enriched with papers from 
 his pen. He was especially expert in Botany, and helped 
 to keep alive a wholesome taste in the community for the 
 study of the works of God. The " Natural History So- 
 ciety of Montreal," of which he was one of the Vice-pre- 
 sidents owed something of its prosperity, during his resi- 
 dence in this city, to his earnestness and zeal in further- 
 ing its work. Mr. Kemp wielded a fluent and graceful 
 pen. He found scope for his literary activity, for two 
 years, in editing, jointly with Dr. Donald Fraser, the 
 *' Canadian Presbyter," published in this city, as the non- 
 official organ of the branch of the church with which he 
 was connected. A work, less popular, but of greater per- 
 manent value, was his " Digest of the Minutes of the 
 Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada," in which 
 his knowledge of ecclesiastical affairs obtained adequate 
 expression. Besides many contributions to transient lit- 
 erature, he wrote a pamphlet, in 1866, on the effects of 
 the union of 1861, between the Canada Presbyterian 
 Church, and the TJ. P. Church of Canada, which called 
 forth a good deal of criticism. In it he contended that 
 the union had not been productive of the good that its
 
 555 
 
 enthusiastic promoters had expected. But he lived long 
 enough to find that his conclusions in this matter had 
 been premature ; and no one rejoiced more than he in 
 the results of the large union, of all the Presbyterians, 
 which took place in 1875. 
 
 Not the least interesting to us, or important in itself, 
 of the services which he rendered to the cause of Presby- 
 terianism in Montreal, was the active and successful effort 
 which he put forth, in concert with Eev. Dr. Snodgrass, 
 Hon. Alexander Morris, Alexander McG-ibbon and others, 
 to settle the long-pending suits which had been carried 
 on between the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, as to the ownership of the St. G-abriel 
 Street Church and the manse which then belonged to it. 
 
 The following are the male names appended to Mr. 
 Kemp's call : — 
 
 Wm. Rowan, elder, 
 Archd. Moir, deacon, 
 Daniel Fisher, 
 Peter Dods, 
 David Brodie, 
 Allan Cameron, 
 Alexander Fraser, 
 J. Rattray, 
 W. R. Smith, 
 George Middlemiss, 
 Angus Mcintosh, 
 Stephen Johnson, 
 David Rodger, 
 Archd. Swan, 
 
 John McCallum, elder, 
 Robert Gardner, deacon, 
 HenryB. Picken, deacon, 
 George Purkis, 
 John Morrison, 
 A. H. McKenzie, 
 John Walker, 
 Andrew Simpson, 
 James Laverock, 
 M. G Gosselin, 
 Alex. Bertram, 
 H. T. Lamplough, 
 James Sculthorp, 
 Wm. H. Woods, 
 
 And. Mitchell, deacon, Peter Moir, 
 
 William Hunter, 
 Robert Kent, 
 Archd. Spence, 
 Alex. McGibbon, 
 James Wilson, 
 
 George Brown, 
 Alex. Wilson, 
 John McPherson, 
 And. Johnson, 
 James McGibbon, 
 
 Robt. Lockhart, jun,, James Brown, 
 John McRobie, Daniel Fisher, 
 
 Wm. McBean, elder, 
 George Selkirk, 
 William Wilson, 
 Alex. IMcGregor, 
 Alex. McLeod, 
 Wm. Kingland, 
 Wm. Murray, 
 John Boyd, 
 William Meek, 
 Henry Ashby, 
 John Boyd, 
 Jas- Kinleyside, 
 W. A. S. Fisher, 
 Andrew Wilson, 
 John Aird 
 
 Matthew Hutchison, 
 Archd. Wilson, 
 J. Bonner, 
 John Russel, 
 James Rough, 
 W. J. W. Ahson, 
 John Irvine,
 
 556 
 
 James Millar Wilson, \Vm, Lester, 
 Alex. ISIacfarlane, Henry Robertson, 
 
 Andrew ^lasson, 
 William Fer<;uson, 
 John McPheraon, 
 William Wilson, 
 Hector Mnnro, 
 William Douiilas, 
 Alex. Chisholm, 
 J. A. Malcolm, 
 James Hodge, 
 James A. Harte, 
 
 J. Y. Gilmour, 
 Hugh McCallum, 
 John McCallum, jun. 
 Thomas Hodge, 
 James Duncan, 
 Alex. Batch elor, 
 Charles Lawson, 
 James Shearer, 
 D. J. Macfarlane, 
 James Fraser, 
 
 James Fairie, Kenneth Campbell, and Mrs. 
 wards members under Dr. Kemp's ministry. 
 
 D. M. Urquhart, 
 David Bansley, 
 John Collins, 
 Robert Anderson, 
 C. Nelson, 
 John Fraser, 
 George Irving, 
 James Catto, 
 William Wilson," 
 William Fraser, 
 T. Nelson. 
 
 Robert Seath, were after- 
 
 Considerable friction had been developed between him 
 and a portion of the congregation on the subject of a new 
 church, and it ended in his resignation being tendered on 
 the 16th of May, 1865, and it was accepted by the Presby- 
 tery on the 9th of June following. 
 
 The Presbytery of Montreal, of the Canada Presbyterian 
 Church, recorded the following minute on the occasion : — 
 
 " In accepting Mr. Kemp's resignation of the pastorate of 
 St. G-abriel Street Church, the Presbytery unanimously 
 resolved to express their unfeigned regret, that he has 
 deemed it his duty to take this step, and to record their 
 unabated confidence in his piety and ministerial faithful- 
 ness, as well as their high appreciation of his varied gifts 
 and attainments. They specially mention his peculiar 
 aptitude for business, his accurate knowlege of Church 
 laws, his lively interest in missionary work, his laborious 
 and excellent services as Clerk of the Presbytery, and his 
 earnest and enlightened zeal in promoting all the schemes 
 of the church ; and now while being deprived of his coun- 
 sel and fellowship as a member of Presbytery, they unite 
 in devout prayer to Almighty God that He may crown 
 him with his favour, and continue to make him eminently 
 useful in the services of the Grospel."
 
 557 
 
 After leaving Montreal lie was minister for a short time 
 at Windsor, Ontario. But the sphere there was insufficient 
 to engage the interest and energy of a man who was yet 
 in his prime, and had been acting on a larger theatre. As 
 affording fuller scope to his literary activity and scholastic 
 tastes, he, therefore, soon afterwards accepted an appoint- 
 ment as Professor of Mental Philosophy, Logic and Moral 
 Philosophy in Olivet College, Michigan, and afterwards in 
 Knox College, Galesburg. At this time Queen's College, 
 Kingston, conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. But 
 his desires were towards this the land of his adoption, 
 much as he appreciated what was good and true in the 
 institutions of the United States. , Accordingly, we find 
 him back in Canada in 18*74, as Principal of the Ladies' 
 College in Brantford, Ontario, where he remained four 
 years — his last position being that of Principal of the 
 Ottawa Ladies' College, which as well as the one in Brant- 
 ford, is under the patronage of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada. He resigned this latter office, broken in health 
 and spirits, and after that he was without a fixed home or 
 occupation. The last few months of his life were spent in 
 a measure of sadness, arising in part from the feebleness 
 of health, but in greater measure from a sense of the want 
 there is in the Church of an adequate provision for the 
 declining years of those who have given to it the energy 
 and strength of a lifetime. In his prostration of body, 
 he was prone to take a dejected view of his life's work, 
 since it ended thus without home or position. But his 
 friends would not allow him thus to speak. It does not, 
 indeed, redound to the credit of a church so large and 
 powerful in resources, as our own, that those who have 
 served it faithfully should have even the shadow of 
 ground for complaint that grey hairs bring them only 
 humiliation and penury. Even the law of old was more 
 generous, since it provided for the retirement at the age
 
 558 
 
 of fifty, of those who had served the altar twenty years. 
 Surely the grace of the gospel ought to put it iuto the 
 hearts of God's people, to provide at least equal things 
 for the servants of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Dr. Kemp entered into rest, May 4th, 1884. He left a 
 widow and three children, — S. A. Kemp, M.D., of Calicoon, 
 N.Y. ; Mrs. C H. Sutherland, of Hamilton, and Miss Kemp, 
 who is a skilful teacher of drawing. 
 
 One of the disheartening features of Mr. Leishman's 
 ministry was the difficulty experienced in getting elders 
 to serve. This was partly owing to the treatment accord- 
 ed to Hon. James Leslie, and Messrs. Johnston and Grunn, 
 on whom even Mr. Esson had brought pressure to bear to 
 secure their resignation, broadly hinting that they had not 
 the temper of mind to qualify for their office ; but also was 
 in some degree due to the absence of a spirit of enthusiasm 
 in the congregation during Mr. Leishman's pastorate. An 
 effort was made, in August, 1848. to add four new mem- 
 bers to the session. The congregation nominated seven, 
 James Stevenson, Andrew Gribb, Greorge A. Pyper, Arch'd. 
 McFarlane, James Turner, John Drysdale, and William 
 McBean ; but with one voice they declined the office. At 
 communion seasons, the Session had to appoint temporary 
 deacons to assist, — Messrs. Pyper, McBean and Bertram, 
 acting in that capacity, 2nd October, 1850, and Edward 
 Moore, and John McCallum, 30th January, 1851. 
 
 At length, on the 11th May, 1851, under the new 
 influence brought to bear upon the congregation by Rev. 
 Wm. Rintoul, John McCallum, Dr. Philip McLagan, and 
 "William McBean were set apart to the office of the elder- 
 ship. 
 
 John McCallum, ordained elder. May 11th, 1851, was 
 born at Stranraer, vScotland, 11th April, 1806, his parents
 
 559 
 
 having come originally from Argyllshire. He came to 
 Canada in the summer of 1832. Cholera being bad in 
 Quebec, the good ship " Oxford," which carried him and 
 others to our shores, and which had no sickness on board, 
 did not deliver up its passengers until it reached Montreal, 
 and when they get to the city, it was with the greatest 
 difficulty lodgings could be had, so great was the people's 
 fear that the plague should be introduced into their dwell" 
 ings by immigrants. Mr. McCallum pursued the business 
 of a piano-forte maker, at 73 St. Dominique Street. He 
 joined St. G-abriel Street a short time before accepting oflB.ce. 
 He continued to discharge the duties of the eldership 
 until 1858, on the 13th of October in which year his name 
 appears for the last time as attending a meeting of Session. 
 He was greatly attached to Mr. Inglis, and stood by him 
 in his efforts to bring the practice of the congTegation 
 more into harmony with the genius of Presbyterianism. 
 He died 15th September, 18t6, aged *70 years. Mr. E. N. 
 McCallum, merchant, St. Catherine Street, Treasurer of 
 Crescent Street Church, is his son. The old piano-forte 
 business is carried on still by members of the family, at 
 66 Bleury Street. 
 
 Dr. Philip Whiteside McLagan, who was ordained at the 
 same time as Mr. McCallum, was surgeon to the 20th 
 Eegt., then stationed in Montreal. Mention has been made 
 of him already in connection with the efforts to save Mr. 
 Eintoul's life. He was a native of Newcastle-on-Tyne, 
 England, where his father was a physician, and where 
 he himself now resides, having retired from the army 
 several years ago. He was of eminent service to the con- 
 gregation, acting as superintendent of the Sabbath School, 
 as well as elder, and when his Regiment was ordered 
 oflf, the people wished to present him with some token 
 of their regard and appreciation ; but when he heard of
 
 560 
 
 it, he iutimated his iiuwillingness to receive it. The 
 money raised for this purpose, added to by some subscrip- 
 tions from friends outside, was applied rather to procuring 
 cenotaphs to Professor Esson, and his friend, Mr. Rintoul. 
 The Kirk-session put the following minute on record, 
 11th July, 1855 :— 
 
 " The Session cannot avoid noticing the vacancy now 
 caused in its midst by the removal of their worthy brother 
 in Christ, Dr. Philip W. McLagan, of Her Majesty's 
 20th Regiment of Foot, who for a period of upwards of 
 two years past has been associated with them as elder of 
 this church, and a most faithful and diligent labourer in 
 the cause of religion and humanity. The virtues of Dr. 
 McLagan's example, the untiring activity of his efforts 
 in the church and Sabbath School, and his unaffected piety 
 as a disciple of his Divine Master, will be long remembered 
 with love by this Session, and esteem by the congregation 
 of which they have the oversight — while his professional 
 aid, at all times bestowed most freely on the needy sick 
 and afflicted, will lead them to feel, that they have lost a 
 friend, whose place, under similar circumstances, may 
 never be again supplied." 
 
 " The Session record their sentiments, commend him to 
 the blessing of Almighty G-od, whom it has been his 
 delight to serve, and to the affection and respect of Chris- 
 tians wherever Providence may order his lot." 
 
 "William McBean, ordained elder in St. G-abriel Street 
 Church, May 11th, 1851, was born near Aberdeen, Scot- 
 land, 2Yth April, 1798, was married in 1822. He car- 
 ried on the business of miller and distiller in or near the 
 city until 1848, when, with the progress of the age, he 
 became convinced that the manufacture of spirits was a 
 bad business, and forever abandoned it. He became quite
 
 561 
 
 a temperance advocate ; and, although from his youth up, 
 surrounded by various forms of liquor, he never drank it ; 
 and he brought up his sons to eschew both drink and 
 tobacco. He joined the St. G-abriel Street Church in 1832, 
 and after the disruption bought Mr. Skake^'s pew. In his 
 evidence, in the suit Kemp v. Fisher, he said he saw no 
 cause for the disruption in Canada. He succeeded Mr. 
 Rowan as Session clerk, and performed the duties of the 
 office with efficiency for several years. He died 8th Sep- 
 tember, 1883, aged 85 years, much respected by all that 
 knew him. Dr. McBean, of the Turkish baths is his son. 
 
 Edward Moore, who was admitted a deacon, July 22nd, 
 1853, and an elder 28th October, 1855, was born near 
 Belfast, County Down, Ireland. His father's family at- 
 tended the ministry of Dr. Henry Cooke, May Street, Bel- 
 fast. Mr. Moore came to Canada in 1832, and at once 
 joined St. Gabriel Street Church. He was a useful mem- 
 ber and office-bearer in the old church, and he continues 
 to serve his generation faithfully in Knox Church. He 
 taught a class in the Sabbath School for fourteen years in 
 St. Gabriel Street. He was treasurer to the committee 
 appointed to procure the funds for erecting the memorial 
 tablets to Professors Esson and Rintoul. He was treasurer 
 also for the Deacons' Court, for some time, and was appoint- 
 ed Session clerk in 1865, an office which he still holds in 
 Knox Church. Mr. Moore was a long time in the employ 
 of the late Hugh Eraser, of the Eraser Institute. He 
 officiated at the communion service in the old church, 
 March 'Zth, 1886, in connection with the centennial cele- 
 bration, and has afforded the writer much assistance in 
 the present undertaking. 
 
 Donald McLean, whose name stands at the head of the 
 list of Deacons ordained in St. Gabriel Street Church, 
 
 L L
 
 562 
 
 namely, those set apart 22nd July, 1853, was a devout 
 Highlander, whom Mr. Inglis encouraged to study for the 
 ministry, and he entered as a student at Knox College. 
 During his course of preparation he spent his vacation in 
 Montreal, and conducted a Groelic service in the old church, 
 with much acceptance. He had a fine command of the 
 language of the Celt. He returned to Scotland, where he^ 
 died soon afterwards. 
 
 Angus Mcintosh, proprietor of pew No. 2 in the gallery, 
 the second on the list of deacons, was clerk to Hector 
 Munro, who at the time was carrying on extensive under- 
 takings as a builder and contractor. Mr. Mcintosh was 
 appointed secretary to the temporal committee in 1853, 
 and continued in that office in 1860, although not acting 
 in that capacity in 1854, and 1855. He was an important 
 witness in the lawsuits, having to produce the minute- 
 books of the congregation. He joined the church on his 
 coming to the country in 1830. 
 
 Henry Belfrage Picken, owner of pew No. 6, who was 
 ordained deacon, in the St. G-abriel Street Church, July 
 22nd, 1853, was born in Edinburgh in the year 1809, and 
 was the son of Ebeuezer Picken, the poet, of whom Robert 
 Brown of Underwood Park, Paisly, published a beautiful 
 monograph, in 1879. Ebenezer Picken was a native of 
 Paisley, and a friend and literary rival of Alexander 
 "Wilson, the ornithologist. He had received an education 
 in part for the ministry, but was drawn rather to litera- 
 ture. He taught school at Falkirk, where he married a 
 sister of Henry Belfrage, D.D., the author of a popular 
 series of sermons. Through her the name Belfrage was 
 introduced into the family. Mr. Picken afterwards re- 
 moved to Edinburgh, where he set up as a teacher of 
 languages. He published in 1813, "Poems and Songs"
 
 563 
 
 by subscription ; and also " A Pocket Dictionary of the 
 Scottish language." 
 
 H. B, Picken emigrated to Montreal in 1832, and was 
 employed a couple of years in the Gazette office. He then 
 entered the service of the Bank of Montreal, and continued 
 in it for thirty-five years. He and his family accompanied 
 Knox Church to their new edifice. One son, Henry 
 Belfrage, is treasurer of that congregation ; another, John 
 Belfrage, is an elder. H. B. Picken, senior, died of paralysis 
 July 8th, 188^, aged ^8 years. His two sisters, Catherine 
 and Joanna Belfrage, also lived in Montreal, and estab- 
 lished a high-class boarding school. Joanna contributed 
 many poetical effusions to the Literary Garland and Tran- 
 script, during her residence here. She died in 1859. His 
 brother, Andrew Belfrage Picken, the author of " The 
 Bedouin," and " Lights and Shadows of a Sailor's Life," 
 also came to Montreal, in 1830, and became well-known as 
 an artist and teacher of drawing. He died in 1849. 
 
 George Selkirk ordained a deacon at the same time as 
 Donald McLean, Mr. Picken and others, was a cabinet- 
 maker in Craig street, near St. Charles Borommee Street, 
 son of Mr. Selkirk, already mentioned as taking part in the 
 disruption controversy. 
 
 Robert G-ardner, owner of pew No. 21, the last of the 
 first list of deacons ordained, 22nd July, 1853, is still to 
 the fore, is the senior of the firm Robert G-ardner & Son, 
 and the founder of the " Novelty Iron Works," Nazareth 
 Street. He was a member of the committee representing 
 the congregation in the negotiations with the Church of 
 Scotland committee, regarding the compromise of 1864. 
 He and his family are still connected with Knox Church. 
 His son, Robert; was formerly the popular Colonel of the 
 Sixth Fusiliers.
 
 564 
 
 Andrew Mitchell, ordained a deacon 14th June, 1854, 
 and an elder, 28th October, 1855, had been a non-commis- 
 sioned officer in the 26th Cameronian Regiment. He 
 adopted anabaptist views in 1856, and his name was struck 
 off the roll, October 1st in that year. 
 
 Archibald Moir, who was ordained a deacon 14th June. 
 1854, was a member of the firm of " Adams and Moir," 
 wholesale dry-goods, St. Paul Street. He was afterwards 
 associated with Robert Forester in the wholesale grocery 
 business, under the style of " Forester and Moir." He is a 
 native of Scotland. He is now an efficient Customs' officer, 
 being an appraiser in the examining warehouse. He was 
 a special friend of Dr. Kemp's, and is still a member of 
 Knox Church. He was nominated to the eldership in 
 1855, but declined the office. 
 
 Hector Munro, owner of pew 21 in the gallery, who was 
 ordained a deacon 14th June, 1854, and an elder Septem- 
 ber 13th, 1868, was born in Roxboroughshire, Scotland, 
 21st January, 180*7. He went to Edinburgh when he was 
 sixteen years old, where he learned the business of a mason. 
 Marrying in 1832, he and his wife came to Montreal in 
 that year, but they were three times wrecked on the way 
 and lost all their effects except their clothes. He and Mrs. 
 Munro, were among the original communicants in the 
 Lagauchetiere Street Church, but they afterwards went to 
 St. Gabriel Street Church during Mr. Esson's ministry, 
 before the disruption. They were among the supporters 
 of the Free Church in Cote street at first, but Soon after- 
 wards returned to St. Gabriel Street. Mr. Munro was one 
 of the committee of the congregation to arrange the terms 
 of the compromise with the Kirk in 1864; but it ended in 
 his remaining in the church and affi)rdiug efficient help in 
 having a congregation organized in connection with the
 
 565 
 
 Church of Scotland. He was a member of the first board 
 of trustees, appointed under the new reg-me, and acted for 
 some time as its secretary. He was also chosen an elder, 
 but resigned the office in 18*70. Feeling the infirmities of 
 age gaining upon them, he and Mrs. Munro resolved to 
 attend St. Paul's Church, which was near their home. 
 
 Mr. Munro erected a large number of buildings in the 
 city, but the most important was the Bonsecours Market. 
 He filled many Grovernment contracts on the Lachine and 
 E-ideau Canals, and at Sorel, Three Rivers, St. John and 
 Chambly. He also had contracts on the Lachine railway, 
 as well as on the Grand Trunk, between Longueuil and 
 the Province Line. Whatever Mr. Munro undertook, he 
 prosecuted with energy. He was a Protestant School 
 Commissioner for many years, and in this capacity ren- 
 dered important service, especially in connection with the 
 erection of school houses. He is still full of fire and force. 
 
 Robert Anderson, one of our most successful merchants, 
 and now vice-president of the Merchant's Bank, was or- 
 dained an elder, 28th October, 1855, at the same time as 
 Edward Moore and Andrew Mitchell. John Louson was 
 also nominated for the eldership at the same time, but 
 declined it. Mr. Anderson was one of the people attracted 
 from Cote Street, in 1854, by the devout ministrations of 
 Dr. Inglis. He resigned the eldership 3rd March, 1857, 
 during the pastorate of Mr. Kemp. He is now a member 
 of St. Paul's Church. Mr. Anderson's name has been long 
 associated with every good cause ; and as the Lord has 
 greatly prospered him , he has had it in his power to 
 render efficient help to those objects that commend them- 
 selves to his mind and heart. 
 
 Mr. Anderson was born near Glasgow, and removed to 
 Montreal in 1840. He came early under the influence of 
 religion, and his life has been characterized by devout-
 
 566 
 
 ness. Although au octogenarian, he is still hale and 
 A''igorous, realizing Psalm xci. 16. 
 
 Dr. "William Primrose Smith, son of elder Robert Smith 
 and owner of pew No. 1, was ordained a deacon, 14th 
 November, 1855. He was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, 
 and a very particular friend of Mr. Leishman. Mrs. Leish- 
 man was his niece. He was a member of the temporal 
 committee from 1846 until it was abolished, and was vice- 
 president most of the time. An action was taken in his 
 name to compel John Fisher and Andrew Shaw to call a 
 meeting of proprietors for the election of three new trus- 
 tees for the manse, but the suit went against him. He 
 continued a member of Knox Church until his death. A 
 serious misunderstanding arose between him and his fel- 
 low deacon, Alexander McGibbon, which caused a great 
 deal of trouble to the Session, and made him withdraw 
 from the membership of the congregation for a time ; but 
 he resumed it. He died 13th December, 1877. 
 
 William Duncan McLaren, also ordained a deacon, 14th 
 December, 1855, was born at Stirling, Scotland, 27th Janu- 
 ary, 1827. He came to Montreal with his parents in 1830. 
 The family attended St, Andrew's Church till 1835, but in 
 that year they became connected with St. Grabriel Street. 
 Mr. McLaren long carried on business as a grocer, at the 
 corner of St. Lawrence and St. Catherine Streets ; but for 
 several years past he has confined his attention to the 
 manufacture of the " Cook's Friend Baking Powder." 
 
 Mr. McLaren was repeatedly nominated by the people 
 for the eldership, in the old church, but declined. " He 
 accepted the office, however, in Knox Church, in which he 
 was ordained 12th March, 1879. Rev. James Fleck, B.A., 
 pastor of that church, is married to his daughter. Mr. 
 McLaren has done good service in promoting Home Mis-
 
 567 
 
 sion work in the city, especially in connection with 
 Taylor's Church. He has been also an active member of 
 the city mission committee. 
 
 Peter Dods, ordained a deacon 14th November, 1855, 
 had kept a grocery at the corner of "Wellington and Prince 
 Streets. He was at this time in the employ of Hon. Peter 
 McGill. 
 
 Archibald Swan, born at Dollar, Scotland, 12th March, 
 1829, and set apart for the oJSice of deacon, 14th November, 
 1855, was a dry-goods merchant, of the firm "Brown and 
 Swan," and latterly of " Robertsons, Linton and Co." He 
 was ordained to the eldership in Knox Church, 12th 
 March, 1879. He came to Montreal, in 1849, and died 12th 
 August, 1885. 
 
 •■&' 
 
 Alexander McGribbon, who was ordained a deacon, 14th 
 November, 1855, was born at the village of Petite Cote, 
 near Montreal, on the 15th February, 1829. He was the 
 son of a Scotch settler who came to Canada from Perth- 
 shire, early in the century. Mr. McGibbon's early years 
 were spent in agricultural pursuits, but when about 15 
 years of age, he entered the employment of Mr. Neil Mac- 
 intosh, a prominent merchant of Montreal, embarking in 
 business for himself a few years later. He married Harriet 
 Davidson, a Scotch lady, and had a family of 13 children, 
 of whom 8 survive, the eldest being Robert D. McGribbon, 
 B.A., B.C.L., barrister of Montreal. Mr. McGibbon was 
 early connected with St. Gabriel Street Church, taking an 
 active part in its affairs ; continuing his interest in Knox 
 Church, by the minister and congregation, of which 
 he was, in 1869, presented with a splendid testimonial, 
 the famous Columbus clock and marble pedestal, in 
 token of his services and liberality. Mr. McGibbon
 
 568 
 
 was for mauy years one of the most active and public- 
 spirited citizens of Montreal, and has occupied the posi- 
 tions of member of the City Council and President 
 of St Andrew's and Caledonian Societies. He was a 
 Grovernor of the Montreal General Hospital, of the House 
 of Refuge, and repeatedly chairman of citizens' organiza- 
 tions to promote the different interests of the city. At 
 the outbreak of the Riel rebellion, he was offered, by 
 the Dominion government, the position of Quarter-master 
 General and Chief Transport officer of the Alberta Field 
 Force, under General Strange, and accomplished most 
 efficient work by his undoubted executive abilities. He 
 now fills, with credit to himself and benefit to the country, 
 the position of Inspector of Indian Agencies and Reserves 
 in the North-west Territories, with head-quarters at 
 Regina, N.W.T. On leaving Montreal to fill the latter 
 post, he was entertained at a public banquet by a large 
 number of his friends, and his departure evoked most 
 complimentary expressions of esteem from the French and 
 English press of the city, for which he had so frequently 
 and unselfishly labored for many years. 
 
 James Brown, who was chosen more than once before 
 a deacon, but was at last persuaded to accept the office in 
 185*7, is a brother of William Brown, the elder. He was 
 born at Dunse, Berwickshire, 8th April, 1822, and came 
 to Montreal in 1848, and immediately joined St. Gabriel 
 Street Church. He has been engaged, and is now, in the 
 wholesale dry goods business. He was at one time in 
 partnership with Archibald Swan ; now the firm is James 
 Brown & Son. Mr. Brown's specialty has been Sabbath 
 School work, in which he has been actively engaged for 
 40 years. It was he who succeeded in rallying the large 
 school now in connection with Taylor Church, in which 
 he was assisted by a band of faithful workers from other
 
 569 
 
 churches. Mr. Brown has been repeatedly solicited to 
 accept the office of elder in Knox Church, with which he 
 is connected, but he has uniformly declined. 
 
 Matthew Hutchison, chosen a deacon in September, 
 185Y, is a brother of William Hutchison, already men- 
 tioned. He was born at Largs, Ayrshire, May lYth, 1827. 
 His first business was that of a baker, but he was 
 appointed Deputy Inspector of Flour for the city, which 
 position he filled with much satisfaction until his re- 
 moval to Goderich, to take charge of the Harbour Mills 
 there, the property of the Ogilvies and Hutchison. His 
 wife is Helen Ogilvie, sister of the Hon. Senator Ogilvie. 
 Mr. Hutchison has been much missed on the curling 
 rinks of Montreal. 
 
 David Rodger, who was chosen a deacon in September, 
 1857, was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland. He was 
 educated at Heriot's Hospital. Receiving an appoint- 
 ment to the High School, Montreal, as colleague to his 
 fellow-townsman, T. A. Gribson, in 1848, he came to 
 reside here that year, and connected himself with the St. 
 Gabriel Street Church at once. For 27 years he laboured 
 assiduously as a teacher, most of the young students of 
 the city passing through his hands ; and many of them 
 can trace the formation of their habits of study to his 
 stern discipline, which they did not appreciate at the 
 time, but which they were thankful for afterwards. One 
 of his daughters is now a teacher in the High School for 
 girls. During Mr. Kemp's ministry, Mr. Rodger left 
 St. G-abriel Street and joined Dr. Taylor's church in 
 Lagauchetiere Street. 
 
 George Cruikshank, who was elected a deacon in Sep- 
 tember, 1857, and inducted an elder May 19th, 1867, is a
 
 native of Rothes, Morayshire, Scotland, his father being a 
 staunch member of the Church of Scotland. He visited 
 Montreal first in 1842, but left it and went to Demerara, 
 in the West Indies, where he remained a couple of years. 
 When he returned the disruption was over, and Mr. 
 Esson had removed to Toronto. Mr. Cruikshank accom- 
 panied his friends, John Gray and Archibald McG-oun, to 
 Cote Street Church for some time ; but at length settled 
 down in St. Grabriel Street. The first time his name 
 appears is in connection with Mr. Pyper's efforts to 
 improve the finances of the congregation in Dr. Leish- 
 man's pastorate. He was specially attached to Rev. 
 Wm. Riutoul, and mourned sincerely his sudden taking 
 off, and the brevity of his hopeful pastorate in St. Gabriel 
 Street. Mr. Cruikshank lived some time at Streetsville, 
 Ont., where he enjoyed the ministry of Dr. Ure, now of 
 Goderich ; and also at Three Rivers, where he sat under 
 Rev. G. D. Ferguson, now Prof. Ferguson, of Queen's 
 University. There he was ordained to the eldership. 
 
 Mr. Cruikshank married the daughter of James Turner, 
 and thus became identified with the past history of St. 
 Gabriel Street Church. He was among those who did 
 not approve of the westward movement of Knox Church ; 
 and no single individual contributed so much as he to 
 the success of the congregation organized in 1866. He 
 took hold of the Sunday school, when Mr. W. M. Black 
 resigned the superintendency to assume that of St. Paul's 
 Church ; he acted as the deputy to the eleven provisional 
 trustees, and enthusiastically supported the new pastor 
 after his induction in December, 1866. He did the work 
 of six men at that period, and when the first twelve trus- 
 tees were chosen by the reorganized congregation in 
 1867, Mr. Cruikshank was one of them, as he was also 
 one of the first elders nominated by the congregation. 
 He continued faithfully to discharge the duties of both
 
 571 
 
 offices till 1872, as well as to assist in the work of the 
 Sabbath School, in which he took a lively interest, as he 
 was most successful in dealing with the young. Remov- 
 ing to too great a distance for Mrs. Cruikshauk, in her 
 weak state of health, to be able to go to St. Gabriel 
 Street, they connected themselves with Chalmers Church, 
 which they now attend. 
 
 James Sculthorp, who was chosen a deacon at the same 
 time as James Brown, David Rodger, and George Cruik- 
 shank, in the autumn of 1857, was a native of London, 
 England, where he was born on September 24th, 1807. 
 He came to Montreal, May 24th, 1836, and first attended 
 the services of the Episcopal Church, in which he was 
 brought up. Marrying a Presbyterian wife in after 
 years, he went with her, first, to Cote Street Church, and 
 then to St. Gabriel Street, during the popular ministry of 
 Mr. Inglis. He continued to discharge the duties of 
 deacon until the conclusion of Mr. Kemp's ministry ; but, 
 his Presbyterian wife having died, he and his family 
 resumed their connection with St. George's Church. Mr. 
 Sculthorp was a respected leather merchant ; and ought 
 to be remembered by the St. Gabriel Street congregation, 
 especially, as the donor of the splendid chair that adorns 
 the pulpit. 
 
 "William Brown, who was ordained an elder on Feb- 
 ruary, 1881, was- born at Dunse, Berwickshire, Scotland, 
 1st March, 1824. He came to Montreal in 1845, and be- 
 gun business as a nurseryman at Cote des Neiges. He 
 joined St. Gabriel Street Church in 1846. When the 
 House of Industry and Refuge was opened in 1864, he 
 was appointed the first superintendent, a post which he 
 filled with great fidelity up to 1874. He resigned his 
 eldership on account of the establishment of a church at 
 Cote des Neiges, which he attended, and his resignation
 
 5Y2 
 
 was accepted, 21st April, 1865. He died 4th July, 1883. 
 Mr. Brown was a thinker as well as an active worker. 
 He published two little treatises, one on the currency 
 question, the other on the land question, — both of which 
 display literary ability and grasp of these two important 
 economical subjects. 
 
 Mr. AV. F. Lighthall, who was ordained an elder, 3rd 
 February, 1861, was born at Troy, N.Y., October 30th, 
 182*7. He was descended on his mother's side from the 
 good old Knickerbocker stock, her people belonging to the 
 Dutch Reformed Church. Through her he is also connected 
 with the VanBuren and Schuyler families. His father 
 settled at Huntingdon, P.Q., in 1829, when all around was 
 a wilderness. He was the postmaster, as well as registrar 
 for the counties of Huntingdon and Beauharnois. Mr. W. 
 F. Lighthall, having learned the notarial business, came 
 to reside in Montreal, in 1859, and went immediately to 
 St. G-abriel Street Church. He resigned the eldership, 
 September 21st, 1863, and left the church altogether, but 
 he and his wife returned to it in 1865. They removed with 
 the Knox congregation, where they worshipped until 1872, 
 when they connected themselves with the American Pres- 
 byterian Church, in the membership of which they now 
 are. They resided near Chalmers' Church, at one period, 
 and attended its services, although they never formally 
 joined it. Mr. Lighthall then joined Mr. Jones, who was 
 in charge of the church, in an effort to seat the building, 
 each of them contributing $100 out of his own pocket. 
 
 G-eorge Irving who was ordained a deacon, 11th April, 
 1863, was born at Annan, Scotland, and came to Canada in 
 1838. He was connected first with the Champlain Rail- 
 way, and then joined the staff of the Grrand Trunk, which 
 he has served for 25 years, during the greater part of 
 which time he has been paymaster of the Road. He was
 
 5V3 
 
 ordained an elder in Knox Church, November 1st, 1867; 
 but, owing to his inability to discharge the duties of the 
 office satisfactorily, on account of his necessary absence so 
 much from the city, he resigned the office, 29th March, 
 1881. 
 
 On the 9th of February, 1863, the constitu,tion of the 
 deacons' court was altered so that one-third of its mem- 
 bers should retire every year. On the 12th of A.pril, 1863, 
 Robert Forester, G-eorge Irving, James Robertson and 
 Archibald Swan were ordained, conformably to this 
 regulation. 
 
 Robert Forester was partner with Archibald Moir, of 
 the firm Forester and Moir, wholesale grocers. He is a 
 native of Griasgow, Scotland. 
 
 James Robertson, proprietor of the " Canada Lead and 
 Saw "Works," who was ordained deacon April 12th, 1863, 
 was born at Old Kilpatrick, but brought up at Fintry, 
 Stirlingshire, Scotland. Trained to business in the office 
 of Newton, Keate & Co., G-lasgow, he came to Montreal in 
 185*7, to conduct a manufactory for the construction of 
 lead pipes. 
 
 He joined St. G-abriel Street Church that same year, 
 and taught in the Sabbath school under the superin- 
 tendence of Mr, Rowan. "When the final arrangements 
 regarding Knox Church were made, he resolved to cast 
 his lot in with those who remained in the old church, 
 and consequently tendered his resignation of office as a 
 deacon, 27th November, 1865. It was accepted, 12th Fe- 
 bruary, 1866. When the writer was called to St. Gabriel 
 Church in 1866, Mr. Robertson appeared before the Pres- 
 bytery of Guelph, as a delegate from the congregation to 
 plead for the translation to Montreal, and the high opinion 
 the author formed of him was an element helping him to 
 decide to come to Montreal. Mr. Robertson has never 
 failed in duty since to the pastor whom he was largely
 
 5U 
 
 iustriimeutal in bringing to St. Grabriel's. When the 
 new Board of Trustees was erected, April 10th, 186t, he 
 was elected a member of the trust, and has been on it 
 ever since. On the decease of "William Darling, who was 
 fourteen years chairman of the trustees, Mr Robertson 
 was chosen his successor ; and it fell to him to prosecute 
 the work of selling the old church and buying the new 
 one. This work he accomplished with much ability and 
 address ; and the congregation owe him a deep debt of 
 gratitude for the success which attended his negotiations. 
 On the 20th May, 1883, Mr. Robertson was prevailed 
 upon to accept the office of elder, although he had declined 
 it on several previous occasions when the membership of 
 the church had an opportunity of indicating their prefer- 
 ence. And no more faithful office bearer does the church 
 possess ; for, while the head of an extensive mercantile 
 concern with branches in Toronto, Baltimore, St. John 
 and Winnipeg, he deems it his duty to give a consider- 
 able share of his time and thought to promoting the 
 spiritual interests of his fellowmen. He married, in 1864, 
 Amelia, daughter of David Morris, Seignior of St, Therese 
 de Biainville. 
 
 James Stevenson, who had declined the office of elder 
 when pressed to accept it, in 1848, was ordained a deacon, 
 9th May, 1853. Born in Campbellton, Argyllshire, Scot- 
 land, in 1810, he came to Canada in 1840. A Highlander 
 himself, he was an ardent patron of the Gaelic language, 
 and was instrumental in having services occasionally in 
 that tongue in the old St. Gabriel Street Church. He was 
 the proprietor of pew No. 34. He was a book-keeper 
 and lived in St. Monique Street. He afterwards removed 
 to Sorel. S. C. Stevenson, secretary to the Board of Arts, 
 A. W. Stevenson, J. A. Stevenson and David Stevenson 
 are his sons. Most of Mr. Stevenson's family are members 
 of Knox Church.
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 The Free Church movement in Canada ended in a secession, not a 
 DISRUPTION — The cautiousness of the Churches avoiding litigation 
 — The defects in St. Gabriel Street Church Title Deed — Its 
 
 FORMS claim to BELONG TO THE ChURCH OP SCOTLAND —PETITION TO 
 
 Lord Dalhousib in 1825 — The Synod formed at the instance of 
 St. Gabriel Street Congregation, which if so, in fact became 
 incorporated in it — The legal questions involved — Those free 
 to enter into a compact, not always free to go out of it. — 
 The Law-suits — The Cobourg case — The St John's, Leith, case — 
 The compromise— The Action of the St. Gabriel Street Congre- 
 gation — Action of the Presbytery in connection with the Chltich 
 OF Scotland — Knox Church quit the old Church, and the 
 Church of Scotland is ee-installed — The question of Session 
 Eecords and Registers. 
 
 We have seen that the Synod of the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada, in connection with the Church of Scotland, 
 desired the congregations and people still adhering to it, 
 to exercise due caution in the matter of law-suits regard- 
 ing such Church property, as might be involved in the 
 disruption, communicating a proposal to the brethren 
 who had formed themselves into a new organization, to 
 have questions of property in dispute settled in a friendly 
 way ; still it instructed Presbyteries to prompt and 
 definite action with respect to the ministers who had 
 seceded, or might yet secede. The newly formed Synod 
 of the Presbyterian Church of Canada also adopted a 
 cautious policy, so far as properties in dispute were con- 
 cerned, appointing a committee to confer with a similar 
 committee of the Kirk on the subject. Indeed, its atti- 
 tude with regard to the Presbyterian Church of the
 
 5*76 
 
 past in Canada, was, from the beginning, clear and fair. 
 It did not claim to be the same Church that had been 
 formerly in existence. On the contrary, the first minute 
 of the dissentients, before declaring themselves a Synod, 
 described them as having "just w^ithdrawn from said 
 Synod " (of the Church of Scotland), and distinctly recog- 
 nized an entirely new departure. So that the situation in 
 this country was quite different from that in Scotland, 
 where the Free Church claimed to be the true Church of 
 Scotland of the past, and the only rightful continuator of 
 that past. There was not a word said by the minority, in 
 Canada, in the way of assailing the right of the majority 
 to claim to be the true and legal representative of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, as it had been previously constituted. 
 The event was regarded by the minority themselves as a 
 secession rather than a disruption. 
 
 Mr. Bayne's resolution proposed that the Church should 
 surrender any properties and emoluments that came to it 
 through its connection with the Church of Scotland, if the 
 British Legislature should indicate that the altered rela- 
 tion to the Established Church affected their rights to those 
 properties and privileges, — which it did in withdrawing 
 the Clergy Reserve allowance, or its equivalent, from the 
 seceders. This did not hinder Mr. Bayne himself from 
 afterwards putting forth a claim to the church and 
 manse at Gralt ; nor Mr. Esson from seeking to secure the 
 church and manse in Montreal, — on the ground that these 
 properties belonged to the congregations respectively, and 
 were not gifts from the crown. But the Gait case was 
 easily settled. The manse had been vested in four trus- 
 tees, three of whom seceded. The trustee remaining in 
 the church, with other members of the church, who, 
 though they were in the minority, thought they had a 
 right to the property, sued the three trustees" for breach
 
 611 
 
 of trust, in allowing Mr. Bayne, after his withdrawal from 
 the Church of Scotland, to retain possession of the manse. 
 The Court of Chancery issued a decree removing those 
 three trustees complained of, and appointing three belong- 
 ing to the Church of Scotland instead, with costs against 
 the seceders. The church in St. Gabriel Street, Montreal, 
 was in a peculiar situation ; this was acknowledged by 
 both sides. The Synod of the Presbyterian Church of 
 Canada hesitated about admitting it in 1845 as it then 
 was ; partly on account of its Erastian constitution, 
 no doubt, but also partly on account of the uncertainty 
 of the tenure of the property. The leaders of the new 
 church, apart from Mr. Esson, would have preferred 
 that all the people had abandoned the old place of 
 worship and concentrated their energy, means and 
 enthusiasm in building up Cote Street Congregation, 
 where there could be no legal questions raised to interfere 
 with the growth of the Church, and its proper work. 
 The conservatism of the Congregation — the unwillingness 
 of its leaders to cut away from their past — stood however 
 in the way of the wishes of Bonar, Arnott, Burns and 
 Redpath. 
 
 "We have seen how Mr. Esson viewed the legal and 
 constitutional questions involved. He saw clearly where 
 the defects in the title deeds of the St. G-abriel Street 
 Church lay. He had pointed them out years before, in 
 the historical sketch prepared for the Synod of 1832. The 
 property was not vested in the Church of Scotland, in so 
 many words. If it had been, there would have been no 
 room for protracted law suits. The Church of Scotland 
 people would have claimed it, and it would not have 
 taken long to bring the question to an issue. But there 
 was a missing link to establish the title to the property 
 on the part of the adherents of the old Kirk. The deed 
 bore that the land on which the Church stood was 
 M M
 
 578 
 
 acquired, in the first instance, by the committee of ten 
 trustees, " elected by the members of the Presbyterian 
 Congregation, settled in the town and neighbourhood, 
 accepting it for the glory of Grod and divine service, for 
 the use of the said Presbyterian Congregation and their 
 successors, in the future, according to and in conformity 
 with the usage of the Church of Scotland as it is estab- 
 lished by law in Scotland." Here it is said the property 
 was for the use of the Presbyterian Congregation of 
 Montreal ; the only limitation being that the services 
 should be conducted according to the manner of the 
 established Church of Scotland. This was the weak 
 point in the title, when it came to be scrutinized in the 
 light of subsequent events. But when it was drawn, it 
 was in accordance with existing facts, as it was meant to 
 be. The Presbyterians then forming the congregation 
 were not all members of the Church of Scotland — a con- 
 siderable number of them were from New England 
 and the American colonies, as we have seen. The very 
 minister under whose advice, doubtless, the titles were 
 drawn, E-ev. John Young, received his orders in New 
 York ; but he conducted the Services in accordance with 
 the usages of the Church of Scotland, which licensed 
 him. He and the congregation were not to blame, if they 
 framed the title deeds to supply their present want, and 
 did not provide for all the possible exigencies of the 
 future. The same remark holds good respecting the 
 terms of the seventh of the Rules and Regulations adopted 
 by the congregation in 1 804 : 
 
 " To prevent anything like a nii.stake respecting tlie electing of a min- 
 ister, it is hereby provided and always to be understood, that no proprietor, 
 as is pointed out in the Fifth Article, upon any pretence whatever, shall 
 give his vote to any person but to one who shall have been regularly bred 
 to the ministry, and who shall have been licensed by some regular l*res- 
 bytery in the British dominions, — he producing credentials to ascertain 
 the same — and who shall profess to be of the persuasion, and who shall
 
 579 
 
 adhere to tlie laws, government and mode of worship of the Established 
 Church of Scotland, properly so-called and denominated to be such, and 
 also a natural born subject of Her ^Majesty." 
 
 This article was in exact conformity with the facts as 
 they then existed. Mr. Somerville, who had just been 
 settled over the congregation, had been licensed by a regu- 
 lar Presbytery in the British Dominions, although it did 
 not belong to the Church of Scotland. He had been 
 ordained, indeed, by ministers of the Church of Scotland, 
 as he had become a member of it at Quebec during his 
 residence there. But the congregation, in drawing up the 
 rules, legitimized their own procedure in calling a licen- 
 tiate of the Relief Church. What the regulation was meant 
 to guard against was the possibility of any republican 
 clergyman from the United States being called to the 
 Church. Political sentiment had become already strong 
 in the city, the danger to be apprehended was from with- 
 out — there was no thought as yet of difficulty arising from 
 within. But though there was a flaw in the title deeds, 
 when they came to be enquired into with a view to estab- 
 lishing the right of the Church of Scotland to the property, 
 the congregation became de facto, from 1803 onwards, more 
 closely united to the Established Church, as years passed 
 by. The people who joined it from that date were all 
 members and adherents of the Church of Scotland ; the 
 Americans and dissenters found their way to St. Peter 
 Street. The war with the United States, in 1812-14, put 
 the seal upon this fixed character acquired by the congre- 
 gation — it was regarded henceforth by the community as 
 the Church of Scotland in Montreal, as Christ Church was 
 the Church of England. Expression was given to this 
 decided Church of Scotland sentiment, that had grown up 
 in the congregation, in the resolution to call a minister from 
 the Established Church to be Mr. Somerville's colleague — 
 when Mr. Esson was selected— and when, as he tells us.
 
 580 
 
 he was made the mouthpiece of the congregation in desir- 
 ing a corporate union with the Church of Scotland, 
 although he and they had to be content with being 
 acknowledged as a congregation in communion with that 
 church. All the casual advantages accruing from a con- 
 nection with the Church of Scotland fell to the lot of St. 
 Grabriel Street Church from the beginning. Mr. Young 
 and Mr. Somerville each received .£50 a year from the 
 Grovernment, the members and adherents of the Church of 
 Scotland coming to Montreal went to the Church — its 
 ministers belonged to the establishment, — and the people 
 began to assert, more loudly than ever before, the rights 
 that belonged to them, in virtue of their connection with 
 the establishment, from the day Mr. Esson came among 
 them onwards. The following document is important 
 in itself, as well as interesting in relation to Mr. Esson's 
 subsequent attitude in repudiating the congregation's 
 connection with the Church of Scotland — 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE EARL OF DALHOUSIE, GOVERNOR- 
 IN-CHIEF OF BRITISH AMERICA, &c., &v., &c., IN COUNCIL. 
 
 The Memorial of the undersigned Elders and Committee of Members, 
 representing the congregation of the Scotch Church in St. Gabriel Street, 
 Montreal, 
 
 Humbly Sheweth : — 
 
 That in the year 1792. a place of worship for a congregation in connec- 
 tion with the Established Church of Scotland, was built in Montreal, and 
 since that period has undergone extensive improvements. That to this 
 congregation are now attached several settlements in the vicinity. That 
 the extended duty which has thus devolved ufton the Churcli of Montreal, 
 renders the active service of two clergymen necessary. That under these 
 circumstances, and in consequence of the retirement, from bad health, of 
 their senior clergyman, the Rev. James Somerville, the congregation is now 
 charged with the support of three ministers, namely, the Rev. James 
 Somerville, the retired minister, who receives an annuity from the Church 
 and a salary of £50 sterling from Government, — tlie two acting ministers, 
 the Rev. Henry Esson and the Rev. Edward Black. That the only fund 
 which they have for paying the stipends of these clergymen, and for de- 
 fraying the expense of repairs, and all other contingent expenses incident
 
 581 
 
 to the church, arises from pew-rents, a fund which is at best precarious 
 and necessarily dependent on circumstances over which they can have no 
 control. That they find themselves unable to raise annually a sum suffi- 
 cient to afford a suitable maintenance to their ministers, and for meeting 
 all other incidental ecclesiastical expenses. That they have been only in- 
 formed that the Committee of the General Assembly of the Church of 
 Scotland, appointed to correspond with His Majesty's Government on 
 Canadian ecclesiastical affairs, having memorialized His Majesty's Govern- 
 ment on the subject of procuring aid to the congregations in connection 
 with the Established Church of Scotland in the North American colonies, 
 have received an answer, bearing, ' that whenever a congregation in any 
 of these provinces shall have erected a suitable place of worship, and be 
 prepared to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Church of Scotland, and 
 to contribute according to their means towards the maintenance of a min- 
 ister, upon their presenting a memorial to the Governor in Council, the 
 Governor will have received His Majesty's commands, authorizing him, 
 upon being satisfied that these conditions have been complied with, to 
 contribute to the support of the clergyman in such proportion as, together 
 with the contribution of the parties presenting the memorial, may be suf- 
 ficient to afibrd him a competent maintenance.' 
 
 We, THEREi^OEE, representing the congregation of Montreal, humbly 
 pray that your Excellency in Council will be pleased to grant to our cler- 
 gymen, out of the funds referred to in the above extract, as being placed 
 at your Excellency's disposal for the benefit of the clergymen of the 
 Established Church of Scotland resident in Canada, the sum of one hun- 
 dred pounds, sterling, to each minister, which we most respectfully state 
 to be the smallest sum that, together with our own contributions, is fitted 
 to secure to them a competent maintenance. 
 
 And your Memorialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c., &c. 
 
 Montreal, 12th December, 1825. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 T. PORTEOUS, 
 THOS. BLACKWOOD, 
 ROBERT ARMOUR, 
 ANDREW WHITE, 
 
 J. LESLIE, < l Elders. 
 
 JAMES CARSWELL. 
 PHILIP ROSS. 
 GEORGE GARDEN, 
 H. McKENZIE, SesMon Clerk. j 
 
 H. McKENZIE, President, " 
 
 ADAML.MACNIDER, fKe-fVeffid«n<, ^^„,^-,/.. .f 
 KENNETH WALKER, , ^ommxtke of 
 
 ALEX. GLASS, f ,, 
 
 C. TAIT, Secretary, Management. 
 
 JAMES LOGAN, Tnamrer.
 
 582 
 
 There is no hesitancy in this document. Those signing 
 it, representing the entire congregation, not only plainly 
 desired to belong to the Established Church, but clearly 
 believed that they, as a congregation, were a portion of 
 the Church of Scotland. And so when the Clergy Reserves 
 question came to be discussed, and it was proposed to send 
 an advocate of the claims of the ministers and congrega- 
 tions in Canada to Great Britain, Mr. Esson was at the head 
 of the movement, and his congregation backed him up, 
 and a member of it was selected for the mission. So far 
 as it lay in the power of both ministers and people to de- 
 clare it, St. G-abriel Street Church was emphatically, de 
 facto, in connection with the Church of Scotland. Not only 
 so, but they plumed themselves upon their establishment 
 principles, and sought to cast imputations upon the loyalty 
 to the same, of the St. Peter Street congregation, when the 
 latter were endeavoring, in 1826, to get a minister from the 
 Church of Scotland and " none else," — spreading damaging 
 reports regarding the " seceders " among several Presby- 
 teries — as Dr. Mathieson complained, even so late as the 
 year 1840. Then, Mr. Esson, in 1831, went so far as to crave 
 the erection of an establishment in Canada on lines similar 
 to those of the Church of Scotland. And, finally, it was 
 at the instance of the St. G-abriel Street congregation, and 
 specially with a view to settling its difficulties, that the 
 Synod in connection with the Church of Scotland was 
 established in 1831. And not only was the congregation 
 represented by its ministers in the act of forming the 
 Synod, but they recognized its jurisdiction by submitting 
 to the Presbytery which it erected, — by sending an elder 
 every year afterwards to sit in it, — and by obeying its 
 mandates. So far as the moral argument has any weight, 
 surely, Mr. Esson and his congregation were in connection 
 with the Church of Scotland up to 9th July, 1844. Not 
 a few, therefore, of the people listened with astonish-
 
 583 
 
 ment, when they heard their old friend and pastor, who 
 had built them up in a firm faith in their Church of Scot- 
 land principles and, as they thought, position, — declare, on 
 the 28th of August, 1844, that they had never belonged to 
 the Church of Scotland at all, — that they always were 
 and always might be whatever they chose, provided only 
 they called a minister who had been regularly bred 
 and licensed by some Presbytery in the British dominions. 
 
 The St. G-abriel Street Church case was forty years ago 
 a cause ceUbre about the Montreal Court House. It re- 
 appeared in one form or other for nearly twenty years, 
 and so many leading lawyers afterwards sat on the bench 
 who had to do with it while still at the bar, that towards 
 the end of the litigation, there was found some difficulty 
 in getting a Judge qualified to sit on the case, as not 
 having had a previous connection with it. 
 
 "We have seen that the representatives of the Church of 
 Scotland exercised great caution in the matter of begin- 
 ning law-suits over property ; but they took certain 
 preliminary steps which would reserve their rights, if 
 they ever judged it prudent to press the question to a 
 conclusion. The Presbytery declared the St. Grabriel 
 Street Church vacant, and entered on their minutes the 
 series of resolutions given in a previous chapter, moved 
 by Dr. Mathieson. A protest was also served on the 
 congregation before the induction of Mr. Leishman and 
 Mr. Eintoul, at the instance of the minority of the con- 
 gregation that iiad declined to follow Mr. Esson into the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada. These steps were taken 
 to clear the course for future action, if it was thought 
 desirable. At this point they paused. Their legal advis- 
 ers saw that there might be difficulty in dislodging the 
 majority of the congregation, considering the indefiniteness 
 of the title deed, and the character of the Rules and 
 Regulations of 1804. As yet there were few or no
 
 584 
 
 decisions, bearing ou tKe case, elsewhere in Canada, or 
 even in Scotland, which could be cited in argument. 
 The legal question involved was novel as well as com- 
 plicated, and so the Church of Scotland people were in 
 no hurry to rush into Court. On the other hand, the 
 congregation in possession felt aggrieved that they were 
 denied the occupation of the manse, which was in the 
 hands of the minority that continued to adhere to the 
 Church of Scotland. They were indignant that Mr. Shaw, 
 Mr. Fisher, Mr. Peddie and others should withhold the 
 manse, which they firmly believed was of right theirs, 
 from the minister of the St. G-abriel Street Church. Con- 
 fident in the justness of their cause, they resolved to take 
 the initiative and institute legal proceedings. Accord- 
 ingly the first suit was entered January 29th, 1846, James 
 Leslie et al. v. Andrew Shaw et al. The Church of Scotland 
 party were nothing loath to join issue as defendants. 
 That position suited them better than being plaintiffs in 
 the cause. F. Gr. Johnson, Advocate, now His Honor 
 Justice Johnson, had charge of the case for the plaintiffs, 
 Mr. Burroughs being afterwards associated with him ; 
 while the defendants entrusted their case to Alexander 
 Cross, then lately called to the bar, now His Honor 
 Justice Cross, with whom Chief Justice Smith was after- 
 wards associated. Justice Day had also had some con- 
 nection with it. No issue of the suit was reached for 
 more than six years. At last, 21st October, 1854, judg- 
 ment was given in favour of the Trustees of the manse : 
 
 " Tliis cause being called from the Role de droit, and the Plaintiffs not 
 appearing, although duly notified of the inscription upon the said rdle, on 
 the application of the Defendants, this action is dismissed with costs." 
 
 It was found before this stage was reached, that a suit, 
 to have any chance of success, must be taken in the name 
 of the minister, whose right was supposed to be at stake, 
 and so the Plaintiffs let judgment go by default.
 
 585 
 
 As the manse property played an important part from 
 first to last in the litigation, the clause in Mr. Somerville's 
 will, under which it was purchased, is here inserted : 
 
 " I give and bequeath the sum of £1,000 lawful current money of the 
 said Province of Lower Canada, unto John Fisher, William Peddie, 
 Andrew Shaw, Robert Simpson, David Handy side, and Thomas Black- 
 wood, Esquires, merchants, and James Charles Grant, Esquire, Advocate, 
 all of the said City of Montreal, or to the survivors or survivor of them, 
 upon their Sjjecial trust, that they, the said John Fisher, William Peddie, 
 Andrew Shaw, Robert Simpson, David Handyside, Thomas Blackwood 
 and James Charles Grant, or the survivors or survivor of them, shall and 
 will faithfully lay out and expend, as soon as may be practicable after mj' 
 decease, the said sum of £1000, hereby bequeathed, or cause the same to 
 be laid out and expended as far as the same may go, tow'ards purchasing 
 a lot of ground and thereon building and erecting, a suitable manse, or 
 parsonage for the residence of the clergyman or minister of the Scotch 
 Presbyterian Church in St. Gabriel Street, of the said city of Montreal, 
 and his successors in office, and further, it is my wish and desire 
 that they, the said John Fisher, William Peddie, Andrew Shaw, Robert 
 Simpson, David Handyside, Thomas Blackwood, and James Charles 
 Grant, or the survivor or survivors of them, shall do, execute and perform 
 all and every act or acts, deed or deeds necessary and reijuisite for more 
 effectually securing the possession of the said lot of ground so intended to 
 be purchased, and the manse or parsonage so to be erected to the clergy- 
 man or minister of the said Scotch Presbyterian Church, and to his suc- 
 cessors in office, as it is my express wish and desire, thatthe lot of ground 
 so intended to be puroliased, as aforesaid, with the manse or parsonage, 
 thereon erected, or intended so to be, shall belong to and be the property 
 of the clergyman or minister of the said Church, for the time being, or 
 shall belong to the corporation of the said Church, should any such corpora- 
 tion ever be erected for the sole use and enjoyment of the said clergy- 
 man or minister and his successors in office, whichever may be the most 
 effectual method of securing the possession thereof as aforesaid." 
 
 Mention should also be made of the fact that the silver 
 communion service of St. Gabriel Church was the gift of 
 Miss Somerville. The inscription on the chalice reads thus : 
 
 Presented to 
 
 The Scotch Chckch, St. Gabriel Street, 
 
 Montreal, 
 
 By Miss Mariamnb Somerville, 
 
 Daughter of the Rev. Jas. Somerville. 
 
 1833.
 
 586 
 
 At the same time she presented the Lachine congrega- 
 tion, as really part of her father's former charge, with 
 a similar service, having the same inscription. 
 
 Subsequently^ it was agreed that the number of trus- 
 tees for the manse should be kept up to five. In 1839, an 
 Act, 2 Vict., cap. 26, L.C., was passed, securing properties, 
 held in trust by individuals, to the congregations whom 
 they represented. Sec. 2 reads thus : 
 
 " It is hereby ordained and enacted by the authority of the same, that all 
 lands, of what extent soever they may be, which shall be in the possession 
 of any parish, mission, congregation, or society of Christians of any de- 
 nomination whatever, by virtue of a deed, vesting in them the property 
 thereof, by sale, donation, or exchange, or by legacy, or by prescription 
 legally acquired, or in trust, or under any other title whatsoever, at time 
 of the publication of this ordinance, shall be deemed to be held in mort- 
 main forever, by, and for tlie benefit of such parish, mission, congregation, 
 or society of Christians, and shall become their incommutable property, in 
 so far as their respective titles may extend and be valid, by virtue of this 
 ordinance ; any law, usage, custom, or seigniorial right to the contrary, 
 notwithstanding." 
 
 The congregation found that so long as the manse trust 
 remained in the hands of members of the Church of 
 Scotland there would be difficulty in securing possession 
 of it even by process of law, and so a new plan of opera- 
 tions was decided on, namely to secure a controlling 
 representation on the trust. David Handyside was dead ; 
 William Hutchison had resigned the trusteeship, and 
 "Walter Peddie was now living at Sauk aux Recollets, 
 and, therefore, they contended, was disqualified to act as 
 trustee. But a meeting of the trust could be summoned 
 only by the remaining members of it ; and as they refused, 
 an action at law was taken to compel them to summon a 
 meeting for the purpose mentioned. Dr. W. P. Smith was 
 plaintiff" and John Fisher, defendant. The case is reported 
 in the "Lower Canada Jurist," Vol. 2, p. 74: Smith x. 
 Fisher et al. — An action was taken by Smith to compel
 
 58Y 
 
 John Fisher and Andrew Shaw to call a meeting of pro- 
 prietors for the election of three other trustees in the 
 room of William Hutchison resigned, David Handyside 
 deceased and Walter M. Peddie, left the City. It was 
 held by the Court : 
 
 " That under the Religious Congregations Act of L. C, 2, Vict. cap. 26, 
 one member of a congregation has not an action at law to compel the 
 Trustees of the Church property to take certain formalities in order to 
 enable certain vacancies in the trusteeship to be filled up. The remedy- 
 is not by action but by prerogative writ, by which the court could compel 
 a Sf»ecific peformance." 
 
 Here again the congregation was foiled, and had to pay 
 the costs of the suit. 
 
 The experience of litigation by the congregation had so 
 far proved rather costly and vain, but profiting by former 
 mistakes, they resolved, during the ministry of Mr. Kemp, 
 who also was himself a dexterous lawyer, to make a supreme 
 effort to gain possession of the A^aluable manse property in 
 Sherbrooke street. Mr. Kemp threw himself into the 
 contest con amore. He spared no pains to make good the 
 case of the congregation, which was entered in his name, 
 October 8th, 1856. He strained every nerve to obtain evi- 
 dence to support the claims which he, as minister in the 
 St. G-abriel Street Church, had to the manse. Yet, although 
 the rights of the Presbyterian Church of Canada found 
 a new and able champion in Mr. Kemp, the rights of 
 the Church of Scotland were maintained with equal 
 ability and tenacity by Rev. William Snodgrass, who, as 
 the lately inducted minister of St. Paul's Church, now 
 entered the arena. He was just as industrious and eager 
 in marshalling all the evidence procurable on the other 
 side. At last the merits of the question were to come 
 before the court, and volumes of notes were taken at 
 enqnMe. To these notes, the writer has been much indebted 
 for information contained in the present volume ; so that,
 
 588 
 
 although judgment on the merits of the pleadings in evi- 
 dence was never reached, the weary days spent in the 
 Enquete Court were not wholly time lost. The lawyers 
 were gathering material for illustrating the history of the 
 St. Gabriel Street Church. 
 
 The case from the point of view of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada, was completely covered by Mr. Esson's 
 eloquent periods, on August 28th, 1844, already cited. The 
 lawyers could only go into details, and furnish evidence to 
 support the position then so forcibly and ably taken, dwell- 
 ing on the fact, that up till the formation of the Synod, in 
 1831, the congregation was really independent, although 
 Presbyterian, and claiming connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, and the majority of the congregation always 
 ruled, and that its joining that Synod, when it was con- 
 stituted, was a purely voluntary act on its part. Some of 
 the congregation went even farther, — justifying them- 
 selves, it is to be presumed, on the ground that everything 
 that may be urged to advantage in a lawsuit, is fair, as all 
 strategy is held to be fair in war, — and contended that the 
 Church, as such, had never come properly under the au- 
 thority of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connec- 
 tion with the Church of Scotland, saying that the mere 
 fact that the ministers of the congregation acknowledged 
 the Synod, and that elders from it sat in the court, did 
 not bind the congregation — that the congregation, as such, 
 never passed a resolution to put itself under the Synod's 
 jurisdiction. They held that the rules and regulations of 
 1804, under which the proprietors held their pews up to 
 1844, left the majority free to make such a change as they 
 had made in 1844, and afterwards, in calling clergymen, so 
 long as their minister conducted the service in accordance 
 with the practice of the Established Church of Scotland ; 
 and they led evidence to show that Mr. Kemp was in the 
 habit of doing so, as Messrs. Leishman, Rintoul and Inglis
 
 589 
 
 before him had done. They maintained, too, that as the 
 congregation had framed the rules and regulations in 1804, 
 so the proprietors, or a majority of them, who held deeds 
 under these rules, were equally free to draw up new rules, 
 so long as the conditions of the original deed were not 
 violated, and the making of the changes was gone about 
 regularly. 
 
 From October 8th, 1856, on to the 14th April, 1860, the 
 Church of Scotland still stood on the defensive, and enjoy- 
 ed whatever strategical advantage flowed from that posi- 
 tion. Meanwhile, however, there had been a good deal of 
 light let in upon the case. The mass of evidence had 
 seemed to promise that not only the manse could be re- 
 tained for the Church of Scotland adherents of the St. 
 G-abriel Street Church, but that the church, too, might be 
 brought back into their possession. The judgment given 
 in the Cobourg case, in 185Y, by Vice-Chancellor Esten, of 
 Upper Canada, was so sweepingly in favour of the Church 
 of Scotland, even where the facts went to constitute ap- 
 parently a poor claim, that Mr. Snodgrass and the other 
 champions of the old Kirk's rights in the St. GTabriel Street 
 Church, were emboldened to assume the offensive. The 
 text of the judgment referred to, is given in volume 10 of 
 Ontario Chancery Reports, p. 2Y3. 
 
 "The Attorney-G-eneral v. Jeffrey." 
 
 " In 1833, lands situate in Cobourg were conveyed to 
 certain parties, and the Kirk-session of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada in connection vrith the Church of Scot- 
 land, in trust for the use of that congregation, who erected 
 a church thereon, and used and enjoyed the same until 
 the disruption of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, in 
 1844, similar to that which had previously occurrred in 
 Scotland. In Canada, as there, the Presbyterian Church 
 became divided into two Churches — the Presbyterian
 
 590 
 
 Church of Canada in connection with the Church of Scot- 
 laud ; the other, forming a new Church, called " the Pres- 
 byterian Church of Canada, similar in principle to the 
 Free Church of Scotland, and to which the congregation 
 at Cobourg almost unanimously adhered, and they con- 
 tinued to use the same church as hitherto until 1857, 
 there being in the interval no congregation of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland. In this year, certain residents, 
 professing to belong to that Church, applied to the surviv- 
 ing trustees to have the trust estate devoted to the pur- 
 poses intended by the donor, by allowing them the use 
 thereof for the purposes of religious worship, which was 
 refused. On an information and bill filed by the Attorney 
 G-eneral, and certain persons so claiming to be entitled to 
 the use of the said trust estate, the court ordered : 
 
 " That the only persons entitled to the use of the said church, were 
 those in communion with the Church of Scotland, and the fact that there 
 had ceased to he a Kirk-session in Cobourg was immaterial. 
 
 " Held, also that the congregation, for the use of whom the house had 
 been ori;j;inally created, having ceased to exist, any new congregation in 
 connection with the Church of Scotland, which might be afterwards 
 organized were proper objects of the gift ; and to such, it was not neces- 
 sary that the present should be a continuation of any previously existing 
 congregation." 
 
 The case of the Church of Scotland, was taken under 
 the Act, 12 Vict., chap. 41, sec. YIIL, declaring it the duty 
 of Her Majesty's Attorney G-eneral to " apply for and on 
 behalf of Her Majesty's Superior Court," in case any cor- 
 poration or public body shall violate its constitution, 
 " complaining of such contravention of the law, and pray 
 ing for such order or judgment thereon as maybe allowed 
 or authorized by law." 
 
 It having been resolved to institute a cross suit to 
 recover the church, as the Act demanded, an allidavit was 
 lodged with the Court, giving the information on which 
 the Crown had to act. This affidavit was made by Andrew
 
 591 
 
 Shaw, Mr. Cross being counsel for the Church of Scotland 
 in this suit, as in all the others, having his partner, Mr. 
 Bancroft, associated with him. 
 
 The congregation being now put on the defensive, added 
 to their former pleas this one, — that they were a mere 
 voluntary association, meeting for religious worship, and 
 not a corporate body, and as such they could not be pro- 
 ceeded against. Mr. J, J. Day acted as counsel. 
 
 Now, Mr. Cross took advantage of the knowledge of the 
 facts and of the papers involved in the case available for 
 evidence, which his former experience had given him. He 
 was backed up by Mr. Alexander Morris, as honorary 
 counsel, aided by Mr. Suodgrass, an able ecclesiastical 
 lawyer. They maintained that the congregation was 
 organized in 1Y86, as a congregation of the Church of 
 Scotland, by Mr. Bethune, a minister of the Church of 
 Scotland, that Mr. Young found it organized, and that 
 though it was under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Pres- 
 bytery of Albany for upwards of a year, it did not 
 lose its former character during that period, and, with- 
 drawing from that Presbytery, came again under the spir- 
 itual jurisdiction of a Presbytery of Montreal, in connec- 
 tion with the Church of Scotland, — that the provision in 
 the title deed of the lot on which the church was erected, 
 prescribing that the services to be held in it, should be in 
 accordance with the Established Church of Scotland, 
 implied that it was to belong to the Church of Scotland, 
 and to no other church, although all the Presbyterians of 
 the district were to enjoy the privilege of worshipping in 
 it, and it is to be interpreted by the previous history of 
 the congregation, — that the deeds of pews, issued 1792, not 
 only were headed " Church of Scotland, Montreal," but 
 began with these words : " know all men by these presents, 
 that we, the undersigned, elders of the Presbyterian Pro- 
 testant Church, in the city of Montreal, named the Church
 
 592 
 
 of Scotland," — that the deeds of pews, all along had the 
 same bearing, " Church of Scotland. Montreal," — that Mr. 
 Young, who iirst oihciated in the church, although he was 
 never legally its minister, was a licentiate of the Church 
 of Scotland, — that Mr. Somerville had become a member of 
 the Church of Scotland before accepting the call to the 
 church, and although he had been licensed by a Presbytery 
 of the Relief body, he was ordained by a Presbytery com- 
 posed of ministers of the Church of Scotland, — that Messrs. 
 Essonand Black were ministers of the Church of Scotland, 
 and that when Mr. Essou was ordained to the ministry 
 of the congregation, by the Presbytery of Aberdeen, it was 
 declared to be in communion with the Church of Scotland, 
 as the temporal committee, in calling Mr. Esson, had ex- 
 pressed the wish that it should be, — that the congregation, 
 all along, had been made up chiefly of members of the 
 Church of Scotland, and as such, had claimed and received 
 favours and privileges from Government, — that when the 
 church was founded in 1V92, there was no Free Church in 
 Scotland, or Presbyterian Church of Canada, so that any 
 such church could not be contemplated by the framers 
 of the title deeds, — that the congregation and Mr. Esson, 
 with them, had deferred constantly to the views and 
 wishes of the Established Church of Scotland, prior to the 
 erection of the Synod in connection with it, in Canada, — 
 that the Synod was established at the solicitation of the 
 St. G-abriel Street congregation, and the advice of the 
 Church of Scotland, and that the congregation then and 
 afterwards gave in its adhesion to the Synod, accepted its 
 decisions, acknowledged its authority for thirteen years, 
 and was subject to the government of the Presbytery, 
 which the Synod erected during all that period, — that, 
 though it were granted, that the entering into relations 
 with other congregations in Canada to form the Synod, was 
 a purely voluntary act, on the part of the St. Gabriel Street
 
 593 
 
 people ; the conclusion that they were equally free to with- 
 draw from the Synod, does not follow, since there are many 
 engagements into which one is free to enter, but which he is 
 not equally free to relinquish, — that the Presbyteries and 
 Synods, all the world over, bind their members, and the 
 individuals composing them can be released from member- 
 ship only by the consent and action of the courts themselves 
 — that Mr. Esson and his congregation had not been released 
 from their allegiance to the Presbytery and Synod, but had 
 illegally and defiantly refused to acknowledge the author- 
 ity of these courts, and in consequence that he had been 
 declared no longer minister of the church or a member of 
 the Presbytery or Synod, while the Presbytery and Synod 
 still claimed jurisdiction over the Church in St. Grabriel 
 Street, and all that chose to remain worshipping in it, — 
 that even though the people claiming to be the St. Grabriel 
 Street congregation were only a voluntary association, 
 they were bound by their own rules and regulations, so 
 far as temporal matters were involved, as certainly and as 
 firmly as if they were an incorporated body — that their 
 status was recognized and provided for in the Act. 12 Vict, 
 cap. 41, sec. 8, under which the suit was taken, in the 
 name of Attorney-General Cartier, — and that, finally, 
 when the deed of the church property was first registered, 
 as it was only in 1841, the congregation was described as 
 belonging to the Presbyterian Church of Canada, in con- 
 nection with the Church of Scotland. 
 
 As to the apparent concession in rule 7 of 1804, by 
 which any properly educated and regularly licensed 
 British probationer was declared eligible for the pulpit, so 
 long as he was prepared to conduct the services of the 
 church in conformity with the practice of the Church of 
 Scotland, they held that the interpretation put on the 
 terms of the deed, in 1804, did not fix the proper meaning 
 of those terms, and that the rules of 1804 were not of 
 
 N N
 
 594 
 
 • 
 
 binding' force — which, indeed, the other side admitted, as 
 they changed said rules. And, further, thej'^ maintained 
 that even though the congregation were free to call a 
 minister from any section of British Presbyterianism, the 
 moment he became a minister of the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, he was then to be counted as in connection with 
 the Church of Scotland. He took the status of the con- 
 gregation — the congregation did not take his. Then, the 
 name engraven on the front of the Church supported their 
 contention :— " CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, 1792." Mr. 
 Morris tells what influence his pressing this fact upon 
 the attention of all the parties before the court was. He 
 says, in a letter, dated 8th January, 1885 : — 
 
 " One morning I was going to the Court House. The question was — what 
 ivaR the church when founded ? The old building was covered, it being a 
 thaw, with hoar frost, and looking up, I saw to my wonder, high up, the 
 words: "CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, 1792." That solved the query. I 
 went to see Dr. Mathieson i4i the afternoon, and told him of my discovery, 
 when, to my surprise, he said he knew it all along, but did not attach any 
 importance to it. I told him that monumental evidence was the highest 
 and proved the founders' designs. It contributed largely to the com- 
 promise." 
 
 After this discovery, as Mr. Morris calls it, a truce to 
 hostilities was proclaimed, and Mr. Morris is entitled to 
 the credit of having suggested it, as well as that other 
 more important political truce between Hon. John A. 
 Macdonald and Hon. George Brown, in 1864, which 
 resulted in the confederation of the scattered provinces 
 of British North America, into the Dominion of Canada. 
 Has not Mr. Morris well-earned a title to the blessedness 
 of the peacemaker ? All parties were by this time weary 
 of the strife, and with the proverbial uncertainties of 
 the law present to their minds, were nothing loath to 
 listen to proposals of a compromise. Mr. Kemp, and his 
 congregation were all the readier to discuss such pro- 
 posals, as their thoughts were directed to the question
 
 595 
 
 of building a church somewhere in the St. Antoine 
 suburbs. If they could arrange to dispose of their 
 interest in the old edifice for a round sum of money, 
 this would help them to carry their wishes in the 
 matter of building into effect. Committees representing 
 the two sides were cjiosen to conduct the negotiations, 
 and soon they found a modus vivendi. The compromise 
 effected was on somewhat the same lines as that of 1832, 
 in regard to the portion of the congregation seceding to 
 found St. Paul's Church. The old kirk people were to 
 buy up the proprietary rights of the congregation that 
 continued worshipping in the church from 1844 to 1864 — 
 and these rights were valued at $5,800. The following 
 minutes show how cordially the congregation fell in with 
 the plan of settlement : — 
 
 " At a meeting of session, held January 18th, the Mod- 
 erator (Rev. A. F. Kemp) stated that the proprietors of pews 
 and the temporal committee of the church had agreed on 
 the terms of a compromise of the two lawsuits now pend- 
 ing regarding the church property, and had appointed a 
 committee to meet with representatives of the other parties 
 in the suits, with instructions to bring the same to an 
 early issue — the terms being that the party representing 
 the Church of Scotland pay to this church the sum of 
 jei,400, or such greater sum as may be agreed on, they 
 agreeing to give up possession of the church and all 
 claim to the manse — it being stipulated that the congre- 
 gation keep possession of the church for two years from 
 the present date." 
 
 At a meeting on January 20th, 1864, " The session hav- 
 ing prayerfully considered this matter so important to 
 the interests of the church, agreed to express their 
 entire concurrence with the proposed settlement of the 
 matters so long in litigation ; and deeming this circum- 
 stance an opportunity, in Providence, of promoting the
 
 596 
 
 welfare of this church, by providing for it another place 
 of worship, recommend the congregation to make a united 
 effort, as early as possible, for this purpose, — the session 
 resolving unanimously, trusting on the divine blessing, 
 to promote this matter to the utmost of their power." 
 
 At a meeting of session, held August 2nd, 1864, the 
 following minute was recorded : — 
 
 " It appearing that the terms of the compromise referred 
 to in the minute of 20th January last, had been finally 
 settled by the congregation agreeing to accept the sum of 
 ,£1,450 in lieu of all their claims, and to vacate St. G-abriel 
 Street Church on the 1st of November, 1865. It appearing 
 also that the congregation, at a public meeting regularly 
 convened, had appointed trustees, viz. : John Ewart, Wil- 
 liam D. McLaren, Alexander McG-ibbon, Matthew Hutchi- 
 son, Archibald Moir, and Eobert G-ardner, to receive the 
 money agreed to be paid, as aforesaid ; and that the con- 
 gregation at said meeting had adopted a new name, viz, : 
 that of " Knox Church." It appearing farther, that an Act 
 of Parliament had been obtained confirming and ratifying 
 the terms of said compromise, and designating the said 
 trustees as the " trustees of Knox Church." It is therefore 
 necessary that the session should henceforth be styled the 
 session of Knox Church, Montreal." 
 
 The terms of compromise were also approved of by the 
 Presbytery of Montreal, in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland. 
 
 At a meeting, held 3rd February, 1864 : " Mr. Morris 
 reported, on behalf of the committee on St. Gabriel Street 
 Church and Manse, that an agreement had been come to 
 between certain representatives of the St. Andrew's, St. 
 Paul's and St. G-abriel Street congregations for a com- 
 promise of the existing litigation, so that the possession 
 of the church should revert to the Presbyterian Church of 
 Canada, in connection with the Church of Scotland, and
 
 597 
 
 all claims to the manse be abandoned by the Canada 
 Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery, while holding that 
 the church and manse were and are the property of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, yet do not feel disposed to take any 
 steps to prevent the existing compromise being effected." 
 An Act of Parliament, 27-28 Yict., cap. 161, was drawn 
 up by Mr. Cross, and approved of by the counsel for the 
 other side, embodying the terms of the compromise, and 
 providing for the succession of trustees for the church. 
 Mr. Morris, M.P.P., took charge of the Act in passing it 
 through Parliament. A portion of the preamble, and two 
 or three of the important sections are given : — 
 
 " And whereas, at a meeting of the congregation of the said church, held 
 on the 28th August and 2nd September, 1844, the majority did approve of 
 the conduct of the minority of the Synod in connection with the estabhshed 
 Church of Scotland, and determined to adhere to their protest and to fol- 
 low them in the course they had taken, and thereby virtually determined 
 to annul all previous rules and regulations inconsistent with their said 
 resolution, and did also exhibit their sanction to the principles of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada. 
 
 " And whereas, on the 30th June, 1845, a majority of the subscribers, 
 proprietors in the said church, adopted a series of new rules and regula- 
 tions, whereby it was, among other tilings, declared that the powers of 
 proprietors of pews should be interpreted and limited by the laws and 
 standards of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and since the said year, 
 1844, two distinct organizations of regular Presbyterians have existed in 
 this Province, each laying claim to the said property, the one being the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland 
 the other being the said Presbyterian Church of Canada, since included 
 in the organization known by the name of Canada Presbyterian Church, 
 to the latter of which the majority of the congregation of the said St 
 Gabriel Street Church, adhered, adopting the said new rules and regula- 
 tions, and mucli liti'^^tion having arisen us to which of said organiza- 
 tions had a right to said property, and the parties having agreed to a com- 
 promise and settlement of their differences according to the tenor and 
 terms of the present Act, which both have petitioned for, to confirm and 
 legalize the said compromise and settlement : Therefore, Her Majesty by 
 and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and Assembly 
 of Canada, enacts as follows : —
 
 598 
 
 " The property aforesaid, including that purchased under deed of date 
 the 2nd of April, I7i)2, with the building thereon, and all the members and 
 appurtenances thereto belonging, as well as the ground acquired for the 
 said deeds of the 21st of March and lOtli of December, 1840, the buildings 
 thereon, the rents, issues and profits thereof, accrued and to accrue, and 
 all the members and appurtenances thereto belonging, are declared to 
 pertain to the said Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, and are hereby vested in Walter Peddie, Thomas 
 Paton, Alexander Morris, Archibald Ferguson, Joseph Moore Ross, James 
 McDougall, William Darling, Robert Esdaile, Alexander Mitchell, John 
 Kingan, and Robert Muir, who, with their successors in oftice, are con- 
 stituted a body politic and corjiorate by the name of " The Trustees of the 
 St. Gabriel Church," with power to exercise and maintain all such actions , 
 remedies and recourse as may be necessary for the recovery, protection 
 management and administration thereof ; Provided always, that the build- 
 ing at present used as the St. Gabriel Street Church, being part of the said 
 property, may be used by the present occupants up to the 1st day of Nov- 
 ember, 1865, or such earlier time as they shall have provided another place 
 of worship, but no longer, and after whicli time they shall be bound to 
 vacate the same, and no other than the said corporation of the St. Gabriel 
 Church shall thereafter have the right to hold or possess the same. 
 
 " Until a congregation shall have been regularly organized in connection 
 with the said church, and a minister for the same duly called and induct- 
 ed to the charge thereof, the aforesaid trustees shall remain in office, and 
 three of them shall be a quorum for the transaction of business, and in the 
 event of the death of any of them, or their residence being removed from 
 the city of Montreal, or its environs, the remainder shall alone be the trus- 
 tees, with full power to exercise all the functions of the said corporation* 
 until their number shall have been reduced to less than five, wlien those 
 remaining, as often as this occurs, shall appoint the number w»anting to 
 make up five, and after the organization of a congregation, such congre- 
 gation shall themselves by rules and regulations to be by them adopted 
 for this purpose, and approved of by the Presbytery of Montreal, in connec- 
 tion with the Church of Scotland, prescribe the time and manner for the 
 trustees to go out of office, and the election of others in their stead, but until 
 such rules and regulations shall have been adopted and approved as afore- 
 said, the number of five shall be kept up by the appointments to be made 
 by the trustees themselves, in the manner above mentioned. 
 
 " And whereas it has been agreed that the members of the congregation 
 of the said St. Gabriel Street Church who have adhered to the said Pres- 
 byterian Church of Canada should receive, for abandoning their claime in 
 the premises the sum of $5,800 to be employed towards building or pro- 
 curing a church for themselves, and for that purpose have assumed the 
 name of the congregation of Knox Church, in connection with the Canada
 
 599 
 
 Presbyterian Church, and have organised and appointed John Ewart, Wm. 
 D. McLaren, Alex. McGibbon, Matthew Hutchison, Archibald ]\Ioir, and 
 Robert Gardner, as trustees to represent them under the name of the 
 Trustees of the Knox Church, it is therefore enacted, that the said corpora- 
 tion of the Saint Gabriel Church, are declared to owe and to be indebted to 
 the said trustees of the Knox Church in the sum of five thousand eight 
 hundred dollars, payable as follows : three thousand two hundred dollars 
 on the passing of this Act, and the remainder in three equal annual pay- 
 ments, bearing interest at six per centum per annum, from the time that 
 the said Saint Gabriel Street Church Bhall be vacated by the adherents of 
 the Canada Presbyterian Church, and the said trustees of St. Gabriel 
 Street Church put in possession thereof." 
 
 Thus the long and bitter controversy was br-ought to 
 a peaceful conclusion. The only parties that could regret 
 it were those who wished to see the legal points raised 
 in the several suits settled. The great question, whether, 
 granting the flaw in the title deed, its effect was not 
 remedied by the subsequent history of the church, afford- 
 ing strong presumption that the contention was correct 
 that the congregation was meant from the first to be one 
 in connection with the Church of Scotland — and, especi- 
 ally, whether, coming under the jurisdiction of the Synod 
 and Presbytery in 1831, after which only the deed of the 
 Church was registered, did not create a good title to 
 the property, even if it were defective before, — would 
 have been an important one to be determined. Was not 
 the congregation bound by the implied terms of the 
 compact into which it then entered, which became par- 
 amount over all congregational rights, and limited those 
 rights to consistency with the supremacy of the Presby- 
 tery and Synod ? A. case showing that the title deed of 
 a church not made in favour of any religious denomina- 
 tion, was adjudged sufficient to secure it to the Church 
 of Scotland, when years after its erection the congregation 
 worshipping in it joined the Estabished Church, was not 
 known at the time this suit was in progress. It was that 
 of St. John's Church, Leith, Scotland, which is reported 
 in Court of Session Cases, Vol. VII., 1868-69.
 
 600 
 
 " The church Wiis erected by subscription in 1773, for Divine Worship. 
 It was not formally connected with the Church of Scotland until 1828 but 
 all ministers before that year belonged to the Church of Scotland. In 1843, 
 minister, managers, trustees and nearly the whole congregation connected 
 themselves with the Free Church. In 18GS, the Presbytery of Edinburgh 
 raised an action to have it declared that the defenders presently acting 
 as trustees and managers of the said church are disqualified to liold or 
 possess the said church, or any part of the subjects and others forming 
 part of the property of the same, as such trustees and managers, and to 
 have the said defenders ordained to denude themselves of, and dispose, 
 assign, and make over to and in favour of the pursuers, as interim trus- 
 tees and managers of the said church, the church itself, and all subjects 
 and property of any kind now possessed and held by the defenders as 
 acting trustees and managers. The Court found the contract and agree- 
 ment of 1828 was not beyond the powers of the parties thereto, and that 
 the same is binding and eflectual, and that the church and its pertinents 
 are thereby permanently attached to the Church of Scotland." 
 
 The Session of Knox Church held its last meeting in 
 the St. G-abriel Street Church, 31st July, 1865. The last 
 congregational meeting of Knox Church — one for the 
 purpose of calling a minister, after Rev. D. Inglis declined, 
 and at which it was resolved to call Rev. Dr. Irvine, — 
 was held in the old church, October 31st, 1865. The last 
 time Knox congregation met for Divine "Worship in St. 
 G-abriel Street was 26th November, 1865. And here ends 
 another chapter in the history of the venerable edifice.
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 The names by which the Church has been known — The congregation 
 
 REORGANIZED — PETITION TO CaNADA PrESBYTBRIAN ChXJRCH OF 48 
 MEMBERS AND 4 ADHERENTS — ThBY FALL IN WITH THE REORGANIZED 
 CONGREGATION — LiST OF FAMILIES THUS REMAINING — Rbv. RoBT. 
 
 Campbell, A.M., D.D., elected — First Board of Trustees — The 
 
 REGISTERS AND RECORDS — ALEXANDER BeRTKAM — JaMES DuNCAN — 
 
 Henry Lunan — James Lillie — Charles Esplin — W. L. Haldi- 
 mand — William Patton — Andrew B. Stewart — First elected 
 Kirk-session — Douglas Brymner — List of Trustees since 1867 — 
 Andrew McNiece — David Strachan — John Whitlaw — Alexander 
 Sclater — Rev. Alex. Campbell, B.A. 
 
 The first registers of the congregation were taken out 
 by Rev. John Young, 31st December, 1^85, under the 
 name of the " Presbyterian Church, City of Montreal," 
 — the title used during his incumbency. Rev. James 
 Somerville's first registers were authorized, under the 
 name of the " Presbyterian congregation, City of Mont- 
 real," 19th September, 1803. This designation continued 
 until ISIY, when, on Mr. Esson's advent on the scene, 
 the name was changed into that of the " Scot's Presby- 
 terian congregation, City of Montreal." In 1819, Mr. 
 Esson introduced another change, calling it the " Scotch 
 Presbyterian Church, City of Montreal." In 1828, the 
 name settled down into the form which it kept until 
 1864, — " Scotch Presbyterian Church, St. Grabriel Street, 
 Montreal." In 1839, a proposal to call it St. John's 
 Church, was negatived by the voice of the majority of 
 the proprietors. In 1864, the congregation about to leave 
 the church, took the name of Knox, while the congreg-
 
 602 
 
 ation, iu couuectiou with the church of Scotland, that 
 came in and occupied the old edifice, henceforth was 
 known as "the St. Gabriel Chnrch," although it con- 
 tinued to be called in fact, the St. Gabriel Street Church, 
 both by the members of the congregation and the general 
 public. The Act of Parliament, 27-28 Vict. Cap. 161, 
 constituted the Trustees ol the church a corporation, 
 under the designation of " the Trustees of the St. Gabriel 
 Church." It might seem that it was part of the com- 
 promise that the old name would be given up. But such 
 was not the case. There was nothing said in the negoti- 
 ations for the settlement between the two committees, of 
 a change of name ; and, as a matter of fact, the original 
 draft of the terms of compromise agreed to by the com- 
 mittees, and the form in which it was introduced into 
 Parliament, had the old name in it. The change was an 
 afterthought, and was made by the representatives of the 
 Church of Scotland alone and on their own motion. Rev. 
 Dr. Snodgrass, who had to do with the matter, writes to 
 say, that one reason of the change was that all the con- 
 gregations in connection with the Church of Scotland 
 might have uniformity of nomenclature. There was 
 already a St. Andrew's, a St. Paul's, a St. Matthew's and 
 a St. John's — to have it in line with the rest, they re- 
 solved to call the church St. Gabriel's, retaining as much 
 as possible of the old name, — with this advantage, that 
 while the designation of the street might be altered, or 
 the congregation build on a new site, the name of the 
 church would remain unchanged. 
 
 On February 1st, 1865, in the Presbytery of Montreal, 
 in connection with the Church of Scotland, "A committee 
 consisting of Dr. Mathieson and Mr. Darrach, ministers, 
 and Messrs. Ferguson, Hunter and Henry, elders, with 
 power to add to their number, was appointed to co-oper- 
 ate with the Trustees of St. Gabriel Street Church, after 
 the Ist of November, next."
 
 603 
 
 On February 15th, 1866, in the same Presbytery, " It 
 was moved by Dr. Jenkins, seconded by Mr. Hunter, and 
 agreed, — that the St. Grabriel Street congregation be put 
 upon the roll as a vacant charge." It had remained on 
 the roll of the Presbytery in connection with the Church 
 of Scotland, as a vacant congregation from 1844 to 1849 ; 
 and Dr. Mathieson held tenaciously to the view that it 
 was, during all the twenty-one years, a vacant congreg- 
 ation. This conviction was emphatically stated in his 
 deposition before the Court in 1860. His view of the 
 situation was taken by the Presbytery in 1866, and so 
 none of the preliminary steps required to be taken by 
 Presbyteries, in connection with the Church of Scotland, 
 at that time, in organizing new congregations, were 
 taken in this case. An interim Kirk-session was ap- 
 pointed consisting of Rev. Dr. Jenkins, Moderator, and 
 Messrs. James Burns, from St. Andrew's Church, and 
 "William Christie, from St. Paul's. Several of those who 
 had been members in 1844 at once returned to the Church, 
 and as they had never had their names entered on the 
 rolls of other churches, they were acknowledged mem- 
 bers of the congregation on their own declaration without 
 any certificates. So were all those belonging to the con- 
 gregation in the interval, who claimed to be so, an^d cast 
 in their lot with the re-organized congregation, acknowl- 
 edged members without certificates. These latter had 
 previously applied to the Presbytery of the Canada 
 Presbyterian Church to be organized as a congregation, 
 but they had not received much encouragement. 
 
 At a meeting of the Presbytery of Montreal of the 
 Canada Presbyterian Church, held September 27th, 1865, 
 " A petition was laid on the table of the Presbytery, 
 signed by 48 members and four adherents of the church, 
 praying for the counsel and aid of the Presbytery regard-
 
 604 
 
 iug the purchase of Grosford Street Church, aud the form- 
 ation of a cougregatiou in the eastern part of the City of 
 Montreal. The Presbytery received the petition, but 
 agreed to defer the consideration thereof till next ordinary 
 meeting, and instruct the Clerk to notify the Sessions of 
 the congregations likely to be affected by this movement." 
 
 At a meeting of the same Presbytery, held later, — "Two 
 motions v^^'ere made, one by Mr. Watson, to recognize the 
 petitioners as a new congregation, provided they secured 
 a building nearly out of debt, and were able to support 
 themselves ; — the other by Dr. Taylor, which was carried : 
 " That this Presbytery would rejoice to see a new con- 
 gregation in said district of the city ; but looking at all 
 the circumstances, this Presbytery does not think the 
 ■\vay is yet opened for such a movement, or that there is 
 a call in Providence to proceed in it. If, however, said 
 petitioners can satisfy the Court that they are able to 
 beome a self-supporting congregation, it might then see 
 cause to alter its judgment." 
 
 The petitioners, finding their proposal to buy the Grosford 
 Street Church, and set up an east end congregation, under 
 the auspices of the Canada Presbyterian Church, opposed, 
 resolved to unite with the old kirk people, and remain in 
 the ancient edifice, when the rest of the congregation 
 returned to Knox Church. This course they took without 
 offering any formal opposition to the removal to Knox 
 Church of the congregation that had been worshipping 
 in St. Gabriel Street. They did not claim to represent the 
 congregation, which removed with its entire organization. 
 Nevertheless, they had previously formed a no inconsider- 
 able part of the congregation, and some of them had been 
 high in office. The following were the thirty-two families 
 thus remaining, when the congregation removed to Knox 
 Church : —
 
 605 
 
 Aird, John, a long time a member, with his wife, and their eight chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Batchelor, Mrs. Alex., widow, many years a member, with eight of a 
 family. 
 
 Bertram Alexander, Chief of Fire Brigade, a member from 1831 on- 
 wards, formerly of the temporal committee, with his wife, a member since 
 1834, and their son and daughter. 
 
 Bickerstaff, David, teamster, a member for several years, as well as his 
 wife — their children, three in number. 
 
 Booth, Edward, bricklayer, not a communicant himself, although 
 attending the church since 18.58, but his wife was— five children. 
 
 Burnet, Mrs. Samuel, widow, a member since 1853 — four children. 
 
 Cruikshank, George, produce dealer, a member since 1857, a former 
 deacon— his wife, the daughter and representative of James Turner. 
 
 Duncan, James, artist, a member since 1834, as his wife also was — with 
 their son and daughter. 
 
 Ferguson, William, hose maker, an adherent since 1835, with his wife 
 and five children. 
 
 Fletcher, George, clerk, baptized and brought up in the church— his 
 sister, Sarah, a communicant. 
 
 Fraser, James, pensioner, a member from 1834 onwards, with his wife 
 and grand-daughter. 
 
 Gabler, Theodore, although a member of the German Church, had for 
 some time attended St. Gabriel Street Church, of which his wife was a 
 member since 1853 — their children four in number. 
 
 Haldimand, W. L., liardware merchant, a communicant since 1860, 
 and his wife, daughter of Roderick McKenzie, baptized and brought up in 
 the church, had been a member since 1855 — four children. 
 
 Houston, Mrs. Adam, a member since 1844— two nieces adherents. 
 
 Irwin, WilHam, tailor, a member, with his wife, for several years— three 
 children. 
 
 Kelly, William, brought up among Protestants, though born a Roman 
 Catholic, an adherent, his wife a communicant since 1855— one child. 
 
 Leslie, Hon. James, a member since 1808, a former president of the tem- 
 poral committee, and an acting elder from 1819 to 1846. 
 
 Lunan, Henry, grocer, a member since 1857, his wife also — two chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Mcintosh, Robert, commercial traveller, an adherent for some years — 
 a wife and child. 
 
 McMillan, Hugh, baker, a member since 1863, as well as his two daugh- 
 ters. 
 
 McNiece, James, trader, a communicant since 1859— his wife and his 
 two children. 
 Munro, Hector, contractor, a communicant at intervals since 1840,
 
 606 
 
 and a deacon — one of the committee representinji; St. Gabriel Street 
 Church in the compromise — his wife and three daughters also communi- 
 cants — three other children younger. 
 
 Patei-son, Alexander, piano-maker, a member since 1861, also his wife 
 — three children. 
 
 Robertson, .Tamos, lead manufacturer, a comnuinicant in the church 
 since 1857, a former deacon — his wife also a member — two children. 
 
 Robertson, ,Tohn, foreman, a member since 1858,— %s well as his wife — 
 seven children. 
 
 Ross, William Joseph, brickmaker, — he and his wife communicants 
 since 1863— four children. 
 
 Ross, Arthur, — an adherent since 1860, — his M'ife a communicant since 
 
 then. 
 
 Russel, John, stonecutter, an adherent — his wife a member since 1845. 
 
 Shepherd, Mrs. George, widow, a member since 1843. — Her daughter, 
 Mrs. Lee, a member since 1855. — Two other children and two grand- 
 children. 
 
 Spooner, Mrs., widow, a member since 1848. 
 
 Wand, Mrs., widow, a member for nearly fifty years — Her son-in law, 
 Thomas Clapperton, and his wife, adherents. 
 
 Wright, Robert, carpenter, a member since 1842 — as well as his daugh- 
 ter, Mary Jane. 
 
 Several of these families had remained in the church at 
 the crisis, in 1844, more from personal regard for Mr. Esson, 
 and from old associations with the building, than from any 
 interest they took in the questions at issue between the 
 Established and Free Churches of Scotland ; and now they 
 made up their minds again to remain in it, both on account 
 of their past relations to it, and of the convenient religious 
 accommodation it afforded them. 
 
 These 32 families and 50 communicants themselves 
 formed a substantial nucleus for a congregation. Along 
 with them joined 16 families that had been attending St. 
 Andrew's Church, and 18 from St. Paul's. Of these a good 
 many had formerly belonged to St. Gabriel Street, but left 
 it after the secession in 1844. There were also nine families 
 from Erskine Church, and four from the American Presby- 
 terian, among those combining at this time to uphold a 
 church in the city proper, when most of the congregations 
 had removed to the St. Antoine suburbs.
 
 601 
 
 The Presbytery of Montreal, in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, reorganized a congregation that had 
 once been upon its roll, in the only way in which it could 
 do so, in the circumstances. Had the minority, in 1844, 
 chosen to adhere together and continue organized, meeting 
 somewhere for worship in the interval of twenty-one years, 
 and acknowledged by the Presbytery, that would have 
 been one way of preserving their distinctive position. 
 But they did not take that course ; they attended other 
 churches, without becoming members of them, where they 
 resolved to wait and see whether they could not recover 
 the dear old sanctuary. The same thing took place else- 
 where ; the Church of Scotland had to recognize in Gralt, 
 Hamilton, London, G-uelph, Peterboro', and numerous 
 other places, a minority of the congregation, as the right- 
 ful continuators of the old history and the true represent- 
 atives of the former congregational position. In some of 
 these cases there had been a vacancy for years, and the 
 people had been scattered ; but when a minister was again 
 settled, and ordinances administered, they did not them- 
 selves doubt whether they were the old congregation or 
 not, nor did the Presbytery or Synod to which they 
 belonged doubt it. The length of the vacancy did not 
 affect the principle. The minority alone, on this occasion 
 also represented the old time position ; for whatever defect 
 there might be in the technicalities of the title deed, there 
 could be no question that from the first, and all along to 
 1844, the sentiments of the congregation worshipping in 
 St. Gabriel Street, had been those of love and veneration 
 for the Church of Scotland, and implied confidence in it. 
 The minority, not the majority, in 1844, were the success- 
 ors to that sentiment, and therefore to the old position. This 
 is the gist of the whole question of succession. Knox 
 Church indisputably represented the majority of the Kirk 
 session and congregation prior to 1844. But this remark
 
 608 
 
 has to be made, that the majority has to act coustitutioually 
 iu order to claim to have its own way. When the majority 
 of the congregation recognized and obeyed a minority of 
 the Presbytery and Synod rather than the majority of 
 those courts, they were not in a position to insist so strongly 
 on the rights of a majority in the congregation. In the 
 Presbyterian Church, the Supreme Court binds all the 
 lower ones — the majority in the Assembly, over-rides a 
 majority against it in any individual synod, or Presbytery 
 or congregation. So that, constitutionally, the St. G-abriel 
 Church was bound by the decision of the Synod, in 1844 
 — and as the majority of the congregation violated the 
 the constitution of the Church, by defying the Synod, 
 the minority that stood for the Synod's position, came to be 
 the true and only representatives of the former congrega- 
 tion, ecclesiastically as well as civilly. It is not as if the 
 question lay between the action of a majority and a minor- 
 ity acting constitutionally, and in acknowledged connec- 
 tion with the same ecclesiastical body. In that event, the 
 majority's action must prevail, That, however, was not 
 the situation here. According to these well understood 
 principles of the constitution of Presbyterianism, then, 
 the majority in 1844, made a new departure, and 
 should have vacated the church to the minority. Had 
 they done so, there would have been no questions raised 
 forty years afterwards as to who were the successors 
 of the old congregation, as there has not been in other 
 congregations where the minority were left in possession 
 of the church, and held continuous service. If, for 
 argument's sake, it be granted, that the majority wrong- 
 fully held possession of the church, could that injustice 
 be deemed a sufficient reason to deny the minority the 
 rights, at the end of the period of wrongful occupation, 
 which would have been conceded to them, had they been 
 allowed to occupy the church at once ? The question is
 
 609 
 
 put thus, to show that the length of the vacancy, does not 
 affect the principle involved^'ust as Viee-Chancellor 
 Esten held it did not in the Cobourg case. This was the 
 view of the matter taken by the Presbytery of Montreal, 
 in connection with the Church of Scotland, in 1866 They 
 declared it to be the same congregation dejure as that which 
 had been on the roll of the Presbytery, in 1844. That 
 Presbytery alone was the judge in the matter, and the 
 Synod upheld their action. All this was done before the 
 writer had any personal interest in the question, or knew 
 anything about it, but his apprehension of the principles 
 of Presbyterian polity tells him that they took a properly 
 constitutional course in the premises. 
 
 It is a matter now, fortunately, of no practical import- 
 ance, since all the congregations but one that had a 
 relation to the old edifice are in the same great organiza- 
 tion : it has an interest only for constitutional lawyers, 
 civil and ecclesiastical. For the point of difference that 
 arose between the St. Gabriel and Knox Church authori- 
 ties, regarding the old registers and Kirk-session records of 
 the St. Gabriel Street Church, did not depend upon the 
 question of succession, except in so far as that question 
 was involved in the preamble of the Act of Parliament 
 ratifying the compromise. "When vacating the old church, 
 about 1st December, 1865, the Knox congregation took with 
 them the Church Registers and the Kirk-session Records, 
 extending over the past history of the congregation. 
 This was not discovered until after the induction of the 
 writer. The gentleman who had conducted the financial 
 negotiations, on behalf of the provisional trustees of St. 
 Gabriel Church, had not had his attention directed to 
 this portion of the property ; and when the new minister 
 asked him about the old records and registers, he said he 
 presumed they were in the iron box-safe of the Church, 
 in which there was a miscellaneous collection of papers. 
 O o
 
 610 
 
 Rev. Dr. Snodgrass and Mr. Morris who had most to do 
 with effeciiug- the compromise, on behalf of the Church 
 of Scotland, were now resident in Upper Canada, or they 
 would have seen to this point. Soon after the new trus- 
 tees of St. G-abriel Church were appointed, they had 
 this matter before them, and on July 2nd, 1867, it was 
 carried " that a committee be appointed to wait on the 
 trustees and Session of Knox Church to ascertain if they 
 were willing to return the books and records of St. 
 G-abriel Church, previous to the disruption in 1844. 
 Committee : Mr. Munro, Mr. Darling, Mr. Stewart and 
 Mr. Patton." On the 9th of August following, the com- 
 mittee appointed to confer with the Session and trustees 
 of Knox Church report " that they, the trustees of Knox 
 Church, consider that they have the sole right to hold all 
 the books and records connected with the congregation 
 worshipping in St. Gabriel Street Church up to the time 
 of vacating the said chnrch." This attitude of the Knox 
 Church authorities, basing their claim upon the fact that 
 they represented the congregation of 1844, was a surprise 
 to the gentlemen connected with the Church of Scotland 
 who had had to do with settling the terms of the com- 
 promise. No mention had been made of those registers 
 and records in express terms, in the negotiations ; but they 
 understood that they w^ere treating for the surrender of 
 the entire property involved in the dispute of 1844 — and 
 that all this property was surrendered by the St. Gabriel 
 Street (Knox) congregation in consideration of receiving 
 the sum of |5,800. Mr. Morris, who had charge of the 
 bill in Parliament, Mr. Cross who framed it, Dr. Snod- 
 grass, who had much to do with arranging the terms of 
 the compromise, had this understanding, and they are 
 yet in the flesh to substantiate the information they gave 
 in 1867. The lawyers took the view that if Knox con- 
 gregation had wished to reserve this portion of the
 
 611 
 
 property at issue, they ought to have so stipulated and 
 have it of record — otherwise all the books and docu- 
 ments belonging to the church were embraced in the 
 term " appurtenances " used in the Act. And they were 
 clearly of the opinion that the St. Gabriel Church trus- 
 tees could recover them by an action at law. And this 
 opinion of theirs was upheld in the St. John's Church, 
 Leith, case, already referred to, in which the registers 
 and records, as well as the edifice, were recovered by the 
 Church of Scotland, as " pertinents " or " appurtenances" 
 of the church. 
 
 The authorities of St. Gabriel Church were loath to 
 resume litigation over this comparatively small matter, 
 when the larger affairs had been settled out of court, and 
 so resolved that every other method of securing their 
 rights ought to be exhausted before having recourse to 
 this very undesirable one. Frequent friendly conversa- 
 tions on the subject were had betwixt representatives of 
 the two churches at different times. At last, the Union 
 having been accomplished, and both congregations being 
 subject to the Presbytery, the good offices of the Presby- 
 tery of Montreal were invoked, to secure a settlement of 
 the matter. A committee was appointed to receive the 
 representations of the two congregations on the subject ; 
 and after due deliberation the committee, through Rev. 
 Dr. Jenkins, Convener, reported a unanimous finding to 
 the following effect : — 
 
 " First, — That the Registers of Marriages, Baptisms and 
 Burials be held by the Presbytery for safe keeping, with 
 the understanding that access to such registers be freely 
 allowed to either of the two Sessions, for all legal or 
 otherwise necessary purposes. Second, — That the Kirk- 
 session records be retained by Knox Church, with the 
 understanding that the St. Gabriel Session, if they so 
 desire, shall be permitted, at their own expense, to make
 
 612 
 
 a duly certified copy of said records." The representatives 
 of St. Gabriol Church acquiesced in this deliverance 
 with hesitation, as adjudging them much less than they 
 had a right to, and were blamed by many in the con- 
 gregation for yielding too much. But they felt that in 
 the interest of peace it was better to accept the commit- 
 tee's decision as a final settlement of the question ; and 
 it accordingly became the judgment of the Presbytery. 
 
 Rev. Robert Campbell, M.A., D.D., seventh son of Peter 
 and Margaret Campbell, was born in the Township of 
 Drummoud, Upper Canada, June 21st, 1835. Descended 
 fi-om an old Highland family that forfeited their estates 
 by fidelity to their ill-starred ancient race of kings, in 
 1*715, he inherited nothing from his forefathers except, 
 perhaps, a too high spirit. The blood of two lines of 
 Campbell's, of the Maclaren's, and the Macdiarmid's unite 
 in him, so that he is every whit a Celt. His parents 
 came to Canada in 18lV, and took up laud in the military 
 settlement formed around the town of Perth, in 1816, 
 under the direction of Lieut. -Colonel Cockburn, Deputy 
 Quarter-master-General. His father was a man of superior 
 intelligence and high character, and was held in much 
 esteem in the district. He was elected an elder first in 
 the First Presbyterian Church, organized at Perth in 1817, 
 by Rev. William Bell, and afterwards in St. Andrew's 
 Church, in connection with the Church of Scotland, when 
 it was organized by Rev. T. C. Wilson. Robert had the 
 misfortune to lose his father, when he was still only in 
 his thirteenth year ; but the pathos of his mother's widow- 
 hood made a profound impression upon his heart, and his 
 sympathy with her lonely sorrow first touched the springs 
 of emotion in his nature. She was a high strung but 
 very devout woman, and he owes to her genuine, earnest 
 prayers a very deep debt of gratitude. He enjoyed very
 
 613 
 
 meagre scholastic advantages as a boy. He attended no 
 school but the common school of the neighborhood — and 
 it was very common — until he went to College. Luckily 
 for him, when he was in his fourteenth year, there 
 chanced to wander into the district an Irishman, fresh 
 from the old sod, a man of considerable learning, who 
 offered his services as teacher in the school in question, 
 then vacant. This man could teach Latin and G-reek and 
 the higher mathematics to purpose. Finding Eobert and 
 his younger brother, Alexander, fairly well up in the 
 several English branches, this teacher proposed that they 
 should enter upon these more ambitious studies, which 
 had never been taught in the school before. So they 
 began with very old fashioned books, and an inexpensive 
 apparatus. The novelty of these studies proved most 
 attractive to them ; and as they had no standard to govern 
 themselves by, as to the amount of ground they should 
 daily overtake, by comparing notes with former pupils or 
 classes, they limited their daily tasks only by their capa- 
 city, and the teacher gave them loose reins, and it is to be 
 feared devoted to them more than a fair share of his time. 
 They would read sometimes a hundred lines of Virgil at a 
 sitting, and along with this, perhaps, five new proposi- 
 tions of Euclid each day, with Grreek and Algebra in 
 proportion, and did not know they were accomplishing 
 anything wonderful when done. Other books of a kind 
 to attract boys were scarce ; and they prosecuted these 
 studies with avidity for the enjoyment which was afforded 
 them by the introduction into new realms of thought and 
 imagination. Robert getting tired of school, when in his 
 sixteenth year, sought to gratify his boyish ambition of 
 becoming a merchant's clerk, and made a brief trial of it ; 
 but events so shaped themselves that he became in his 
 seventeenth year a school-master instead. He had had no 
 training for the work, nor had he any thought of becom-
 
 614 
 
 ing a teacher until the day he was engaged. This step 
 decided his future life. In the course of that year, 1852, 
 a blessed year for him, God led him by His Spirit into 
 fellowship with Himself, through the agency of an elder 
 beloved brother, then a minister of Christ, but long since 
 in glory. Encouraged by that brother and by his own 
 clergyman, Kev. Dr. McMorine, of Ramsay, he resolved to 
 prepare for the ministry — and while teaching, he prose- 
 cuted the preliminary studies for entering the classes of 
 Queen's College — Dr. McMorine kindly reading with him 
 after school-hours. He presented himself before the Sena- 
 tus of the College at the beginning of October, 1853, with 
 fear and trembling, doubting whether he could reach the 
 required standard for entrance. What was his astonish- 
 ment to find that he was awarded the scholarship for the 
 best papers ! He had never had a standard to measure 
 himself by, and his ideal was very high. He graduated 
 B. A., with Honors in all subjects, in 1856, and M, A. in 
 1858. He was fortunate enough to secure the first medal 
 ever offered in Queen's University, for a special examina- 
 tion in History and G-eography, in 1855 ; and the course 
 of extra reading into which he was thus led, determined 
 for life the bent of his tastes. Immediately after gradu- 
 ating, in 1856, he took to teaching with a view to 
 replenish his exhausted exchequer, preaching by Arts- 
 students not being a thing then thought of. He got an 
 engagement at Ancaster, Upper Canada ; but six months 
 afterwards the Head-mastership of the Queen's College 
 Preparatory School became vacant, and he was asked to 
 allow himself to be nominated for the position. He was 
 appointed. This was a very congenial sphere, as well as 
 an important one, for a youth of only 21 years. His chief 
 business was to prepare candidates for matriculation in 
 the University. Lads came to him from all parts of the 
 Dominion, as well as from Kingston ; and it was an in-
 
 615 
 
 spiring work to mould the tastes of seventy or eighty- 
 youths, at all stages of attainments. He remained in this 
 post for four years, prosecuting his theological studies at 
 the same time. Licensed to preach by the Presbytery of 
 Bathurst, 18th July, 1860, he resigned the Head-master- 
 ship on the 1st of October, with a view to spending a 
 year in the Old "World, before settling down to his great 
 life-work, as a minister ; and was made the recipient of a 
 very handsome presentation and flattering address on 
 surrendering the reins of Queen's College School into 
 other hands. After spending upwards of twelve months 
 in visiting the University seats of Scotland, and looking 
 in upon their classes, and in travelling through G-reat 
 Britain and Ireland, as well as part of the continent of 
 Europe, he returned to Canada in the autumn of 1861, 
 and selecting St. Andrew's Church, G-alt, among several 
 vacancies that made overtures towards calling him, he 
 was ordained and inducted to that charge, 10th April, 
 1862. The sphere was not an easy one to fill. The pul- 
 pit he was to occupy was that in which Dr. John Bayne 
 had long preached with marvellous power ; and all the 
 other churches of the town were ably manned. It was 
 no child's play to prepare two sermons a week, and man- 
 date them for delivery without notes, which was what 
 he attempted and carried out, in a fashion, for nearly five 
 years. But the partiality and affection of his congrega- 
 tion, who took him to their hearts, with all his immaturity 
 and inexperience, carried him on in a flowing tide of hap- 
 piness, during the whole of his ministry among them. 
 It was a trying day when he was called to leave them. 
 He would gladly have stayed, for he was happy and 
 contented, and had a lovely home in Gait ; but fate would 
 have him go to Montreal, where he was inducted into St. 
 Gabriel Church, 13th December, 1866. On December 
 29th, 1863, he led to the altar Margaret Macdonnell, only
 
 616 
 
 daughter of Rev. Groorge Macdonell, miuister of St. 
 Andrew's Church, Fergus, — a day ever to be gratefully 
 remembered by him as the beginning of a new and 
 happy era in his life. In addition to the work of 
 his congregation in Montreal, he was asked to aid in 
 editing the Presbyterian, at that time the recognized 
 organ of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection 
 with the Church of Scotland, of which Douglas Brymner 
 was editor%in-chief, but who, from his connection with the 
 Montreal Herald, was obliged to be absent for weeks at a 
 time as Parliamentary correspondent. This congenial 
 work he continued up till the autumn of 1870. That 
 year he was adjudged the prize for the best essay on 
 Presbyterian Union in Canada, offered by a number of 
 gentlemen in Montreal and Quebec — the judges being 
 Rev. Dr. Cook, Rev. Dr. Taylor, Rev. Dr. MacYicar, Hon. 
 Justice Torrance, and Hon. Alexander Morris — a large 
 edition of which was published by F. E. Grafton of Mon- 
 treal, and which may be supposed to have contributed to 
 bring about the Union in 1875. He was a member of the 
 Committee of the Church of Scotland on Union, during 
 part of the time the negotiations were going on ; and 
 when, in 1874, it was resolved to proceed with the Union 
 the next year, if the way were clear, he was appointed 
 convener of the Committee of the Synod to make the 
 necessary preparations for the great event. In 1877, he 
 spent six months in Grreat Britain and Ireland, seeking to 
 interest the Presbyterians of the Mother Country, espe- 
 cially in the work of French Evangelization, to which 
 the Presbyterian Church in Canada has committed itself. 
 In 1880, he was appointed Lecturer in Church History in 
 the University of Queen's College, Kingston, a position 
 which he filled for two years. In 1870, on the death of 
 Dr. Mathifson, he was appointed Chairman of the Board 
 of Management of the Ministers' Widows and Orphans'
 
 617 
 
 Fund, which office he has held ever since ; and on the 
 death of Professor Mackerras, he was chosen a member of 
 the Temporalities Board. He is also a member of the 
 Board of Trustees of Queen's University. His life has 
 been a busy but a happy one. The Lord has not called 
 him to fill positions of comfort and ease. It has been his 
 fortune, good fortune, perhaps, to take hold of schools and 
 churches in a state of decadence ; he records this not com- 
 plainingly, but thankfully. He deems it an honour, like a 
 trusted soldier, to have been sent to lead the forlorn hope. 
 He blesses God, who has given him opportunities of 
 activity and usefulness, and distinctions, too, far beyond 
 any to which he had a claim. The last of these came to 
 him in April, 188Y, of which the "Queen's College 
 Journal" of May 11th, shall give the account. 
 
 " The Rev. Prof Ross on presenting Mr. Campbell to the 
 Vice-Chancellor, to receive the degree of Doctor in Divin- 
 ity, said, — 
 
 " Rev. Robert Campbell, M.A., after a brilliant career in this University, 
 graduated with honors both as B.A. and M.A., and since that time he 
 has kept abreast of the advancing scholarship of the age. He has been 
 a frequent contributor to various reviews and magazines. Articles from 
 his pen have appeared in the Catholic Presbyterian, and in the Brithh and 
 Foreign Evangelical Review. In 1870, he gained the prize oticred by repre- 
 sentatives of the two Presbyterian churches in Canada, for th<^ best essay 
 on the union of the churches. For two sessions, 1880-81 and 1881-82, he 
 successfully discharged the duties of lecturer on ecclesiastical history, 
 and he has written a valuable historical work, which is on the eve of 
 being published. While doing all this he has been performing the 
 arduous duties of a pastor of an important city congregation, and has 
 taken an active part in the public work of the church and in meetings 
 of the various ecclesiastical courts in which he is recognized as an 
 authority on ecclesiastical law. 
 
 A TOUCHING REPLY. 
 
 When Dr. R. Campbell arose the music of that gude auld sang, ' The 
 Campbells Are Coming,' filled the hall. He replied saying: Learning 
 only a couple of hours ago that it was the wish of my Alma Mater to 
 confer upon me this honor, I can scarcely make adequate acknowledg-
 
 618 
 
 ment of the same, or truet myself to pve expression to my feelings on 
 this occasion. To have my name enrolled among the good and noble 
 men who have already been deemed worthy of this degree by Queen's 
 University was an honor to which I had not dared aspire; but as the 
 Senate in their kindness thought lit to offer to me this distinction, even 
 though it was quite a surprise to me, I do not feel that I should be at 
 liberty to decline an honor coming to me vmsolicited from such a source; 
 and all that the fuhiess of my heart enables me to say is that this mark 
 of the confidence and good-will of the learned gentlemen composing the 
 Senate overcomes me, and must prompt me to make a further proof of 
 my ministry, and to be more earnest and active in promoting the search 
 after truth as well as in furthering righteousness among men." 
 
 On the 10th of April, 1867, the congregation, as em- 
 powered in the Act 27-28 Vict., cap. 161, adopted a new 
 code of rules and regulations, which w^ere approved by 
 the Presbytery of Montreal as required, on the 1st of 
 May following. The number of trustees was fixed at 
 twelve, and the twelve gentlemen first elected, in succes- 
 sion to the eleven provisional trustees, were Alexander 
 Bertram, Charles Esplin, William L. Haldimand, Hector 
 Munro, James Lillie, William Patton, James Robertson. 
 Andrew B. Stewart, G-eorge Cruikshank, James Duncan, 
 Henry Lunan and Walter Peddie. 
 
 Alexander Bertram, the first on the list elected, after- 
 wards the first chairman of the Board of Trustees, was the 
 popular Chief of the Montreal Fire Brigade. A member 
 of the congregation since 1831, and proprietor of pew No. 
 10, he had been a member of the temporal committee in 
 1849, 1850, and 1853, and convener of the executive com- 
 mittee in 1851. He had also acted as temporary deacon 
 in the church, as he had been solicited more than once 
 to allow himself to be nominated to the eldership. He 
 was one of the 32 proprietors voting to sustain Mr- 
 Esson's position, September 2nd, 1844, as he took part in 
 the subsequent meeting for altering the rules and regu- 
 lations. Born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1811, his
 
 ^^~ crtM"" 
 
 CHIEF BERTRAM.
 
 &19 
 
 father, like himself, being a blacksmith by trade, and an 
 elder iu the Established Church, Mr. Bertram came to 
 Canada in 1831, as his brother GTeorge also did, who was 
 afterwards a veterinary surgeon, in partnership with 
 James Turner, and who died recently in Philadelphia, 
 United States.. He joined the Volunteer Fire Protecting 
 Company then in existence, soon after his arrival in the 
 city; and when Mr. Bronsdon, as chief engineer, organ- 
 ized the first regular fire department, Mr. Bertram became 
 captain of No. 4 fire engine. In 1849, he was appointed 
 assistant engineer, and in 1852, after the great fire, chief 
 engineer of the brigade. At this time there were 400 
 men in the department, who were obliged to continue in 
 their ordinary calling for a maintenance, but to drop it 
 whenever the church bells rang the alarm. Mr. Bertram 
 was himself an ingenious mechanic, and his active mind 
 was always bent on improving the apparatus which the 
 brigade had to use. With this view, he visited over and 
 over again the chief cities of the United States, and 
 wherever he got a hint he made use of it in perfecting 
 the machinery of his department, as he gave them hints 
 in exchange. "When the new water works were con- 
 structed, giving sufiicient pressure to reach the tops of 
 most of the buildings then to be found, by the use of 
 hose alone, the brigade was re-organized and reduced to 
 5*7 officers and men. The department made a fine exhibi- 
 tion before the Prince of Wales and suite in 1860, and so 
 proud were his friends of the manner in which the chief 
 acquitted himself on the occasion that they presented 
 him with a silver cup. In 1863, the men of the brigade 
 presented him with another cup ; and in 1873, those who 
 had been with him twenty years in the department pre- 
 sented him with a fine portrait of himself in oil. He 
 died August 31st, 1875, aged 64 years ; and was accorded 
 a public funeral. The immense popularity of the chief
 
 620 
 
 was seen by the demonstration made hy his fellow- 
 citizens on the occasion. Not only was St. Gabriel Church, 
 at which the service was held, packed to its utmost 
 capacity, but the streets along which the procession 
 passed was lined with men, women and children, whose 
 mournful faces testified to the sense of loss which the 
 city had sustained ; for the tall, lithe, manly form of the 
 grand old chief had been familiar to young and old. The 
 following passages are taken from the discourse delivered 
 by the writer, as his pastor, on the occasion : — 
 
 " His father being an elder in one of the parish churches 
 of Scotland, his mind was early imbued with those 
 religious principles that have given a tone to the Scottish 
 character. He was a genuine Scot in his religion, as he 
 was in every other respect. Calm and equable, consistent, 
 and reserved, there was an utter absence of ostentation 
 in his religious life, — his spirituality did not consist in 
 mere talk — indeed, like many other good men, he did not 
 care to lay bare the workings of his heart before his 
 fellow-men. But in a grave and decorous observance of 
 ordinances, in the prompt and regular attendance upon 
 the ministration of the word and sacraments, as well as 
 in the strict attention to the ordinary obligations of life, 
 those things which test the genuineness and efficacy of a 
 religious profession, I have known few men to excel him. 
 The modesty, the amiability and the self-content, which 
 were strong points in his character, he owed not more to 
 the native qualities of his mind and heart than to the 
 moulding iuilueuces of divine grace. Gifts of speech he 
 did not possess, but he was a man of varied acquirements 
 and thoughtful mind. But his forfe was action rather 
 than thought or speech. If anything was wanted to be 
 done, he was the man to do it. Tested by the Saviour's 
 rule, ' By their fruits ye shall know them,' Alexander 
 Bertram is worthy of being spoken of with approbation
 
 621 
 
 from a Christian pulpit. He did justly, loved mercy, and 
 walked humbly with his God. His excellent sense made 
 him a reliable counsellor, and I have to acknowledge my 
 own personal obligations to him on more than one critical 
 occasion. He was altogther a strong man, with deeply 
 marked lines of character, which could not fail to dis- 
 tinguish him among his fellows. A life spent as his was, 
 actively in the service of Grod and man, could not but 
 terminate as his did, in a calm and peaceful death. In 
 the course of duty, I have been present at many death 
 beds. It has been my privilege to attend upon not a few 
 that were ripe for the kingdom of heaven. But I can 
 safely say that I have never known any person that 
 looked forward to his decease with so much serenity as 
 Mr. Bertram. From the beginning of the sickness that 
 terminated so sadly on the 31st of August, he seems to 
 have had a premonition that his work on earth was done. 
 I think he expressed to me on only one occasion, during 
 the progress of his malady, a desire or hope that he 
 should recover. At all other times he spoke as a man 
 who believed himself dying. And from what I have 
 learned since from other sources, it is manifest that he 
 must often have looked forward to death as a thing that 
 might overtake him at any time in the discharge of the 
 perilous duties of his office ; so that the contemplation 
 of it was quite familiar to him. This will in some 
 measure account for the remarkable calmness which he 
 displayed in prospect of dissolution. Like the Apostle 
 he had died daily, — that is, he knew that the dangers of 
 his avocation might in a moment cut him off. He died 
 heroically as he had lived. There was no flinching from 
 the approach of death, as he had bravely met the perils 
 of his occupation in life. His confidence in Jesus never 
 failed him. His faith was that of a child ; and though 
 his habit of mind was to be reticent on such subjects and
 
 622 
 
 to conceal rather than display emotion, he evinced much 
 tenderness of heart, and delivered himself on several 
 occasions with considerable warmth of feeling as to his 
 hopes beyond the grave, and his deSire to be with Christ. 
 Altogether with respect to him, we may adopt the 
 language of David and say, ' Mark the perfect man, and 
 behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.' 
 These particulars, I am sure you will be interested in 
 hearing, regarding one whom you loved and respected. 
 To this congregation his loss is irreparable. Connected 
 as he had been with this church for upwards of forty 
 years, through all the vicissitudes of its history, it is no 
 exaggeration to apply to his affection for it the words of 
 the Psalmist — ' Her very stones to him were dear.' His 
 devotion to the interests of this congregation was un- 
 bounded, and his dying request that his remains should 
 be conveyed to this church, on the way to their last 
 resting-place, shows that as he clung to the church in 
 his life, so he did not wish to be divided from her in his 
 death. No one can ever know how much he did for us, 
 not merely in his capacity as chairman of the Board of 
 Trustees for many years, and afterwards as a simple 
 member of the trust ; but also by the gratuitous per- 
 sonal labours which he performed, and the mechanical 
 ino'enuity and skill which he brought to bear in innu- 
 merable instances in improving the details about this old 
 edifice, at odd hours, when his services were not required 
 in connection with his occupation proper. We shall 
 never see his like again. His personal appearance struck 
 a stranger as that of no common man. His tall, lithe, 
 well-knit, muscular form, was graced with much native 
 dignity. His person was easily distinguishable among 
 thousands, and hence it was that every citizen knew the 
 dear, brave old Chief of the fire brigade. That marked 
 form that was associated with many a deed of daring in
 
 623 
 
 saving life and property for which, if it had been dis- 
 played in destroying life on the field of battle, medals 
 and honours would have been heaped upon him, citizens 
 of Montreal shall not again see flitting through their 
 streets ; but they will ever warmly cherish its image in 
 their hearts." 
 
 Old citizens will be glad to possess the accompanying 
 engraving of the brave, good Chief. 
 
 Charles Esplin, whose name appears second on the list 
 of Trustees, is a native of the Parish of Cortachy, but 
 brought up in Lintrathen Parish, Angusshire, Scotland, 
 and came to this country in 1834. As a mill-wright he 
 had occasion to move a good deal through the country 
 building oatmeal mills, and in this way acquired a 
 thorough knowledge of the land of his adoption. The 
 growth of the merchandise of the city requiring a con- 
 stantly increasing number of packing-cases, he saw 
 a promising opening for industry in their manufacture, 
 and he commenced the business, which he carried on 
 in Duke Street for many years, and which his son, 
 George, is still prosecuting successfully, — his son James, 
 a young man of high intelligence and personal worth, 
 who was a partner in the concern, having died last 
 year. Mr. Esplin was first connected with St. Andrew's 
 Church ; but, being a champion of the interests of the 
 part of the city in which he lived, when that con- 
 gregatioQ moved up town, he joined St. Paul's, — and 
 when St. Paul's followed, in the same fashion, he espoused 
 the cause of St. Gabriel's. In 1869, he bought the late 
 Col. Wilgress' noble mansion at Lachine, — " The Grove " — 
 in which to spend with his beloved partner the evening 
 of life, and shortly afterwards gave over the active man- 
 agement of the business in town to his sons. He is still 
 hale and hearty, receiving his friends with a cheery word
 
 C24 
 
 and ready joke, although nearly ninety years of age. 
 A man of sterling character and simple tastes, he has 
 been satisfied with long life and with many other tokens 
 of the Lord's favour. 
 
 William Louis Haldimand, chosen a trustee in 1807, 
 remained one until after the centennial celebration in 1886. 
 He is of the same family as the celebrated Swiss soldier 
 of fortune, General Frederick Haldimand, who was 
 Governor-Greneral of Canada from 1778 to 1784, and had 
 previously distinguished himself in the war between 
 England and France, for the possession of Canada. The 
 General had a nephew, Jean Haldimand, to whom refer- 
 ence is made in the Haldimand papers, lately published, 
 and whose interests he strove zealously to promote. This 
 nephew, a native of the Canton of Berne, was married in 
 the Parish of Quebec, to Mademoiselle Marie Joseph Marie. 
 They had three children — two girls and a boy, Louis, who 
 was born in the Parish of Quebec, in 1769, and died in 
 Montreal, in 1812. He married, in the Parish of Montreal, 
 28th October, 1793, Mademoiselle Marie Amable Mouflette 
 Nicolas, who bore him ten children, all of whom died in 
 infancy, except one, Louis, who was born, 19th September, 
 1799, and died in 1848. This Louis was William Louis 
 Haldimand's father. He married Hannah Wurtele, in 
 1822, and left four daughters and three sons. He con- 
 ducted a hardware busines in St, Paul Street ; and his 
 son, William, succeeded to the business, on his death. 
 William L. Haldimand married Mary Anne Mackenzie, 
 daughter of Roderick Mackenzie, and accompanied her to 
 St. Gabriel Street Church, of which he became a member 
 in 1860. Mr. Haldimand was elected Treasurer of the 
 congregation in 1867, and continued to discharge the 
 duties of that office with painstaking fidelity up to the 
 year 1880, when his business engagements would not
 
 625 
 
 admit of his retaining it any longer. The congregation 
 owe a deep debt of obligation to Mr. Haldimand, in con- 
 sideration of those long and laborious services. He and 
 his wife, who was also most useful as the treasurer of the 
 Dorcas Society, proved very loyal to the old church ; for, 
 although they removed in 18^3, to St. Catherine Street 
 west, they continued to walk all the way to St. Gabriel 
 Street, until the spring of 1886. It was only when they 
 despaired of seeing a new St. Gabriel Street Church 
 erected nearer them, and when they began to feel the 
 infirmities of advancing years, that they took the step at 
 last of sundering their connection with the congregation. 
 A few months' longer patience would have solved the 
 difficulties ; but no one could foresee this at the time. 
 
 James Lillie, chosen a trustee in 186*7, and ordained an 
 elder, 13th September, 1868, was born at Ancrum, Scot- 
 land, 2nd January, 1811. He got a training for business, 
 and served for some years as clerk in a bank at Jedburgh. 
 In 1830, he emigrated with his parents and their family 
 to Canada. They settled near Montreal, and he entered 
 the office of Andrew Shaw, in which he remained for two 
 or three years. In 1833, he and William Kerr, who is still 
 to the fore, with eye and mind and natural force unabated, 
 rented the Gale farm at Hochelaga, which they continued 
 to cultivate in partnership for forty-two years. While 
 the military were in Montreal, they made a good deal of 
 money by contracting to furnish supplies to the troops. 
 Mr. Lillie never married, his widowed sister, Mrs. Potts, 
 keeping house for him and Mr. Kerr. The family first 
 attended St. Gabriel Street Church, but afterwards Dr. 
 Taylor's Church, in Lagauchetiere Street. His was one of 
 the nine families from Erskine Church that cast in their 
 lot with the re-organized congregation. He died, May 
 30th, 1880, and the following passages are taken from the 
 P P
 
 626 
 
 funeral sermon preached on the occasion of his burial, by 
 the writer, his pastor : — 
 
 " The universal verdict regarding him, both by those 
 who knew him intimately, and by those who had with him 
 only a casual acquaintance was, that he was an Israelite, 
 indeed, in whom was no guile. A more gentle, humane, 
 and inoffensive man was not to be found on the Island of 
 Montreal. And this was not because he was without 
 convictions of his own. He had formed opinions and 
 come to conclusions for himself on most subjects, and these 
 were generally sound, based on an intelligent apprehen- 
 sion of all sides of questions. But while his views were 
 usually of a kind that could bear the light, he was too 
 fair-minded to be opinionative. As a consequence, he had 
 little or none of that combativeness that is characteristic 
 of the Scot. He had learned that many men have many 
 minds, and that it is vain to think to mould them into 
 any one shape. 
 
 " The evenness of his temper, and the candour of his 
 mind eminently qualified him for the office which he so 
 long held in this church. At the date of his death, he 
 was the senior elder of the congregation ; and all his col- 
 leagues in the Session miss his dignified and genial 
 presence, and the good common sense which he brought 
 to bear on all questions that arose. 
 
 " Mr. Lillie was a man whom the Lord had prospered ; 
 and he was animated with the feeling that the least thing 
 he could do was to hold life and capacity and means not 
 only as from the Lord, but also as for the Lord. He was, 
 therefore, not only liberal in his gifts to religious and 
 benevolent objects, but was ready to give his time and 
 his strength to doing good. The Tract Society, the Sunday 
 School Union, and above all, the Bible Society and Mont- 
 real Greneral Hospital, found in him a warm supporter, 
 he having been for many years a collector for them.
 
 627 
 
 " It was with some reluctance that he was persuaded 
 to accept the eldership when chosen for that office ; 
 and when at last he consented it was because he had it 
 pointed out to him that some person had to fill the office, 
 that he had been chosen by the suffrages of his fellow 
 members, and that it was his duty to yield to their 
 wishes and give back to G-od in this particular way, some 
 portion of the gifts which had been bestowed upon him 
 by the Lord. But there was one condition which he 
 attached to his acceptance of office ; it was this, that he 
 should not be expected to pray in public. He urged this 
 on the ground of a peculiar nervousness which unmanned 
 him when he attempted to speak in public ; and he often 
 expressed regret that he had not begun to cultivate the 
 art of speaking when a young man. 
 
 " He was a man of little show,but of great substance. He 
 was a great deal better than he appeared ; in this respect 
 being a contrast to the general tendency, which is to see7n 
 great whether one is great or not. At a time when there is 
 such a straining after appearances, it is refreshing to meet 
 with one like Mr. Lillie with whom it was a much more 
 serious matter to be right than to seem right. The power 
 of speech which was denied him in health, seems to have 
 come to him in his sickness. It was beautiful to hear the 
 fervour and unfaltering confidence in which he expressed 
 his faith in the Eedeemer. The last week of his life was 
 given, almost without interruption, to praise and prayer, 
 audibly uttered. Even in his delirium the subject that 
 came upon his tongue was the grace and love of Jesus, 
 whose continued presence and favour he constantly in- 
 voked. The Lord thus loosed his tongue at the last, as 
 Jesus opened the mouths of so many dumb ones when 
 He lived and laboured on earth. And when he at last 
 departed, it was with the confident assurance of a glorious 
 resurrection, charging his dear friends, who watched so
 
 628 
 
 fondly at his bedside to meet him arouud the throne of 
 Grod, there to part no more. The last hope he expressed to 
 myself was the cheering one of our being together in the 
 Lord's company in the better land." 
 
 William Patton, chosen a trustee at the first election 
 in 1867, and ordained an elder at the same time as Mr. 
 Lillie, September 13th, 1868, was then sub-chief of the 
 fire brigade, under Chief Bertram. He is a native of 
 Canada, having been born at Quebec, and, like the 
 greatest being that ever occupied a place on earth, was 
 bred a carpenter — his practical knowledge of which, in 
 connection with buildings, has been of immense use to 
 him, as the head engineer of the fire department. He and 
 his family also came from Erskine Church to start the new 
 St. G-abriel's, although he had previously been a member 
 of St. Paul's church for 16 years. On the death of Chief 
 Bertram, in 1875, he was appointed to the command of 
 the brigade, the duties of which he has discharged with 
 singular conscientiousness and fidelity, and to the satis- 
 faction of the community, although, with the growth of 
 the city and the erection of lofty buildings, it is yearly 
 becoming an office of greater difficulty and responsibility. 
 Mr. Patton, like everyone else who has been called to 
 serve the public, has had to submit to criticism, but he has 
 come out of it unscathed. The post is one of great risk as 
 well as of immense responsibility, and he is entitled to 
 be upheld in the faithful performance of his duty. He 
 has run several close risks when leading his men in 
 battling with the flames ; he narrowly escaped being an 
 additional victim, in the horrid St. Urbain Street catas- 
 trophe, in 1877 ; and is as much entitled to honour for 
 the scars he received, in going with his force into danger, 
 as a general in the field would be, if wounded in meeting 
 the charge of the enemy.
 
 629 
 
 Mr. Patton acted as secretary to the Board of Trustees 
 for several years. From the time he assumed chief com- 
 mand of the brigade, he ceased acting as an elder, as he 
 considered he could not perform the duties of the office 
 longer faithfully, although yet an elder by right. He is 
 still an active member of the Board of Trustees. 
 
 Andrew Buchanan Stewart, chosen a trustee 10th 
 April, 1867, and inducted an elder May 19th, in the same 
 year, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 11th, 
 1816. He came to Montreal in 1833, and entered the 
 employ of Dougald Stewart, dry-goods merchant, the 
 niece of whose wife he afterwards married. He attended 
 St. Paul's Church, in which he first became a communi- 
 cant in 1841. He was ordained an elder in that church 
 in 1855. He afterwards removed to Guelph, Upper 
 Canada, where he carried on business for several years 
 as a dry-goods merchant, but the times were bad and the 
 results were disappointing, so he returned to Montreal 
 and opened an office as an accountant and official assignee, 
 which he is still prosecuting. Mr. Stewart resolved to 
 cast his lot in with the new St. Gabriel church effort, 
 and his large experience as an elder and knowledge of 
 affairs generally, were of eminent service to the young 
 cause. He became Session-clerk immediately after his 
 induction, and continued to act in that capacity until he 
 withdrew from the congregation in 1874, and the min- 
 utes he kept were models of neatness and order. Mr. 
 Stewart was superintendent of the Sabbath-school for 
 some time, and was an example to all the congregation 
 of regularity in attendance upon ordinances, although 
 living for many years at a considerable distance from the 
 church. 
 
 James Duncan, who was chosen a member of the trust
 
 630 
 
 at the first election, iu 186*7, was a native of Coleraine, 
 Ireland, where he was born in the year 1806. He became 
 a citizen of Montreal in 1830, and immediately began the 
 practice of his profession, as an artist and teacher of 
 drawing. Few names are likely to be longer remembered 
 in the city than Mr. Duncan's, so many mementos of his 
 skill and industry has he left behind him. To his pencil 
 we owe some of the most valued of the old engravings 
 of the city. It was he who prepared the sketches for 
 " Hochelaga depicta," published in 1839 ; and the views 
 therein given of the " City of Montreal, from the canal " 
 — of the " French cathedral, Place d'Armes," — and of the 
 " New market and Nelson's monument," are highly 
 prized by all archaeologists. Besides these, views of his 
 of the city, from the mountain, and from St. Helen's 
 Island, were published, as well as one of Quebec, from 
 Point Levis. He confined his attention chiefly to water 
 colours, but he has left also a few fine pictures in oil, 
 chief among which are the G-iants' Causeway, Dunluce 
 Castle, Port Stewart, Ireland. 
 
 But besides these direct and permanent products of 
 his pencil, the indirect results of his influence upon art 
 cultivation in the city and country, are incalculable. He 
 taught the principles of drawing in all the chief Protest- 
 ant public schools of Montreal for more than a generation. 
 The pupils of the High School, of the McG-ill Normal 
 school, of the British Canadian school, of the Misses 
 Turners and Macintosh's Academies, and of the MacKay 
 Institution, all received their education in art from this 
 conscientious and accomplished instructor. 
 
 Mr. Duncan did not meddle much with public affairs, 
 but in 183Y he shouldered his musket' to uphold British 
 supremacy in Lower Canada. He held a commission as 
 Lieutenant in the Light Infantry. He connected him- 
 self with St. Gabriel Street Church, soon after coming to
 
 631 
 
 Montreal in 1830, and remained a member of it through 
 subsequent changes, until the date of his death, 28th 
 September, 1880. He was the proprietor of pew No 58. 
 Mr. Duncan had four sons and one daughter. Two of the 
 sons have held commissions as surgeons in the British 
 army. Dr. James Shaw Duncan, formerly surgeon of the 
 81st Regiment, is now Brigade Surgeon at Plymouth. Dr. 
 Georg-e Duncan has retired from the service and is now 
 in general practice at Portsmouth. His sou, David, is in 
 the Customs' Department in Montreal. 
 
 Henry Lunan, grocer, St. Mary Street, corner Dalhousie 
 Square, was a native of the parish of Blairgowie, Scotland, 
 and came to Montreal in 1854. He was first connected with 
 Dr. Taylor's Church in Lagauchetiere Street, but joined 
 St. Gabriel Street in 185Y. He was a good man and highly 
 respected. Elected a trustee in 1867, he continued in oflB.ce 
 till his death in 1870. He died in the General Hospital, 
 of softening of the brain. His widow and two sons are 
 still members of St. Gabriel Church. Mrs. Lunan is sister 
 of the present Moderator of the General Assembly of the 
 Church of Scotland, Rev. Dr. Hutchison, of Banchory- 
 Ternan. 
 
 David Tait, who was for many years one of the auditors 
 of the congregation, and was ordained an elder in 1874, 
 was a native of Haddington, Scotland, and came to 
 Canada in 1831. He first became a member of St. Gabriel 
 Street Church in 1846, under the ministry of Mr. Leish- 
 man, and owned pew No. 29. He was a member of the 
 temporal committee and secretary for some time, but he 
 resigned that position in 1852. He was a member of the 
 musical society of the congregation, in 1853, and altogether 
 was a man of taste and culture. He was employed as a 
 clerk in the ofl&ce of Gibb and Hunter, notaries, for many
 
 632 
 
 years, but, for a long time before his death, had charge of 
 the stamp olhce in the Court House, He left St. Gabriel 
 Street, and joined in succession St. Paul's and Cote Street 
 Churches ; but he was partial to the old edifice, and so he 
 cast his lot in with the new organization in 1866. He 
 taught the Bible class for several years with much accept- 
 ance ; and when A. B. Stewart resigned the Session clerk- 
 ship, he was appointed his successor, and the minutes 
 were kept up under him in the former high style of per- 
 fection. He died 25th March, 1S11. 
 
 Douglas Brymner, who was inducted an elder, 19th May, 
 1867, is a native of G-reenock, Scotland, where the family 
 to which he belongs has been prominent in commercial 
 and social circles. Douglas was ordained an elder in the 
 Mid parish while he was still a youth, and became early 
 a stout champion of the Established Church. This fact 
 affords a key to his later ecclesiastical history. He came 
 out to Canada, and essayed farming at Melbourne, Eastern 
 Townships. But he was born to pursue letters rather 
 than follow the plough, to give birth to ideas rather than 
 grow turnips. Montreal needed him. Penny, Wilson and 
 Stewart, of the Herald, discerned his literary ability, and 
 he was placed on their staff, where he did good work ; 
 although an ecclesiastical friend, speaking of his connec- 
 tion with a Liberal newspaper, stiff, Scotch Tory as he was, 
 in his church views, called it " an unholy alliance." Mr. 
 Brymner was appointed editor of the Presbyterian, publish- 
 ed by the Lay Association, the organ of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, which he conducted with great ability, until he 
 removed to Ottawa, on his obtaining the appointment in 
 the civil service, which he still fills. 
 
 Mr. Brymner cast his lot in with the new St. Gabriel 
 Street Church in 1866, and when an election of elders
 
 633 
 
 took place, in 1867, he was chosen, and with Messrs. 
 Cruikshank and Stewart constituted the first Kirk-session 
 after the reorganization. So far as his time allowed, he 
 was a very useful elder, and his long experience and 
 knowledge of ecclesiastical affairs were of great service in 
 the circumstances of the congregation. A most amiable 
 and reasonable member of Session he was ; and when he 
 resigned his eldership, he carried with him to Ottawa 
 more than a mere formal resolution of appreciation by the 
 Kirk-session, namely, the esteem and most cordial good 
 wishes of the minister, the elders and the congregation. 
 The atmosphere of Ottawa, or the guidance he received 
 there, must be held responsible for his subsequent erratic 
 ecclesiastical course. The word " Free Church " would, 
 indeed, rouse his wrath at any time, like a red rag held 
 up to a bull ; but allowance was made for this in Mont- 
 real, on account of his known early conflicts with it in 
 Scotland. It was laid to the account of his mental 
 idiosyncrasy, — so that he got on very well with the 
 admn-able mixture we had, in St. Grabriel's, of old Kirk- 
 people, Free Church people and U. P's. Mr. Brymner 
 was pronounced by everybody a first-rate fellow ; and no 
 section of the community have watched his successful 
 subsequent career with greater pleasure than his old associ- 
 ates in St. G-abriel Street Church. They feel that it was 
 a lucky day for Canada when Douglas Brymner was 
 assigned the position of archivist ; for they know that he 
 possesses a rare taste for ancient documents. 
 
 William Ewing, who was chosen a trustee on the death 
 of Chief Bertram, in 18*75, is the well-known Inspector of 
 the North British Insurance Company. A native of St. 
 Ninian's, Stirlingshire, Scotland, he came to Montreal 
 in 1864, and he has occupied his present official position 
 ever since. He was a member of the Scottish Bar, of the
 
 634 
 
 lirm of " McNab and Ewing," Glasgow. The first church 
 he aitended in Montreal was St. Andrew's, Dr. Mathieson 
 being then still in active service. He was ordained an 
 elder in that church, but he and his family left during 
 Mr. Lang's ministry, joining St. Gabriel's in 1872, since 
 which time the church has had no warmer friends or 
 more liberal supporters than the Ewings. Infirm health, 
 coupled with professional engagements, did not permit Mr, 
 Ewing to hold the office of trustee long, as he resigned it 
 the following year. The state of his health, too, interferes 
 with his enjoyment of the privileges of the sanctuary, and 
 deprives the members of the church of the pleasure of 
 having him for a fellow- worshipper ; but their prayer is 
 that, though he has to "tarry at home, he may divide the 
 spoil." 
 
 "William Hood, elected a trustee in 18*70 and ordained an 
 elder November 18th, 1871, although born in Scotland, was 
 merely a child when he came to Canada, and lived at 
 Laprairie, his father having a farm near St. Philippe. 
 William became an engineer, and sailed the lakes in that 
 capacity for several years. On the death of his brother, 
 David, he took charge of the saw and planing mills belong- 
 ing to the estate of the latter, until his nephew, David, was 
 old enough to assume the reins. He had become a member 
 of St. Paul's Church in 1845, and his was another of the 
 staunch families from that congregation who contributed 
 so much to build up the reorganized St. Gabriel's. He 
 removed to Muskoka in 1878. 
 
 George J. Lynch, elected a trustee in 1874, was born in 
 Toronto, and became first a communicant in Lagauchetiere 
 Street Church in 1863, as his wife also did. They were 
 among the nine excellent families for whom St. Gabriel's 
 was indebted toErskine Church, in 1866. Mr. Lynch took
 
 635 
 
 an active interest in the fortunes of the congregation. If 
 any special efforts were required to be put forth, he readily 
 placed his services at the disposal of the church, and the 
 influence of his example was contagious among the 
 younger men of the congregation. He occupied the import- 
 ant position of foreman of the water works department ; 
 and it was in connection with the duties of his office that 
 he sacrificed his life. He was one of the victims of the 
 sad St. Urbain Street calamity, 29th April, 1877, cut 
 down at the early age of 37. He generally attended 
 at fires to see that the water mains were working 
 right ; and as he was an old volunteer fireman, and a 
 nephew of Chief Patton's, he, on this sad occasion, lent a 
 hand in battling with the fire fiend, when the treacher- 
 ous brick wall toppled over and crushed down the little 
 cottage in which he was working, driving him down into 
 the cellar and killing him instantly, — leaving behind a 
 young widow and six orphans. George gave his life for 
 the welfare of the community, than which there can be 
 nothing more heroic. And Grod has taken care of his 
 widow and orphans. 
 
 David Strachan, elected a trustee in 1872, and remain- 
 ing in that office for three years, was a native of the 
 Chateauguay district, and brought up on a farm. Like 
 many other youths from the same quarter, he found his 
 way to Montreal, and worked himself into a large and 
 profitable baking business. David was a man of kindly 
 disposition and honest principles, whom to know was to 
 love. He married Jessie, daughter of William Leney, of 
 Longue Pointe, sister to Mrs. A. W. Ogilvie, and grand- 
 daughter of the famous artist engraver, Leney. Mr. 
 Strachan died of softening of the brain, 25th April, 1883, 
 aged 47 years.
 
 636 
 
 Andrew McNiece, who was elected a trustee iu 1878, 
 and peri'ormed the duties of that office with great fidelity, 
 was born and brought up in Kingston, Ontario. Bred to 
 business, he carried on a retail grocery store in St. Paul 
 Street, and prospered ; for he w^as a young man of excel- 
 lent principles w^hom his customers could implicitly 
 trust. He lost his wife, a woman of much energy of 
 character, and fine business talents, as well as of devout- 
 ness, in the spring of 1882. His sorrow broke him down ; 
 and an acute attack of brain disease seized him and car- 
 ried him off", while he was on a visit to Kingston, 6th 
 April, 1883, at the age of 40 years. 
 
 Thomas "Watson, elected a trustee, in the room of Mr. 
 Hood, 3rd July, 1878, is a native of Irvine, Ayrshire, 
 Scotland. He came to Canada in 1844, and joined the 
 Laprairie Church in 1848. He was afterwards in business 
 at Napierville. He had been attending St. Andrew's 
 Church with his mother-in-law, Mrs. Walker, prior to 
 December, 1866 ; but they all cast in their lot with St. 
 Gabriel's at that time. Mr. Watson was very musical, 
 and sang in the choir until he left the city for Ottawa in 
 1881. He was also an active member of the different 
 societies connected with the church. His daughter is 
 married to G-eorge Jeff'rey of Petite Cote. 
 
 A prominent figure in the City of Montreal for many 
 years, was Captain Sclater, the Port Warden. He, too, 
 was a member of the old church in St. Gabriel Street, 
 during the period of the author's ministry, until remov- 
 ing to too great a distance from the church, he and his 
 family became connected with Erskine congregation. 
 Alexander Sclater was born at Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scot- 
 land, March 13th, 1819. Boys brought up in coast towns 
 are apt to set their hearts on a sea-faring life, and young
 
 637 
 
 Sclater was no exception to the rule. He became a 
 captain of a merchantman, and sailed for many years, 
 visiting every quarter of the globe, so that he afterwards 
 had the geography of the world in his eye. He spent 
 three years on the coast of Africa, and was there when 
 the Kaffir war broke out. He barely escaped with his 
 life, and carried to the grave with him the scar of a spear 
 wound on the palm of his hand, which he had received 
 in an encounter with a native. Captain Sclater was a 
 man of dignified bearing and lofty courage ; and for his 
 bravery he was awarded a handsome gold watch and 
 several gold medals, by the Humane Society of London, 
 for saving lives at sea. London was his headquarters, 
 while he sailed the ocean ; but he took up his residence 
 in Montreal, in 1858. In 1863, he was appointed Port 
 "Warden ; and held this position until his death. May 4th, 
 18*76 — which was very sudden, caused by aneurism of 
 the heart. He married a daughter of Dr. Grant of Martin- 
 town, sister to Sir James A. G-rant, of Ottawa, who sur- 
 vives him. 
 
 Another name deserving of mention, as that of a once 
 note-worthy citizen, is John Whitlaw's. He was a , 
 native of Gilford, Scotland, and came to Montreal in 1816, 
 and joined St. Gabriel Street Church that same year. He 
 was a warm partizan of Dr. Black's, and left St. Gabriel 
 Street with the St. Paul's congregation. He was ap- 
 pointed a member of the city council in 1848, and remain- 
 ed a Councillor till 1852. That year he became an 
 Alderman and continued so till the end of 1853. Mr. 
 "Whitlaw was a carpenter, and as such, filled many im- 
 portant contracts. His was one of the families from St. 
 Paul's, helping to start St. Gabriel's in 1866. He died 
 22nd September, 1867.
 
 638 
 
 Peter Macdiarmid MacTavish, who was elected a trus- 
 tee in 1873, and oontiuned in office until he removed to 
 Toronto in 18Y8, was born in the Township of Drummond, 
 Ontario, and alter getting a commercial training in Perth, 
 in the general store of Messrs. Murray and Morris, and 
 afterwards in the Post Office, he came to Montreal in 
 1864, and entered into partnership with his brother, John, 
 in the crockery business. After living a short time in 
 Toronto he returned to Montreal, and is now a book- 
 keeper for Geo. Childs & Co. Mr. MacTavish is a cousin 
 two degrees removed of the writer, — their grandmothers 
 by the name of Macdiarmid being sisters. Mr. MacTavish 
 is a very useful member of the church. 
 
 Rev. Alexander Campbell, B.A., who officiated in St. 
 Gabriel Church from January to August, 187*7, during 
 the absence in Great Britain and Europe of his brother, 
 the pastor of the church, was born in the Township of 
 Drummond, April 23rd, 1837. He early showed an 
 aptitude for learning. It was of him in particular an old 
 Irish neighbour, wishing to be complimentary, said : 
 " them Campbell boys drink up larnin like water." Study 
 -' was no trouble to him ; and, therefore, although nearly 
 two years younger than the writer, he was able to take 
 up the same studies in Latin, Greek and Mathematics 
 under the Irish teacher, Mangan. He also took to teach- 
 ing as a youth, and, in this way, helped himself through 
 college. He assisted in the Queen's College Preparatory 
 School, and after graduating B.A., he taught the grammar 
 schools at Mt. Pleasant and Sarnia for some time. From 
 that he took to banking, having married Eleanor Wood- 
 side, a banker's daughter. His intention had been to 
 prosecute the work of the ministry and he had taken 
 some of the Divinity classes at Queen's College with this 
 view. After an experience of ten years of business, he
 
 639 
 
 returned to his first love, and completed his studies for 
 the ministry, for which, an enthusiastic fellow-student 
 used to say, " nature as well as grace had destined him — 
 for it cost him no effort to be gentle and sympathetic and 
 devout." With a first class intellect, well cultivated, and 
 particularly keen moral intuitions, he lacked only the 
 necessary physical energy and vivacity to make him a 
 man of power. But this lack has made him timid, and 
 shrinking and supersensitive. Let him, however, get a 
 chance to make his presence felt and his influence for 
 good is always very great. Minister of Beachburg from 
 18V4 to 187Y, the death of two children there by dip- 
 theria, made the place so melancholy that he and his wife 
 could not stay in it ; resigning, he came to Montreal for 
 *7 months. Since then he was for several years a mission- 
 ary in Manitoba, and now he is in the sphere for which 
 he is eminently qualified — in charge of the High School 
 at Prince Albert, N. W. T. — while also doing mission 
 work. 
 
 The most distinguished of all the worshippers of this 
 period falls to be mentioned last. His Royal Highness, 
 Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, took his turn as an 
 officer in commanding the Presbyterian detachment of 
 soldiers in his regiment, the 60th Rifles, during the period 
 of his stay in the city. In this way, he not unfrequently 
 attended the services in the quaint old St. Gabriel Church, 
 where the Presbyterian soldiers worshipped. 
 
 In this connection, it ought to be noticed, too, that that 
 famous Regiment, the 78th, the Ross-shire Buffs, attended 
 St. Gabriel Church for a whole year after they came to 
 Montreal in 1867. A service was held for them at 9 a.m., 
 and they used to fill the entire edifice. It was an inspir- 
 ing sight to see. Several of the non-commissioned officers 
 and men, when quitting the service, afterwards became 
 useful members of St. Gabriel Church.
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 The relation of St. Gabriel Church to the Union question — the contest 
 IN TUB Quebec Legislature over the Union Bill — The Privy Coun- 
 cil's Judgment on Temporalities Act, and subsequent Legislation 
 
 — COMJIUTATION of MINISTERS' CLAIMS ON THE ClERGY RESERVES — 
 
 List of Commuters — Corrbspondbncb with the Government — 
 William Darling — Bishop Strachan's parting shot — The quasi- 
 established position of Roman Catholic Church in Quebec Pro- 
 vince. 
 
 The experience which the author had of a united Pres- 
 byterianism, in the St. G-abriel Street Church, could only 
 confirm his previous convictions as to the importance and 
 practicability of Presbyterian consolidation in Canada. 
 He had already, under the nom de plume of " Presbuteros," 
 written in the Presbyterian, a series of letters on the sub- 
 ject. What set him specially thinking on this question 
 w^as the fact that he had had the privilege, in 1861, of 
 listening to the debates, on the subject of Presbyterian 
 Union in the Colonies, which took place that year in both 
 the Established and Free Assemblies of Scotland, in con- 
 nection with union proposals reported from Australia. 
 Without a dissenting voice, all the speakers commended 
 the action taken by their co-religionists in the distant east. 
 Then, the writer was distressed beyond measure at the 
 bitterness of feeling on church questions, he found existing 
 in Scotland — where people manifested the fiercest animosi- 
 ties, and spoke of one another in the most uncharitable 
 fashion — all in the name of the Christian religion. His 
 resolution was taken, to do what he could, at least, in his 
 own beloved country, to take away all excuse for the cul-
 
 641 
 
 tivation of such a spirit. His first charge, on the spot 
 where Free Churchism was born in Canada, afforded him 
 a good theatre in which to begin the work of breaking 
 down sectarian feeling. Before he left GTalt, nearly every 
 trace of the old-time ill-will between the two Presbyterian 
 Churches had disappeared. And one of the motives in- 
 ducing him to undertake to revive] the old cause in St. 
 G-abriel Street, was the opening which he saw it afforded 
 for testing the practicability of the union which was now 
 beginning to be seriously discussed in the country. The 
 experiment in Montreal was entirely successful. A broad, 
 manly type of Christianity grew up in this united com- 
 munity, not a colourless or creedless religion, but one based 
 upon the grander elements of doctrine and practice on 
 which Established, Free, U.P. and American Presbyterians 
 could all heartily agree. When, at this time, a prize was 
 offered by some of the large-minded Presbyterian laymen, 
 representing both the churches in Montreal and Quebec, 
 for the best essay on Presbyterian Union, the minister of 
 St. Gabriel's sent one in. It was a subject on the discus- 
 sion of which he entered, at least, con amore. The prize 
 was adjudged to him in September, 1870. 
 
 He had pondered the history of Presbyterianism in 
 Scotland, and was enamoured of the situation when that 
 country presented a united front to the foes of its civil and 
 religious liberty. These were the palmy days for Scotland. 
 The National Church embraced the whole of the people. 
 This was what he wished to see in Canada — a church cor- 
 responding to the old time Church of Scotland, embracing 
 in it all ranks and conditions of men, — Presbyterians of 
 every name and degree, whether from Scotland, Ireland, 
 England or the United States. This was the ideal church 
 of Scotland in his eyes, and he was surprised that others 
 claiming to be strong upholders of the National Church,, 
 could not look at the question in this light.
 
 642 
 
 But his view went eveu further than this. He thought 
 he discerned signs of narrowness in both the Church of 
 Eughind and the Church of Scotland, growing out of their 
 insular, national position. Their views were, for the most 
 part, bounded by their own country : the Church of Eng- 
 land — the Church of Scotland — they were content so long 
 as they were favoured institutions of those two countries, 
 — and they had little regard for anything beyond. This 
 state of things crystallized by time and fact, they held for 
 divine — which is the constant tendency among men. It 
 was different v^^ith those who were at the laying of the 
 foundations of those institutions : the reformers in both 
 England and Scotland looked abroad — indeed, many of 
 them had received their reforming inspiration on the con- 
 tinent — and they counted themselves as members of a 
 larger brotherhood. The Westminster standards were born 
 of such a conception — not only aiming at uniformity in the 
 British Empire, but also at establishing unity of faith with 
 the reformed churches of the continent. In the lapse of 
 centuries, these larger aspirations were lost sight of, and 
 the national churches settled down into a situation of self- 
 satisfaction, as if they were realizing the divine ideal. But 
 when w^ go back to first principles, and think of the Lord's 
 conception of the church, it was manifestly not to be 
 determined by national boundaries. It contemplated being 
 cc-extensive with the world ; and so far as this feature of 
 catholicity is concerned, using the term " Catholic " in its 
 strictly etymological sense, the Church of Rome, to the 
 extent that it aims at being a universal church, is in ad- 
 vance of Protestant communities. But why should not 
 Presbyterians everywhere be one ? The moment this ques- 
 tion is asked, it raises another question, what should be 
 held essential to Presbyterianism ? It is clear that nothing 
 can be regarded as of the essence of a church that cannot 
 be predicated of it in any and every place, where it can
 
 643 
 
 be planted. Everything else must be eliminated from its 
 creed and constitution, except what is applicable all the 
 world over. When this test is employed, the matter of 
 establishment and endowment, for instance, is found to 
 be merely adventitious. These features of the reformed 
 churches of Europe have been of immense service in the 
 providence of God ; it is a serious problem whether they 
 are not still subserving an important purpose, creating a 
 national religious sentiment that even those assailing 
 Ihem are profiting by, without perceiving or recognizing 
 the fact. But it is quite clear that the moment you go with 
 your church into a new country, you must be content to 
 do wathout these features that have come down from 
 the past, and are counted of consequence in the old world. 
 An element that is not universal cannot be held essential, 
 and it must gradually disappear, if it is not reproduced 
 where new branches of the church are reproduced. It 
 was such thoughts as these that led the writer to en- 
 deavour to enlarge the views of those who were contend- 
 ing for a Church of Scotland in Canada. It is the church 
 of Christ in Canada that is to be aimed at ; that is to say, 
 every feature in the Church of Scotland, that is of divine 
 obligation is to be reproduced here but nothing else. The 
 Pan-Presbyterian Council in Edinburgh, in 18YY, which 
 the writer claims the credit of suggesting in July, 1867, 
 was a stretching forth towards catholicity ; and when the 
 Presbyterian Churches of Canada united, in 1875, they 
 put themselves in line with those holding the same prin- 
 ciples all the world over, when they called their Church 
 not the Presbyterian Church of Canada, but the Presby- 
 terian Church in Canada. The true conception of a church 
 must embrace oecumenicity — which is more than is im- 
 plied in the term national ; and when Presbyterians in all 
 the world are one, as they may be, by ministerial and 
 church communion, this will be a step in the direction of
 
 644 
 
 realizing the still greater measure of catholicity, contem- 
 plated in the Saviour's intercessory prayer, that His people 
 " may all be one." 
 
 St. Gabriel congregation, as might have been expected, 
 vrent cordially and unanimously for union, when the 
 question came before them, — in which respect they were 
 nowise distinguished, however, from a large proportion of 
 the congregations in connection with the Church of Scot- 
 land. It was not till the crisis arrived, in regard to the 
 obtaining of the Union Bills in the Quebec Legislature, 
 that they came to have any prominence or responsibility 
 cast upon them. The story has never before been told how 
 that crisis was overcome. "Word came on a Saturday after- 
 noon that the Private Bills committee of the Legislative 
 Council of Quebec had resolved to report against the Bill 
 sanctioning the union. The Bill had passed the popular 
 branch of the Legislature, and was then considered safe. 
 But there was an active and influential opposition to it 
 proceeding from the Church Scotland, if it was limited in 
 numbers ; and in spite of the representations and protest- 
 ations of a committee that had been labouring to promote 
 the measure, the opponents of it had got a majority of the 
 Council really to believe that the Church of Scotland 
 especially was greatly divided on the subject of Union, and 
 that it would be unfair to the large number in the country 
 that were opposed to it to legislate away their rights of 
 property, as the Bill proposed would do. Crediting these 
 asseverations, even some Protestant members of the Coun- 
 cil had voted against finding the preamble of the measure 
 proven. Already the Union had been provided for by legis- 
 lation in the other provinces, and it seemed monstrous that 
 a few opponents of the movement, chiefly in Montreal, 
 should have it in their power to thwart the wishes of the 
 great bulk of the Presbyterians in Canada and block the 
 progress of Union for even a single year. What was to be
 
 645 
 
 done? Clearly, what was needed was to convince tlie Legis- 
 lative Council of Quebec that their innocent impression as 
 to the divided state of opinion in the Church of Scotland 
 was an erroneous one. Such a demonstration was required 
 as would leave no doubt upon their minds as to what the 
 popular wish was on the subject. The matter was one 
 specially affecting the Church of Scotland and its honour. 
 The writer was the only member of the committee belong- 
 ing to that church left in the city. Mr. Croil was in 
 Quebec watching over the Bill, — Dr. Jenkins was away. 
 The responsibility of action, therefore, fell on the minister 
 of St. Gabriel Church alone. Consulting with Mr. 
 "William Darling and a few lay friends, he proposed 
 making an immediate appeal to the Presbyterian people 
 of the city and province to show unmistakably what 
 their mind was on the question at issue. He therefore 
 set the telegraph wires in motion, first of all obtaining 
 the consent of the committee in Quebec to his sugges- 
 tions. The heather must be set on fire. The plan was 
 to get petitions at once prepared to be signed by the 
 congregations in the city, to protest against the action of 
 the Legislative Council — and to move the great centres of 
 Presbyterian influence in the west, also, to protest against 
 an action that equally affected them. The first thing to be 
 gained was to get the Private Bills committee to delay 
 reporting their former finding to the Council itself, and to 
 agree to receive petitions and a deputation on the subject 
 before proceeding further. This concession was obtained 
 through the influence which Eev. Dr. Cook and Dr. Cam- 
 eron, M. P.P., brought to bear upon the local ministers of 
 the Crown. The excitement in Montreal was already great 
 among those who had heard the news ; but it was destined 
 to be greater before long. It was already seven o'clock, 
 Saturday night. Every one he could even consult was 
 away from home ; but the writer had made an arrange-
 
 646 
 
 nieut with a printer to remain in his office, in order to 
 prepare the heads of the petitions, if it should be found 
 necessary to do so, — and to his honour be it told, the man 
 who undertook to do this was against the Union, but he 
 was a personal friend, and this was in the way of business. 
 Now the moment of difficulty had arrived. The plan of 
 petition being approved at headquarters in Quebec, the 
 next thing was to prepare the form. The writer, sitting 
 in a printer's office, had no specimen before him of the 
 proper style of a petition for the Lieutenant Grovernor in 
 Council and the Legislative Council. He had, therefore, 
 to i)roceed to do the best he could from his own conscious- 
 ness. He drafted a form of petition : Mr. Mitchell waited 
 till midnight in order to print copies of it. The writer, who 
 had not even tasted food since noon, got home to bed, but 
 not to sleep. At the break of day he started out to see the 
 brethren,the ministers of the several Presbyterian churches 
 in the city, taking Principal MacYicar, who was nearest, 
 first. He entered cordially into the proposal to get 
 petitions signed that day, and the following one, and hold 
 a mass meeting in St. Paul's Church on Monday evening. 
 Dr. Taylor, Dr. Burns and the rest all joined heartily in the 
 effort. The writer, with his own hands, carried a parcel of 
 the forms of the petition to every one of the Presbyterian 
 Churches in the city, before eleven o'clock that Sabbath 
 morning. The people's blood was up ; they were indig- 
 nant that the Legislative Council should venture to stand 
 in the way of a great popular movement, and they in large 
 numbers signed the document, the situation having been 
 explained to the people by the officiating ministers. Posters 
 were put up along the streets on Monday, calling the mass 
 meeting that evening — which was held in St. Paul's 
 Church, under the presidency of Andrew Allan, — the 
 leading members of the city congregations, on both sides, 
 taking part in the meeting. Strong resolutions were
 
 647 
 
 passed, and an influential deputation appointed to proceed 
 at on(;e to Quebec as the bearer of the petitions and reso- 
 lutions to be laid before the Private Bills committee. That 
 easy-going body never before or since, probably, had its 
 composure so rufiled as on this occasion. Indignation 
 meetings had also been held in Toronto, Ottawa and King- 
 ston. The Council got their eyes opened as to what side 
 popular opinion was on. Certain unimportant amendments 
 in the Bill were agreed to by the friends of Union, which 
 enabled the Private Bills committee to resile gracefully 
 from their former position ; and the union, in 1875, was 
 safe. But the writer, who had gone with the deputation 
 to Quebec, and had been borne up by excitement for those 
 four days, collapsed afterwards, and was unfit for work for 
 a month. 
 
 At the next great crisis connected with the Union, when, 
 in 1881, judgment was given against the Temporalities 
 Board, by the English Privy Council, St. G-abriel Church 
 was destined to have great responsibility cast upon it. 
 Mr. Darling, the chairman of the Board, was a leading 
 member of St. G-abriel's ; and although the minister of 
 that church was not a member of the Board at the time 
 when the action was taken, Dobie vs. The Temporalities 
 Board, and so was not condemned in the costs for which 
 the older members were held responsible, he had become 
 a member of it before judgment in the case was rendered. 
 He was the only ministerial member of the Board resident 
 in the city, who could be looked to by the lay members 
 of the Board, to furnish the necessary information and 
 guidance for their procedure on the occasion. It lay with 
 him, therefore, to prepare the documents to be issued to 
 all the congregations of the united Church, rallying them 
 to the support of the Board in procuring the new legisla- 
 tion that had to be sought from the Federal Parliament. 
 That support was afforded without stint, — every member
 
 648 
 
 of Parliament, and every Senator, that had Presbyterians 
 among his constituents, was solicited to give his vote for 
 the measure, reaffirming the old Temporalities Act, and 
 indemnifying the Board for their administration. This 
 concerted action secured the passing of the hill, although 
 it still met with stout opposition in the Private Bills 
 Committee of both Houses of Parliament, — calling forth 
 the magnificent speeches of Principal G-rant, Mr. Macdon- 
 nell, of Toronto, and John L. Morris, of Montreal, in reply 
 to Messrs. Macmaster, Brymner and Lang. The writer 
 had the responsibility here again of gathering the materials 
 to be used in argument, and preparing the case ; as he, 
 with others, had to spend weeks of his time in Ottawa, 
 giving information to members of both Houses in private, 
 as to the merits of the question. 
 
 It ought to be recorded, in this connection, that when 
 the churches were seeking legislation, prior to the Union, 
 they gave notice of their intention of applying to the 
 Federal Parliament for just such a Temporalities Bill, as 
 they had finally to obtain from it, but were informed on 
 the authority of the Minister of Justice of the period, that 
 the matter in question belonged to the jurisdiction of the 
 Legislature of Quebec and could not be dealt with at 
 Ottawa. The leader of the Opposition of the time, an 
 acknowledged great constitutional lawyer, was understood 
 to coincide in that opinion ; so that no blame attached to 
 the churches or Boards tor the unfortunate situation in 
 which the Privy Council's judgment had placed them. 
 
 The introduction of the term, " Temporalities Board," 
 gives occasion to return to the subject of the Clergy Re- 
 serves question. Unfortunately for the churches whose 
 interests were at stake, this question had become a politi- 
 cal one, the Tories wishing to preserve the fund as it was, 
 and the Reformers crying out against invidious distinc- 
 tions between one church and another in this free country.
 
 649 
 
 The Clergy Reserves question in Upper Canada, and that 
 of the Seignorial Tenure in Lower Canada kept up such a 
 continual agitation that government almost became impos- 
 sible, and other important questions were not receiving 
 due attention. The Reformers were divided, Mr. Brown's 
 party having withdrawn their support from Mr. Hincks. 
 This brought on a crisis, and a Coalition Ministry was 
 formed with Sir Allan McNab as premier, and John A. 
 Macdonald, attorney-general, the Lower Canada section of 
 the Hinck's Cabinet still remaining in office, with A. N. 
 Morin at its head. This Coalition was formed to deal 
 with the two burning questions of the day, the Clergy 
 Reserves and the Seignorial Tenure. All observant and 
 thoughtful men had come to the conclusion that these 
 matters about which there had been so loud a clamour 
 raised, must be disposed of The Church of Scotland took 
 no steps to protest against the proposal to secularize the 
 Clergy Reserves, the Synod feeling that the public con- 
 clusion on the subject was already foregone. Bishop 
 Strachan, however, gallantly stood in the breach. He had 
 nailed hi&.colours to the mast. 
 
 The BHl for secvilariziug the Clergy Reserves being 
 introduced by Hon. L. T. Drummond, on October 19th, 
 1854, a meeting- of the Synod of the Diocese of Toronto, 
 was summoned to take the subject into consideration, 
 when the following resolution was adopted : — 
 
 " The Lord Bishop, Clergy and Lay Delegates of the 
 United Church of England and Ireland, in the Province 
 of Canada "West, in Synod duly assembled at Toronto, on 
 Thursday, the 26th day of October, A. D. 1854, hereby 
 solemnly protest against the enactment of a certain 
 measure now before the Legislative Assembly of this Pro- 
 vince, having for its avowed object to dispossess the said 
 church and other religious bodies in this Province, of all 
 the right and title to the benefit and proceeds arising out
 
 650 
 
 of the lauds formerly set apart by the Crown for the sup- 
 port of a Protestant Clergy, and which benefit and pro- 
 ceeds were still further guaranteed by the Imperial Act of 
 1840." 
 
 The Synod further resolved not to send any deputation 
 to make representations on the subject before Parliament, 
 as useless, the thing being determined upon. They rather 
 left it with their friends in the Houses of Parliament to 
 make the best terms possible by way of indemnifying the 
 church, for the spoliation to which they thought she was 
 being subjected. One feature of the situation at least was 
 hopeful : the final disposing of the question was in the 
 hands of the old-time champions of the rights of the 
 churches of England and Scotland. 
 
 Hon. John A. Macdonald moved the House into com- 
 mittee on the Bill, 31st October, 1854, and explained its 
 features. The Coalition Ministry had the support of the 
 Globe in their general policy ; and Hon. G-eorge Brown at 
 once signified his approval of the principle of the measure, 
 although objecting to some of its features, — the commuta- 
 tion clause, for one. At a subsequent stage, he empha- 
 
 
 sized these objections, the occasion being the pi^JIntation 
 of the following Memorial against commutation : — 
 
 " The Memorial of the Niagara Annual Conference of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church in Canada, in Conference aBsembled, 
 
 " Humbly Shewetu : — 
 
 " That your memorialists, in co-operating with others, their fellow- 
 subjects, to obtain the secularization of the Clergy Reserves, wore actuated 
 by a conviction, that all appropriations by the State, forming a fund for 
 the support of the Ministry of the Lord in the churches of Christ, are detri- 
 mental to the interests of our Holy Religion, retarding its progress, relax- 
 ing its discipline, and causing invidious distinctions among those who, 
 otherwise, might respect each other, and labour together cordially in the 
 common cause. 
 
 " It is, therefore, with no small degree of disappointment and surprise 
 that your memorialists find, after years of painful and protracted effort, 
 and on the very eve of the attainment of this much desired object, that
 
 651 
 
 the Act of the Legislature providing for the final adjustment of this 
 question, has incorporated therewith a clause for commuting with the 
 churches, or which, in the opinion of your memorialists, amounts to the 
 same thing with the individuals authorized by their respective churches, 
 thereby providing for the perpetuity of this very evil which is ostensibly 
 sought by the Act itself to be abolished ; for really your memorialists can 
 see no difference in regard to the principle and effect of the thing, between 
 having the churches supported directly from the avails of the lands them- 
 selves, and the endowments created by the funding of the sums paid over 
 to the several stipendiaries as provided for by the Act, 
 " KlLWOHTH, C. W., 
 
 " 21st May, 1855." 
 
 Mr. Brown moved, 23r(i April, 1855, the reference of 
 this memorial and other petitions sent to the House 
 against the commutation clause of the Bill to a committee, 
 and suppor tedtheir general views in an elaborate speech. 
 He and his friends had hitherto advocated commutation, in 
 order to get rid at once of a connection between the Grov- 
 ernment and any of the clergy in Canada ; but what they 
 wished was, that the commutation should be with the 
 individual clergymen, and not with the churches. There 
 was an obvious objection to this, however, — what security 
 could the country or government have that clergymen 
 when they received their allowance for life would con- 
 tinue in the discharge of their clerical duties, or even 
 remain in the country ? Hon. John A. Macdonald thus 
 put the matter, in answer to Mr. Brown : 
 
 "The arrangement was in all cases made with individual clergymen, 
 but as a security that they should not take the money and desert their 
 labours, they were required to show that the body to which they belonged 
 was willing that they should commute." 
 
 Hon. Francis Hincks, speaking of the opposition mani- 
 fested to the measure of endowment implied in the pro- 
 visions of the Bill, said : 
 
 " Who was going to give this endowment ? Why, the Clergy them- 
 selves, and their conduct ought to command the admiration of tlie com-
 
 652 
 
 munity. It was an act of generosity, such as was rarely heard of, for 
 they left themselves by doing so, entirely in the liands of the church 
 society for the means of subsistence." 
 
 The Bill became law, May 9tli, 1885, with the commut- 
 ation clause intact: "The commutation is to be made 
 according to the probable expectation of life." 
 
 The following were the ministers connected with the 
 Church of Scotland who commuted, — with their ages, 
 and the amounts which were paid over to the Synod on 
 their account : — 
 
 Anderson, Rev. 
 
 Anderson, " 
 
 Bain, " 
 
 Barclay, " 
 
 Barr, 
 
 Bell, 
 
 Bell, 
 
 Bell, 
 
 Bell, 
 
 Burnett, " 
 
 Campbell, " 
 
 Colquhoun, " 
 
 Cook, 
 
 Davidson, " 
 
 Dobie, 
 
 Evans, •' 
 
 Ferguson, " 
 
 Fraser, " 
 
 George, " 
 
 Gibson, 
 
 Gregor, " 
 
 Haig, 
 
 Johnson, " 
 
 Johneon, •' 
 
 King, 
 
 Lewis, " 
 
 Lindsay, " 
 
 Machar, " 
 
 Macdonnell, " 
 
 Mair, 
 
 Mann, " 
 
 James age, 
 
 Joseph " 
 
 William " 
 
 John " 
 
 "William " 
 
 William .... " 
 
 Andrew " 
 
 William .... " 
 
 George " 
 
 Robert " 
 
 John " 
 
 Archd " 
 
 John, D. D.. " 
 
 John •' 
 
 Robert " 
 
 David " 
 
 Peter " 
 
 Thomas .... " 
 
 James " 
 
 Hamilton ..." 
 
 Colin " 
 
 Thomas " 
 
 Thomas " 
 
 William " 
 
 William " 
 
 Alexander . . " 
 
 Petor " 
 
 John, D. D... " 
 
 George " 
 
 William " 
 
 Alexander. . . " 
 
 57 amount, 
 
 59 
 
 40 " 
 
 41 
 
 36 
 
 75 
 
 51 
 
 44 
 
 35 
 
 31 
 
 35 
 
 50 
 
 49 
 
 43 
 
 27 " 
 
 62 
 
 58 
 
 62 " 
 
 54 
 
 43 
 
 47 
 
 38 
 
 61 
 
 31 
 
 66.. .. 
 
 63 
 
 34 
 
 57 
 
 43 
 
 56 
 
 54 " 
 
 £1527 GO 
 1441 10 
 1998 00 
 1981 10 
 2071 10 
 
 837 00 
 1734 00 
 1920 00 
 2088 00 
 2148 00 
 2088 00 
 1768 10 
 1785 00 
 1932 00 
 2200 10 
 1372 10 
 1489 10 
 1372 10 
 1367 10 
 1932 00 
 1849 10 
 2037 00 
 1386 00 
 2148 00 
 
 802 00 
 1296 00 
 2097 00 
 1527 00 
 1932 00 
 1560 00 
 1641 00
 
 653 
 
 Mathieson, Rev. Alex. D.D .age, 58 amount, 
 
 McClatchey 
 
 McEwen, 
 
 McGill, 
 
 McKenzie, 
 
 McKerras, 
 
 McKid, 
 
 McLaurin, 
 
 McLean, 
 
 " George 
 
 " William 
 
 " Robert, D.D.. 
 
 " John 
 
 " John H 
 
 " Alexander .. 
 
 " John 
 
 " Aeneas 
 
 McLennan, " Kenneth 
 
 McMorine, " John 
 
 McMurchy, " John.... 
 
 McPherson, " Thomas 
 Merlin, 
 Morrison, 
 
 Morrison, 
 
 Mow at, 
 
 Muir, 
 
 Munro, 
 
 Mylne, 
 
 Neill, 
 
 Paul, 
 
 Porter, 
 
 Robb, 
 
 Ross, 
 
 Scott, 
 
 Shanks, 
 
 Simpson, 
 
 Skinner, 
 
 Smith, 
 
 Spence, 
 
 lituart, 
 
 Sym, 
 
 Tawse, 
 
 Thom, 
 
 Thomson, 
 
 Urquhart, 
 
 Wallace, 
 
 Watson, 
 
 Weir, 
 
 Whyte, 
 
 Williamson 
 
 " John " 
 
 " Duncan " 
 
 " Thomas " 
 
 " JohnB " 
 
 " James C " 
 
 " Donald " 
 
 " Solomon .... " 
 
 " Robert " 
 
 " James T " 
 
 " Samuel " 
 
 " John " 
 
 " Alexander... " 
 
 " ThomasJ " 
 
 " David " 
 
 " William " 
 
 " John, D.D... " 
 
 " JohnM " 
 
 " Alexander. . . " 
 
 " James " 
 
 " Frederick P . " 
 
 " John " 
 
 " James " 
 
 " George " 
 
 " Hugh " 
 
 " Alexander... " 
 
 " David " 
 
 " George " 
 
 " John " 
 
 " James " 
 
 Being a sum altogether of £127,448 5s 
 
 46 
 
 52 
 
 56 
 
 64 
 
 22 
 
 50 
 
 42 
 
 49 
 
 22 
 
 56 .... . 
 
 53 
 
 52 
 
 72 
 
 39 
 
 30 
 
 29 
 
 56 
 
 66 
 
 31 
 
 52 
 
 45 
 
 45 
 
 50 
 
 60 
 
 41 
 
 53 
 
 48 
 
 50 
 
 33 
 
 50 
 
 39 
 
 26 
 
 56 
 
 56 
 
 49 
 
 61 
 
 36 
 
 30 
 
 29 
 
 32 
 
 48 
 
 or 1509,792. 
 
 £1489 10 
 1250 00 
 1699 10 
 1560 00 
 1275 00 
 2257 10 
 1768 10 
 1959 00 
 1785 00 
 2257 10 
 1560 00 
 1672 10 
 1699 10 
 952 10 
 2017 10 
 2160 00 
 2173 10 
 1560 00 
 1203 00 
 2148 00 
 1699 10 
 1891 10 
 1891 10 
 1768 10 
 1414 10 
 1981 10 
 1672 10 
 1825 10 
 1768 10 
 1768 15 
 1768 10 
 2017 10 
 2212 10 
 1560 00 
 1560 00 
 1785 00 
 1386 00 
 2071 10 
 2160 00 
 1811 05 
 2134 10 
 1521 05
 
 654 
 
 The method of commutation was this : Taking the 
 average duration of life as it was proved at Carlisle, 
 Euffland, Mr. Anderson, the first name mentioned in the 
 above list, being 57, he might be expected to live 16.21 
 years. So the problem to be solved was to find out 
 what the present worth was of $300 paid half yearly, for 
 16.21 years. It was found that paying him 10.18 years' 
 allowance down was equivalent to giving him $300 every 
 six months for 16.21 years. He accordingly got ^£152*7 or 
 $6108. And so with all the rest. 
 
 The amount per annum at which each minister's allow- 
 ance was rated was i^lSO or $600. There were several 
 exceptions, however, to this, in the above list. Mr, King 
 and Mr. McClatchey, for instance, were allowed only 
 iJlOO each, because that was the sum formerly granted 
 them, as members of the United Synod of Upper Canada. 
 And each of the Professors in Queen's College commuted 
 at <£125, because the institution had been accustomed to 
 get a round sum of <£500 — this divided between four 
 Professors gave each .£125 or $500. Besides the above 
 IS ministers, there were 13 others who ought to have 
 been allowed to commute. They were ministers of the 
 church at the time the Bill secularizing the reserves be- 
 came law ; but the Government did a very shabby thing 
 in its treatment of them. They had been inducted into 
 charges after May 9th, 1853, the day on which the Im- 
 perial Act empowering the Canadian Legislature to 
 dispose of the Clergy Reserves, had received the Royal 
 assent ; and because technically the life rights of those 
 settled in charges at that moment only were reserved by 
 the British authorities, the Canadian Parliament, in utter 
 disregard of the spirit and intention of the Imperial Act, 
 in the pettiest way refused to accord them life rights, 
 when every sentiment of justice, not to say of generosity, 
 claimed for them the same rights as those were allowed
 
 655 
 
 who had been previously inducted. The British Parlia- 
 ment, in commuting the life claims of the Irish Epis- 
 copal and Presbyterian Churches, proceeded in a juster, 
 not to say more handsome spirit, although it was alleged 
 the authorities were imposed upon by a sudden swelling 
 of the ranks of the Episcopal clergy immediately before 
 commuta:ion. But no tricks of this kind were attempted 
 by the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with 
 the Church of Scotland. Those thirteen gentleman were 
 bond fide, well equipped Clergymen, regularly inducted. 
 However, it did not matter, so far as the aggregate allow- 
 ance to the church was concerned ; although it mattered 
 to those individual clergymen. They have ever since 
 been accorded special rights as privileged gentlemen — 
 but these they obtained through the grace of the coija- 
 muting ministers — they have not a legal right to the 
 $400 equal in value to the rights the commutors have to 
 their |450 a year. 
 
 However, if their claim had been allowed, the other 
 ministers would have had to commute for a less sum than 
 .£150 each, — and the result would have been the same to 
 the Temporalities Fund. For it was the aggregate income 
 from the Clergy Reserves, falling to the share of the 
 Church of Scotland, in 1853, that was made the dividend 
 in computing what the rights of the ministers for that 
 year were — the divisor was the number of ministers 
 entitled to draw from the fund. The Clergy Reserve Com- 
 missioners had it in their power to spend every dollar of 
 each year's income upon the ministers in office during 
 such year, — indeed the clergy had a strictly legal right to 
 have the entire sum coming into the hands of the com- 
 missioners, distributed. This fact was at last admitted ; 
 but there was a good deal of difficulty in obtaining a 
 proper understanding of the matter ; and the newspapers 
 opposed to commutation had severe but unjust criticisms
 
 656 
 
 of the trausactious involved in eflfectiug the arrangements 
 with the G-overnment. 
 
 The following documents are of historic value, as show- 
 ing the principles according to which commutation was 
 effected. Everything was narrowly enquired into by the 
 Grovernment : — 
 
 " At Quebec, the 22nd day of February, 1855, on which 
 day the commissioners appointed by the Synod of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, to negotiate with the G-overnment, a 
 commutation of the allowances of the ministers from the 
 Clergy Reserves Fund, met, and the commission was con- 
 stituted. 
 
 Present : 
 * The Rev. John Cook, D.D., convener. 
 
 " " Alexander Mathieson, D.D. 
 The Hon. Thomas McKay. 
 Hugh Allan, Esq. 
 Inter alia. 
 
 " Drs. Mathieson and Cook, and Mr. Allan, stated that 
 they had yesterday waited on the Hon. the Inspector- 
 G-eneral, and the Hon. Attorney-G-eneral for Canada West, 
 and received from them the copy of the table, according 
 to which it is proposed to value the life interest of 
 the ministers of the church, on the stipends payable to 
 them from the Clergy Reserve Fund, and to which the 
 faith of the Crown is pledged, and further, that in reply 
 to a question put to the Attorney-General, he stated that 
 the revenues of 1853 would be the basis of commutation, 
 and the commissioners having duly considered the pro- 
 posal of the Government, thus made known to them, did 
 and hereby do resolve on the part of the Synods to sanction 
 commutation on the terms specified, and they did and do 
 hereby intimate this decision to the Rev. John Cook, D.D.,
 
 657 
 
 one of their number, whereby he became authorized and 
 empowered, in virtue of a resolution passed by the Synod 
 on the 15th January, 1855, to endorse and acquit to the 
 several powers of attorney from individual members in 
 behalf of the Synod. 
 
 " I do hereby certify that the above in this and in the 
 preceding page, is a true and faithful extract from the 
 minutes of the commission. 
 
 "(Signed), 
 
 "John Cook, D.D. 
 
 " Quebec, 23rd Feb., 1855." 
 
 " Quebec, 23rd March, 1855. 
 " Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that I am prepared to commute 
 with Government the salaries of the ministers of the Church of Scotland 
 in this Province, whose names and ages are contained in the enclosed list, 
 and respectfully to request that such commutation may be effected at your 
 earliest convenience. 
 
 " I have, &c., 
 
 " (Signed), John Cook. 
 
 " The Hon. Inspector-General." 
 
 The following is the ofl5.cial reply : — 
 
 " Inspector-General's Office, 
 
 " Quebec, 27th March, 1855. 
 " Sir, — In acknowledging the receipt of your letter without date, 
 addressed to the Inspector-General, informing him that you are prepared 
 to commute with Government the salaries of the ministers of the Church 
 of Scotland, in this Province, whose names and ages are contained in the 
 list enclosed. 
 
 " It is observed that the amount of stipends opposite each name in the 
 list, except the three last, is £150, and for the last three, £125 each, which 
 amounts exceed considerably the stipends of the ministers of the Church 
 of Scotland, paid for the year 1853, as returned by Hugh Allan, Esq., 
 secretary to the Board of Commissioners of the Synod of Canada, in con- 
 nection with the Church of Scotland. 
 
 " The Inspector-General is desirous of receiving from you, some explana- 
 tion as to the excess of stipends now returned by you. 
 
 '• I have, &c., 
 
 " (Signed), Jos. Gary, 
 
 " Dep. I. G. 
 "Rev. J. Cook, D.D." 
 
 R R
 
 658 
 
 This brought the following answer : — 
 
 " Quebec, 30th April, 1855. 
 "Sir,— In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of date 27th March, 
 expressing the desiro of the Hon. Inspector-General, to receive from me 
 some explanation as to the excess of stipend of ministers of the Church of 
 Scotland, returned by me, over that returned for 1855, by Hugh Allan, 
 Esquire, secretary to the Clergy Reserve Commissioners, I have the honor 
 to state, that having applied for the necessary information to the Board 
 of Clergy Reserve Commissioners, I have received from Hew Ramsay, 
 Esq., acting-secretary, the enclosed letter, with a minute of the Board, 
 and a statement appended thereunto, both regularly attested by the chair- 
 man, and which 1 now enclose to you, to be laid before the Inspector- 
 General. 
 
 " I have, &.C., 
 
 " (Signed), John Cook. 
 
 " Jos. Gary, Esq." 
 
 " At a meeting of the Clergy Reserves Commissioners, 
 held at the Treasurer's office, on the 24th day of April, 
 1855, 
 
 Present : 
 Rev. Dr. Mathieson, in the chair. 
 Hon. P. McG-ill. 
 Mr. John Smith. 
 Mr. Wm. Edmonstone. 
 Mr. Hew Ramsay. 
 
 The chairman laid before the Board a letter from the Rev. 
 Dr. CoQk, enclosing a letter from Mr. Cary, Deputy 
 Inspector-G-eneral, expressing the desire of the Honorable 
 the Inspector-Greneral, to receive some explanation as to 
 the excess of stipends of the ministers of the church as 
 returned by him and that returned by Mr. Hugh Allan, 
 secretary to the Clergy Reserve Fund, and requesting the 
 Board to furnish the required explanations ; whereupon 
 the chairman was requested to transmit the following 
 statement to Dr. Cook, in name and by authority of the 
 Board, and to desire him to give the same to Mr. Cary,
 
 659 
 
 without delay, to be laid before the Honorable the 
 Inspector-General. 
 
 " The principle adopted by the Clergy Reserves Com- 
 missioners in the distribution of the revenues entrusted 
 to them, has been from the beginning of the trust, to 
 divide as nearly as may be the revenue of each year 
 among the ministers of that year, retaining only what 
 was necessary to ensure regularity of payment, and to 
 meet contingencies, for which course they obtained the 
 sanction of a legal opinion from Mr. Attorney-G-eneral 
 Draper and Mr. Attorney-Greneral Smith. The statement 
 appended will show that this principle has been adhered 
 to as closely as circumstances would admit, except in two 
 instances, when the revenue was unusually large and the 
 list of ministers unusually small,in consequence of a seces- 
 sion from the church, and the departure of a number of 
 ministers to fill vacant charges in Scotland. 
 
 " Anticipating a gradual supply of ministers, it was 
 thought inexpedient to distribute the whole sum in these 
 years, and the balance retained is being gradually appro- 
 priated to the purposes of the trust, by giving assistance 
 to congregations in building manses, and buying glebes, 
 by which not only the present ministers are benefited, 
 but their successors will be also. 
 
 " The return for 1853, printed in the Public Accounts, 
 shews the payments made by the secretary before the 
 amount of the revenue for that year was known, and 
 which the commissioners did not consider themselves 
 justified to make larger than those of the preceding year, 
 till that revenue was known. That revenue, when re- 
 ceived would, if fully distributed, have given .£156 5s. to 
 every minister on the list for 1853, as would also the 
 revenue of 1854. The commissioners, in making the stipend 
 for each of the years, i. e., 1853 and 1854, =£150, have only 
 followed their general principle of distribution, as will
 
 H60 
 
 appear from the statement hereto annexed, and which 
 they believe to be both just and legal. 
 
 •' In these circumstances the Board can entertain no 
 doubt of the rights of the ministers of the church to com- 
 mute for stipends of «£150 a year. Even in that case the 
 ministers do not derive any benefit in the commutation 
 from the considerable sum v^^hich has been retained for 
 contingencies, and for ensuring regularity of payments, 
 vs'^hich yet the Board cannot but think that they ought, in 
 all fairness, to do. 
 
 " Extracted from the minute-book by 
 
 " (Signed), Hew Ramsay, 
 
 " Actg-secretary. 
 " A true extract. 
 
 " (Signed), Alex. Mathieson, D.D., 
 
 " Chairman of the Board of Clergy Res. Comrs." 
 
 Here follows the statement referred to : — 
 
 " Receipts and payments of the Clergy Reserves Com- 
 missioners — (the sums paid in each year being on account 
 of the year preceding, shillings and pence omitted.) 
 
 " Total amount received in 1846, £5,330. Total paid, £4,703, paid to each 
 minister, £113. 
 
 In 1847 received £9561, paid £3137— each minister £ 77 
 
 1848 
 
 8203 
 
 <c 
 
 7406 
 
 «( 
 
 « 
 
 80 
 
 1849 
 
 6946 
 
 (( 
 
 3802 
 
 « 
 
 <( 
 
 80 
 
 1850 
 
 6354 
 
 (1 
 
 3914 
 
 K 
 
 u 
 
 80 
 
 1851 
 
 7947 
 
 l( 
 
 6262 
 
 « 
 
 (1 
 
 112 
 
 1852 
 
 7959 
 
 (1 
 
 6724 
 
 It 
 
 (( 
 
 112 
 
 1853 
 
 7382 
 
 (( 
 
 7097 
 
 H 
 
 l< 
 
 112 
 
 1854 
 
 11260 
 
 (( 
 
 10905 
 
 |( 
 
 « 
 
 150 
 
 1855 
 
 12918 
 
 « 
 
 11204 
 
 (( 
 
 « 
 
 150 
 
 " In 1852, £9000 of the amount accumulated was appropriated for manses 
 and glebes, and in 1853, £3000 for the same object. 
 
 " (Signed), Alex. Mathieson, D.D., 
 
 " Chairman of the Board of Clergy Reserves Commissioners."
 
 661 
 
 All the ministers did not agree to commute at first. 
 Some of them would have preferred individual commuta- 
 tion, had this been allowed them, as the following corres- 
 pondence shows : — 
 
 " Galt, 1st January, 1855. 
 " Honorable Sir, — Being an incumbent of the Cliurch of Scotland at 
 Gait, in Canada West, consequently affected in my rights by the Bill secu- 
 larizing the Clergy Reserves in Canada, and fully disposd to avail myself' 
 of the commutation clause, I therefore beg leave to inquire whether the 
 Government are willing to commute with me as an individual, or must 
 applications be first sanctioned by our church ? 
 
 " I write this with the concurrence of several of my brethren in this 
 section of our country, who are equally interested, and desirous of inform- 
 ation on the subject. May I presume to ask the favour of an immediate 
 answer. 
 
 " I remain. &c., 
 
 " (Signed), H. Gibson, 
 
 " Minister. 
 " The Hon. P. J. 0. Chauveau." 
 
 Which brought this reply : — 
 
 " Secretary's Office, 
 
 " Quebec, 24th January, 1855. 
 " Rev. Sir, — I am commanded by the Governor-General to inform you, 
 in reply to your letter of the 1st inst., that His Excellency is advised that 
 the Government cannot entertain applications for commutation from indi- 
 vidual ministers, unless the consent of the church to which they belong 
 shall have been first obtained. 
 
 " I have, &c., 
 
 " (Signed), P. J. 0. Chauveau. 
 
 " The Rev, H. Gibson, Gait." 
 
 The Rev. "William Johnson, then of Saltfleet and Bin- 
 brook, wrote in similar terms to Mr. Chauveau, and 
 received a similar answer. All the ministers finally fell 
 in with the scheme, except Rev. P. McNaughton, of 
 Pickering. 
 
 Dr. Cook raised a new question : — 
 
 " QuEBKc, 1st June, 1855. 
 " Sir, — I have the honor to represent to you that, in addition to the list 
 of ministers I have already given in, there are thirteen ordained since the
 
 662 
 
 9th of May, 1853, and whose stipends I am also desirous to commute, I 
 beg very respectfully to inquire if these may be joined with the other « 
 ministers in the commutation about to be effected- 
 
 " 1 have, &c., 
 
 " (Signed), John Cook. 
 
 ' The Hon. Wm. Cay ley." 
 
 The Government declined to entertain the application : 
 
 " Inspector-General's Office, 
 
 " Quebec, 20th June, 1855. 
 
 " Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 1st 
 instant, addressed to the Inspector-General, stating that, in addition to 
 the list of ministers already given in by 5ou, there are thirteen ordained 
 since 9th May, 1855, and whose stipend you are desirous to commute, and 
 inquiring whether these may be joined with the other ministers in the 
 commutation about to be effected. 
 
 " In answer, I am directed by the Inspector-General to inform you that, 
 ministers ordained since 9th May, 1853, cannot be admitted to commute 
 their stipend. 
 
 " I have, &c., 
 
 " (Signed), Jos- Cary, 
 
 " E«v. John Cook, D.D., 
 
 " Quebec." 
 
 " Dep. Insp.-Gen. 
 
 There was also a higgling over other names, -which drew 
 forth the following letter from Sir Hugh Allan : — 
 
 "Montreal, 26th June, 1855. 
 
 " Sib, — At tlie request of the Rev. Dr. Cook, I write to explain why the 
 names of the Rev. Dr. Skinner, of London, Canada West, the Rev. P. 
 Lindsay, of Richmond, and the Rev. George Weir, of Kingston, returned 
 by me as inducted into our church previous to the 9th of May, 1853, do 
 not appear in the returns sent to you for the first half of that year. And 
 I beg to remark, that in order to give me time to make up my statement 
 for the half yearly payments, the Presbytery clerks make their returns 
 usually about the 10th May, and 10th November in each half year. 
 
 " As the two former of these ministers were inducted on the 1st May, it 
 has been very usual not to return them, in such circumstances, until the 
 following half year.
 
 663 
 
 In this case, such was the fact, and the Rev. Mr. Weir, who is one of the 
 professors of Queen's College, was engaged in Scotland, and paid out of 
 the grant to College Professors, which accounts for his name not appear- 
 ing. 
 
 I am, &c., 
 
 (Signed) HUGH ALLAN. 
 
 Jos. Gary, 
 
 Deputy Inspector-General." 
 
 The position of Queen's College towards the fund was 
 peculiar. 
 
 It had been getting ^£500 currency a year from the Clergy 
 Reserves Commissioners. The Government, however, had 
 never recognized the institution as a beneficiary, and so it 
 could not be asked to commute the claims of the college. 
 The most it could do would be to commute with the four 
 individual professors at <£112 10s. each. This was on the 
 whole better for the college. For, if the Government had 
 commuted with the institution, it would have done so on 
 the basis of a twenty years' purchase, as the Act, 18 Yict., 
 cap. 2, provided. The <£700 sterling, formerly paid to the 
 Wesleyan Methodist church, was thus commuted for 
 .£8,029 18s. lOd. sterling, and the .£1,400 sterling, hitherto 
 given to the Roman Catholic diocese of Kingston, in like 
 manner, was commuted on the basis of a twenty years' 
 allowance, yielding =£20,932 15s. currency. Had Queen's 
 college been put on this footing, it would have been 
 entitled to only |22,966, but the commutation of the 
 individual professors' rights, brought $25,8*75 into the 
 Temporalities Fund. But, of course, this entire sum was 
 supposed to be exhausted, principal and interest, with the 
 lives of those individual professors ; so that in strict jus- 
 tice the college should have ceased to draw from the fund 
 after they were gone. The sum they brought into the 
 fund was not suj6B.cient for a perpetual endowment at 
 6 per cent. The amount required to yield $2000 a year, 
 was $33,333. The Synod, however, with great liberality,
 
 664 
 
 resolved afterwards to make the $2,000 permanent, 
 always assuming that there were funds sufficient, first, 
 to secure the commuting and privileged ministers their 
 full annuities. 
 
 The Grovernment brought no influence to bear in favour 
 of commutation by churches ; every individual minister 
 was left free to remain a beneficiary of the Government 
 for life. The arguments for commutation came from the 
 churches. They brought influence to bear upon the indi- 
 vidual clergymen to induce them to accept it. Confining 
 our attention to the Church of Scotland, the resolution of 
 those 73 men, to commute, must ever redound to their 
 credit ; for what did it mean ? It meant a surrender for 
 life of $150 a year, which they might have insisted upon 
 receiving from the Grovernment, if they had remained its 
 beneficiaries, over and above the |450, which they agreed 
 to take from the church. That all the ministers of the 
 Synod, except one, rose superior to the temptation which 
 the situation involved, shows that they were men of gen- 
 erous minds, who placed the public interests of their 
 church before their private advantage. And to Rev. Dr. 
 Cook, of Quebec, who acted as attorney for the ministers, 
 in the premises, was special praise due in this connection. 
 His influence with the individual clergymen helped great- 
 ly to bring about commutation. 
 
 A great deal could be said in favour of it. In one sense, 
 it was no hardship to accept $450 a year in future, instead 
 of $600, which was now within their reach, since, as a 
 matter of fact, the largest sum they had ever received, at 
 least in the way of stipend, from the Clergy Reserves, was 
 $450. And, then, there was this that could be said in favour 
 of their being beneficiaries of the church, rather than of the 
 Government, that when they retired, from old age or in- 
 firmity, they would be allowed still their $450 a year from 
 the fund, in the hands of the church, whereas the Govern-
 
 665 
 
 ment afforded no pensions to disabled clergymen. This 
 was the state of the case, as between the two alternatives 
 provided for by the Clergy Reserves Act. For commuta- 
 tion by the Government, with individual clergymen met 
 with no countenance from the churches ; and, without 
 their approbation the statute rendered procedure on that 
 line impossible. 
 
 And even had individual commutation been allowable, 
 the massing together of their capital would still be clearly 
 their best policy. By commutation they became a mutual 
 assurance company. Intelligent men could see that 
 $507,000 was much better security for their annuities, 
 than a sum varying from |2,500 to $8,000. And, as a 
 matter of fact, many of the ministers outlived the length 
 of time at which their lives were estimated by the Grov- 
 ernment ; and they would have exhausted their share of 
 the capital, principal and interest, long before their death, 
 even had they invested it with prudence, and been con- 
 tent to take only $450 a year out of it. 
 
 That memorial of the Episcopal Methodists against the 
 commutation clause of the Clergy Reserves Bill, manifested 
 entire ignorance of the principles on which it was pro- 
 posed to eflfect commutation ; and even much of the writ- 
 ing in the newspapers at the time misapprehended the 
 nature of the transaction. The Bill did not provide an 
 endowment for the churches concerned, as the objectors 
 assumed. All that it did was to secure the fulfilment of 
 the reservation made in the Imperial Act, in favour of 
 clergymen, settled on the expectation and promise of re- 
 ceiving stipends for life from the revenue of the Clergy 
 Reserves lands. The terms of commutation assumed that 
 it was all the same financially, to the Government whether 
 these clergymen continued for life beneficiaries of the 
 Crown, or agreed to accept a lump sum in lieu of all claims. 
 On the whole, the voice of the country favoured the latter
 
 666 
 
 plan, as involving the least complication of the political 
 situation, and securing at once and for ever the removal of 
 " all semblance of connection between church and state." 
 But Parliament did not intend to take a single dollar more 
 out of the Treasury of the country to pay over to clergy- 
 men, by the one method than by the other. In both cases, 
 it was assumed that when the last minister was dead, the 
 last dollar provided for his support from the Clergy 
 Reserves should also be spent. And had the 73 ministers 
 of the Church of Scotland insisted upon taking the $600 
 a year, which they might with a good conscience have 
 done, to all human seeming, based upon past experience, 
 the last dollar of the Temporalities Fund would be spent 
 with the decease of the last of these gentlemen. This 
 feature of the transaction was overlooked by the Episcopal 
 Methodists ; and, what is of more consequence, was after- 
 wards very largely overlooked by the church concerned, 
 in its management of the Commutation Fund. The most 
 absurd expectations were formed, at least, in later days, of 
 what might be looked for from it. It was a very common 
 thing to hear it spoken of as an endowment, when it was 
 nothing of the kind. Before the Temporalities Fund was 
 two years old, every dollar of it, principal and interest, 
 was pledged for the ministerial stipends. The total en- 
 dowment created by the surrender of $150 a year, by each 
 of the 73 ministers was $120,858 ; and they burdened it at 
 once with the claims of the eleven gentlemen settled sifter 
 May 9th, 1853, and before the passing of the Secularization 
 Bill, amounting to $60,772, which left a margin of only 
 $60,086. The first twenty-six non-privileged ministers, 
 whose names were added to the list of beneficiaries as 
 entitled to receive $200 a year, exhausted this balance, — 
 mortgaging the whole fund, principal and interest. And 
 yet the Synod, with a sublime simplicity and confidence, 
 went on, year after year, adding names to the list of bene-
 
 667 
 
 ficiaries ; and, besides, laid down a rule that only the 
 interest of the fund should be used. For a time, events so 
 occurred as to let the ministers go on in blissful innocence, 
 feeling that this fund was an endowment. The Grovern- 
 ment estimated that money was worth six per cent., taking 
 one year with another, extending over a period covering 
 the lives of the stipendiaries. The justness of their esti- 
 mate has been borne out by the thirty-two years that have 
 since elapsed ; but seeing that the value of money is every 
 year depreciating, the probability is that, before the period 
 is completed, it will be seen that the estimate was too 
 high. But through that inflation of business, soon after, 
 which followed the opening of the Grand Trunk Railway, 
 and the inauguration of the Reciprocity Treaty, the value 
 of bank stocks, and other securities in which the fund was 
 invested, suddenly rose, and the money yielded far more 
 than six per cent. A great mortality among commuting 
 ministers soon after commutation also greatly helped 
 the fund at first. These facts blinded the Synod, and 
 apparently Ihe Temporalities Board, too, to the real 
 situation. They legislated on the supposition that money 
 was worth more than six per cent. ; they ought to have 
 known better than to suppose that the Government 
 had given them a present of two or three per cent, in the 
 commutation calculations. The day of reckoning had to 
 come, and come it did, with a vengeance. If the church 
 put its money into trade, as it virtually did, when it invest- 
 ed in bank stocks, it had to take all the risks of trade with 
 its profits. Indeed, it was taking the risks while agreeing 
 to accept only a limited share of the profits, — the balance 
 of the profits going into the pockets of those who traded 
 with its money, as the customers of the banks. The fund 
 lost by the failure of the Commercial Bank, in 1866, at one 
 swoop, 196,000,— by the Merchants' Bank, in 187V, $25,000 
 — and by the Consolidated Bank in 1879, $33,143, — a total
 
 668 
 
 of 1154,143. This was the penalty of going into invest- 
 ments that promised high interest. In the long run, the 
 fund would have been better off, if the management had 
 been content to take six per cent, in some better security. 
 For one thing it would have compelled them to adminis- 
 ter the fund in accordance with the principles on which 
 it was founded — they would have been obliged to broach 
 on the capital from the beginning for the payment of even 
 the commuting ministers — for the stipends of those *73 
 ministers, even at the reduced rate, exceeded the interest 
 of the entire capital, at six per cent., by $2,463 — which 
 would, in that event, have had to. be taken from the 
 capital. 
 
 But even the tremendous losses whic^h the management 
 had incurred did not waken up the church to a correct 
 appreciation of the capabilities of the Temporalities fund. 
 The debates on the subject which took place in the Synod 
 in connection with the union proposals, and even resolu- 
 tions gravely passed by the Synod, displayed amazing 
 ignorance ; and the writer accepts his full share of censure 
 in this connection. He confesses that he had not the first 
 correct idea on the subject. The most extravagant notions 
 were cherished as to the uses to which the fund should 
 be put, when the claims of the ministers' stipends had 
 been fully met. The misconception arose from the habit 
 of the Synod's regarding the fund as an endowment, the 
 interest of which alone was to be employed — whereas the 
 entire fund was mortgaged, principal and interest, for the 
 commuting and privileged ministers, and the first twenty- 
 six non-privileged ones. The plan, finally hit upon, for 
 getting rid of the difficulty which arose in the Union 
 negotiations, as to what was to be done to provide for the 
 forty-three ministers in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, who, in 1875, were receiving $200 ayear from a 
 sustentation fund, provided by the voluntary contributions
 
 669 
 
 of the congregations belonging to that Church — namely 
 that the capital of tha Temporalities fund should be 
 intrenched upon, if necessary, to provide the allowance — 
 was deemed a happy one by the friends of Union, but it 
 was from the first, an implied condition that the capital 
 should be intrenched upon — the commuting ministers had 
 to receive the $450 — this was the fundamental principle 
 of the fund — but this condition could not be implemented 
 as the terms of commutation implied, without depleting 
 the capital. Already the fund was overburdened with 
 claimants who, if money should prove to be worth only 
 six per cent., would swallow up every dollar and cry for 
 more. There was, therefore, no room for others to scramble 
 on top of the pile, as the happy solution of the financial 
 problem, by the Synod of the Church of Scotland, told 
 them to do, and be content. 
 
 There was one man who had a glimmering of the true 
 state of the case, and who, in his own sphere, as a mem- 
 ber of the Temporalities Board, although not a member of 
 Synod, felt called upon to issue a note of warning. This 
 was William Darling. Not that he had been long enough 
 connected with the Board to be intimate with the history 
 of the Fund. He had not studied the manner in which 
 it had been originally constituted ; but, as an able finan- 
 cier he knew, in a general way, what its capabilities were ; 
 and he foresaw plainly the folly of the course taken by the 
 Synod in putting these new claimants upon the fund. 
 "When he found the capital diminishing rapidly, even so 
 early as 1880, and before the judgment of the Privy Council, 
 re Dobie, was given, he raised the alarm that the Fund was 
 in danger; and suggested that steps should at once be 
 taken to relieve it in some shape of a portion of the bur- 
 dens put upon it at the time of Union. He always took 
 the ground that the interests of the commuting ministers 
 should be held sacred ; and that whoever should suffer, not
 
 610 
 
 oue dollar ought to be withheld from them. He did not 
 think it was even right to suggest to them that they should 
 agree to surrender a part of their allowance, pro rata, with 
 the other classes of beneficiaries ; although some other 
 members of the Board held that it was the duty of the 
 Trustees to administer the fund in terms of the Union Act. 
 which gave all the ministers rights on the Fund — and 
 that if there was a reconsidering of the resolutions come 
 to in 18*75, that reconsideration should take cognizance of 
 the rights of the other classes of beneficiaries as well, — 
 and there ought to be a re-adjustment all round. When, 
 after the writer became a member of the Board, he ad- 
 dressed himself to master the problems which the admin- 
 istration of the Fund presented, and in the course of his 
 study of the subject recalled the attention of the Trustees 
 and beneficiaries to the real nature of the Fund, as from the 
 first easily exhausted, Mr. Darling was still more eager to 
 have a reconsideration of the Synod's act, in burdening the 
 fund as it did, by putting so many new beneficiaries on it. 
 And after Sir John A. Macdonald, from his seat in Parlia- 
 ment, once spoke in very strong terms of the injustice of 
 meddling with the guaranteed annuiteesofthe commuting 
 ministers, nothing could induce Mr. Darling to be a party 
 to any plan by which their rights should be in the slight- 
 est degree imperilled. He carried this feeling even to the 
 extent of being willing to do a manifest present injustice 
 to the other classes of beneficiaries, in order to guard 
 against the possibility of the commuting ministers suffer- 
 ing injustice in the future. For, while conceding that the 
 claims of the surviving creators of the fund are paramount, 
 it is equally true, that every dollar remaining after their 
 annuities are provided for, is mortgaged for the advantage 
 of the other beneficiaries, and no more should be reserved 
 for the commuters than is absolutely needed to protect 
 their rights. This has been the problem for the Board to
 
 6*71 
 
 deal with — how, while securing the position of the 
 privileged beneficiaries, to do justice to the others. They 
 took legal advice, and in pursuance of it resolved to reduce 
 the annuities of the non-privileged classes of beneficiaries, 
 by one half. This prudent course, although a bold one, 
 seeing that it was taken in the face of an Act of Parliament 
 that apparently left them no such discretionary power, 
 saved the fund from speedy extinction. In this way, 
 $38,308 was withheld up to 30th June last from the 
 ministers entitled to receive $200 a year from the fund, as 
 well as from those who were to get doubled annuities in 
 terms of the Union Act, and from Queen's College. The 
 Board are now proceeding with confidence in their admin- 
 istration, although they have added 50 per cent, to the 
 reduced annuities for a year past. First of all, the securities 
 are nearly all in first-class mortgages on real estate. From 
 the day Mr. Darling became chairman of the Board, not a 
 dollar of the fund was lost by unfortunate investments ; 
 for the Consolidated Bank stock was a very old investment, 
 which had not been converted. Then, secondly the Board, 
 by having before them from time to time, the advice of an 
 actuary, showing, on scientific principles, the capabilities 
 of the fund, know exactly what they are about. The old- 
 time panicky feeling, when everything was done at hap- 
 hazard, and there was a risk of doing injustice to the 
 parties whose property was being managed, has given 
 place to comfort and assurance. Enough of money will 
 always be kept reserved to provide for the commuting 
 and privileged ministers, first ; and, then, the balance will 
 be distributed prudently among the others having claims 
 on the fund. 
 
 "When the Board resolved to take the risk of reducing the 
 annuities, they, however, very properly placed on record 
 a resolution to make good the amounts thus withheld from 
 beneficiaries, to those beneficiaries or their heirs, as a first
 
 672 
 
 charge upou auy surplus that might be found hereafter 
 avaihible for such a purpose. The fairness of this resolu- 
 tion all will admit ; for it would be a serious wrong done 
 to the beneficiaries for the Board to retain for other pur- 
 poses, ranking after their claims in terms of the Union Act, 
 any of the moneys coming into their hands. What is the 
 probability that any of the Temporalities fund will ever be 
 available for those ulterior objects, mentioned in the Act? 
 There is very little, indeed. It will be by a miracle of 
 financiering, on the part of the Board, that such a desira- 
 ble result will be reached. At the first of May last, it 
 would have required |256,872, according to the Carlisle 
 tables of probable life, reckoning at 5 per cent, which is 
 the interest that can now be counted on, to provide for the 
 annuities of the ministers alone, not to speak of the $40,- 
 000 additional required to yield $2,000 a year to Queen's 
 College, and no insurance company would undertake to 
 provide the annuities for a sum of $296,872 — whereas the 
 market value of the securities held by the board was only 
 $267,960. 
 
 But as the lives of the beneficiaries in Canada have 
 proved less valuable than corresponding lives in Carlisle, 
 England, — and as the expense of administration of the 
 fund is much less than is involved in insurance com- 
 panies, and no profits have to be provided for, there is 
 still a possibility that the annuities to all the beneficiaries 
 and to Queen's College may yet be in time made good, 
 even if no object beyond shall profit by the fund. 
 
 The ministers throughout the country who were accus- 
 tomed to welcome Mr. Darling's signature on their half- 
 yearly cheques from the Temporalities Fund, and many 
 of whom were his correspondents, as well as his fellow- 
 citizens in Montreal, will be glad to see the accompanying 
 engraving of him, and to have a sketch of his life, which 
 has been reserved to this point in the narrative.
 
 WILLIAM DARLING.
 
 6Y3 
 
 Mr. Darling was born in the city of Edinburgh, Scot- 
 land, 1819, and came to this city when he was only 
 twenty years old. He first began a small commission 
 business for his father, who was a fancy goods merchant 
 in Edinburgh ; but after a year or two, struck out for 
 himself, and succeeded in building up the extensive 
 hardware trade which stands an honour to his enterprize 
 and business sagacity. He married Mary Davidson, of 
 Edinburgh, who survives him. Of the eight children, 
 two died in infancy, — two daughters grew to woman- 
 hood, one marrying Dr. Gr. T. Ross, of this city, but died 
 within a year of her wedded life, the other dying un- 
 married. Four sons grew up with their father's business, 
 and three of them continue in it, while the fourth, 
 Andrew, has become partner in a dry goods firm in 
 Toronto. H. "W. Darling, president of the Bank of Com- 
 merce, and Robert Darling, dry goods merchant, both of 
 Toronto, are younger brothers of Mr. Darling. William 
 Darling died, after a week's illness, of inflammation of 
 the lungs, November 1st, 1885. 
 
 The following account of the funeral services, which 
 were held November 4th, is taken from the Montreal 
 Herald of November 5th : — 
 
 " One of the largest funeral corteges that has been seen 
 in Montreal in many years was that which left the man- 
 sion of the late Mr. "William Darling, Bloomfield House, 
 Hochelaga, for St. G-abriel Presbyterian Church, where the 
 funeral services were conducted yesterday afternoon. 
 
 " Rev. J. B. Muir, M.A., of Huntingdon, a member of the 
 Widows' and Orphans' Board — with which the deceased 
 had been associated — conducted the devotional services at 
 the house by request. The Rev. H. J. Borthwick, of the 
 Episcopal Church, Hochelaga, read appropriate passages 
 of Scripture at the service in St. Gabriel Church, after 
 s s
 
 614 
 
 which Rev. R. Campbell, the pastor, delivered the follow- 
 ing address : — 
 
 Dear Friends and Fbllow-citizbns, — It is not the custom of Scottish 
 clergymen, when standing over the remains of deceased members of their 
 tlock, to speak of the character or hfe of the departed; but ho prominent 
 among his fellows was he whose dust now lies before us — .«o outstanding 
 were his qualities — that I may be justified in breaking the silence usual 
 on such occasions. I sjieak the things that I have known of my friend, 
 from an intimacy of upwards of eighteen years. Many of you had a much 
 longer acquaintance with him, and I am sure that my estimate of him will 
 be endorsed by those who have known him longest and be.st. A strong 
 man has fallen amongst us. Massiveness characterized him all round. 
 He was gifted with a splendid intellect, and his rare native powers were 
 cultured by much of the best reading and by reflection. He had a fund 
 of common sense which was quite uncommon. The clearness of his in- 
 sight was remarkable. His perceptions were as quick as they were trust- 
 worthy. I scarcely ever knew a person so entirely free from prejudice. 
 His mind was eminently judicial. He could see all around a question at 
 a glance. For a man not trained in the subtleties of the law, his legal 
 acumen was surprising. On all questions relating to trade and commerce 
 his opinion stood as high, I am told, as that of the most eminent member 
 of the bar, and was almost as much sought after. The conclusions of his 
 mind were as fair as its grasp was comprehensive. And his was the sim- 
 plicity of a child. He w'as unconscious of his greatness. His modesty 
 amounted to a diffidence that made prominence among his fellows almost 
 painful to him. I never knew a person so devoid of petty vanities, or am- 
 bitions. He was singularly free from affectations of all kinds, and utterly 
 careless of mere appearances. Notoriety had no charms for him. When his 
 political chief and the members of the party to which he belonged urged 
 him to stand iis a candidate for parliamentary honors, it was with the 
 utmost reluctance that he consented ; and, while regretting the defeat of 
 his party on the occasion, he secretly rejoiced at the issue on his own 
 account. I have said that he was devoid of ambition ; but he had one 
 ambition, and that was to be an ideal merchant. I have heard him say 
 that tliis was the dream of his childhood. He wa.s a born trader. What he 
 wa.'< as a man of business, you know far better than I ; although from my 
 association with him for many years in more than one important public 
 trust, I have alsohad ample opportunities of judging of his great capacities 
 in this direction. For upwards of forty years he has ranked among the 
 foremost merchants of the city, and his name has been synonymous with 
 ability, industry, thrift and integrity — qualities which ensured the success 
 he achieved. Not a few of the prominent business men of C'anada to-day 
 are ready to confess how much of their prosperity is due to the training
 
 615 
 
 they recpived while apprentices in his warehouse or counting house. He 
 was the mainstay of a large circle of his kindred who, one after another, 
 came across the sea to be initiated by him into the mysteries of commerce, 
 and owed to him in large measure any subsequent prosperity they attained* 
 These are facts with which you are all well acquainted. But William 
 Darling possessed other qualities not so generally known. I have said 
 that he was free from petty vanity, and careless of mere appearances. As 
 nearly related to this quality, he had no appetite for applause. Like all 
 strong men, he was indifferent to the shallow criticism of the passing hour. 
 He did not like to see his name in the newspapers. A man of this temper 
 of mind combined with strong convictions, a keen sense of right, resolute- 
 ness, and the tenacity of purpose that characterizes so many of his coun- 
 trymen, could not be expected to get through life without coming in col- 
 lision with some of his fellowmen. All strong, decided men make enemies, 
 and William Darling has had his share of them, I suppose. But whatever 
 collisions he may have had with others he never lost bis self-respect. He 
 did not rush before the public with his grievances, nor wear his heart upon 
 his slieve for daws to peck at. He was satisfied to live his time, and con- 
 fidently looked for his vindication in the final issues of his difTerences with 
 others. If he was slandered, he thought properly that the record of a life- 
 time ought to suffice for its refutation. Ordinarily he was indifferent about 
 what the thoughtless, gossiping multitudes said ; yet underneath his stolid 
 exterior and calmness of temper there lay extreme sensitiveness. He was 
 keenly alive to any assault upon his honour or probity. But he was sin- 
 gularly free from animosity. I never heard him utter an unkind or harsh 
 word about any of his opponents; nor did he wish them ill. 
 
 Although he did not have much to do with public affairs, outside his 
 immediate sphere of action as a merchant, he devoted a great deal of time 
 and thought to the concerns of other people. For many years past his 
 office has been the resort of persons who came to consult him on every 
 conceivable subject. He listened to them with marvellous patience, and 
 when their story was told, he did the best for them that was in his power. 
 He was ready to leave his warehouse at any moment to look after the 
 affairs of the widow and the orphan. He was prodigal of his valuable 
 time and strength, in this regard. Often have I myself made inroads upon 
 his privacy, to consult him on matters regarding which most people in his 
 circumstances would not take the least trouble. As if he felt that God had 
 endowed him with a redundancy of counsel, he always gave it most cheer- 
 fully and without stint. To the management of the affairs of this church, 
 as chairman of the corporation for the last fiteon years, as well as of those 
 of the Ministers' Widows and Orphans' Fund, and of the Temporalities 
 Board, he devoted a large share of his time and energies, without fee or 
 reward ; but only with a view to consecrating to the service of God the 
 business gifts bestowed upon him by the Lord. It is too much to expect
 
 676 
 
 that another man can be found in tlie community wlio will make equal 
 sacrifices in this direction. To these several trusts his loss is irre- 
 parable. We who had been accustomed to worship in this place shall 
 sorely miss the familiar form of our departed friend. He was exemplary 
 as an attendant upon the services of God's house, as he was in all the other 
 relations of life. He was never absent on the Lord's Day, except for good 
 cause. He was as unostentatious in his religion as he was in other res- 
 pects; but he cherished a profound regard for the means of grace, retain- 
 ing through life a strong sense of the value of spiritual things, w hich had 
 been early instilled into his mind by his father, who was also a man of 
 very superior gifts and acquirements, and for whom his son cherished a 
 reverence as long as he lived, which was beautiful to behold. In his last 
 days our friend held fast to the promises of the Gospel with the simplicity 
 of a child. His religion was never demonstrative, but it was genuine. He 
 was wont to worship as the lowliest of the lowly, and to receive instruc- 
 tions with the meekest of the meek. And so, when informed that his end 
 was at hand, he was nowise taken aback ; bnt was ready to depart, com- 
 mitting his eternal interests into the hands of God his Saviour. After all, 
 dear friends, this is the supreme test of a successful life — to have the con- 
 Bcious support of Jesus Christ in death. Our friend's end was peace." 
 
 The following- resolutions were passed by some of the 
 Boards over which William Darling presided, or of which 
 he was a member, and were forwarded to his family. 
 
 The Merchants' Bank of Canada. 
 
 Copy of resolution passed at a meeting of directors of the Merchants' 
 Bank of Canada, held on Saturday, 7th November, 1885 : — 
 
 It was resolved — " That the directors of the Merchants' Bank of Canada 
 desire to place on record their deep sense of the lose the Bank and mer- 
 cantile community have sustained in the death of their late esteemed col- 
 league, Mr. William Darling. His large experience and sound judgment 
 "were uniformly used in the advancement of the interests of the Bank, and 
 his assiduous attention to the many important matters brought before the 
 Board greatly contributed to the position the Bank now occupies in the 
 community. The directors beg to convey to the widow and family of the 
 deceased their sincere condolence on the loss they have sustained, and for 
 the purpose of duly conveying to them this mark of appreciation and 
 sympathy, direct that a copy of this minute, duly engrossed and signed, 
 be forwarded by the President and General Manager on behalf of the 
 Bank." 
 
 Andrbw Allan, 
 
 President. 
 G. Hague, 
 
 Gen. Manager.
 
 611 
 
 The Board of Trade. 
 
 Office of the Board of Trade, 
 Montreal, 5th Nov., 1885. 
 Dear Sir, — I beg to communicate to you the accompanying resolutions 
 which were unanimously adopted by the Council of this Board at its meet- 
 ing on Tuesday last : — 
 
 " Resolved, That the Council of the Montreal Board of Trade fully recog- 
 nizes the valuable and varied services so untiringly rendered to the com- 
 mercial and trade interests of this city, by the late William Darling, Esq., 
 during the many years in which he served as a member of the Council, 
 and afterwards as President of the Board, and the Council now records its 
 deep sense of the loss sustained by Montreal in his decease . 
 
 That a copy of this resolution be communicated to the bereaved family, 
 together with an expression of the sincere sympathy of the Council." 
 , Permit me to say that I personally share in the regrets of the Council, 
 and tender also my respectful condolence. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 W. J. Patterson, 
 
 Secretary. 
 William Darling, Esq. 
 
 Presbyterian Temporalities Board. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board for the management of the Temporalities 
 Fund of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with the 
 Church of Scotland, held on Tuesday, the 10th day of November, 1885. 
 
 Inter Alia, — It was moved by Mr. John L. Morris, seconded by Mr. . 
 Alexander MacPIierson, and unanimously resolved as follows : — 
 
 "The Board records their sense of the heavy loss sustained by the trust 
 in the death of their late chairman, Mr. William Darling, who, from the 
 time of his election as a member of the Board in 1867, had taken a deep 
 interest in the prosperity of the fund, and, as a member of the Executive, 
 for a long period had brought great ability to bear upon its interests, de- 
 voting much time and thought to its management. The Board appreci- 
 ating the wisdom and prudence with which he presided over their 
 deliberations as chairman for the last ten years, feel that they will 
 greatly miss his judicious counsels, and they beg to tender their sincere 
 sympathy to his widow and family in their sore bereavement. The 
 secretary is instructed to communicate a copy of this resolution to INlrs. 
 Darling." 
 
 Extracted from the minutes of the Temporalities Board, this tenth day 
 of November, 1885. 
 
 James Croil, 
 
 Secretary .
 
 678 
 
 St. Gabriel Chdrch. 
 
 At an adjourned meeting of the trustees of St. Gabriel Church, held on 
 the eleventh day of November, 1885, it was — 
 
 " Resolved, — That the trustees of St Gabriel Church have the sorrowful 
 duty of recording tlieir sense of the heavy loss whicli the cliurch at large, 
 and especially tliis congregation, has sustained in the sudden removal of 
 Mr. Darling, the late chairman of the Board. 
 
 During the nineteen years in which he eat on the Board he was 
 unwearied in his efforts to forward the interests of the church ; and for 
 the last fourteen years he presided over the deliberations of this corpora- 
 tion with great ability and wisdom. His colleagues on the Board feel 
 that the congregation has suffered an irreparable loss in the death of Mr- 
 Darling, who did so much to promote the prosperity of the St Gabriel 
 Church by both his personal services in its behalf and by liis liberal con- 
 tributions to its funds ; and they beg to tender to Mrs. Darling and her 
 family the expression of their sincere sympathy, trusting that the mani- 
 fold promises held out to the widow and fatherless may be abundantly 
 realized by them. 
 
 The secretary is instructed to communicate a copy of this minute to Mrs. 
 Darling." 
 
 Wm. Rbbd, 
 
 Secretary. 
 Board of Trustees St. Gabriel Church, 
 
 Montreal, 13th November, 1885. 
 
 The secularization of the Clergy Reserves was a crisis 
 in the history of Canada. It was the assertion of the 
 .principle that the colony was not in all matters going to 
 conform to the order of things in the old world ; but was 
 to judge for itself how much to retain of the traditional 
 principles and practices of the mother countries. It was 
 the final protest of the community, especially against 
 reproducing in Canada the same relations between the 
 Church and the State that had so long obtained in 
 European countries, and for the continuance of which 
 Bishop Strachan fought so hard. 
 
 We have seen that the Anglican Church of Upper 
 Canada, in despair, resolved to do nothing for or against 
 the secularization proposals. But the redoubtable prelate 
 was not going to allow matters to be shaped according to
 
 6*79 
 
 popular clamour without at least issuing his protest, 
 which was addressed to the leader of the French section 
 of the Cabinet, and contained words of warning to the 
 community which that gentleman represented. He asked 
 Mr, Morin, in a vigorous letter, whether a " taste for spoil 
 would not beget a relish for spoil, and whether in such 
 a contingency the property of the Roman Catholic Church 
 would be sacred against assaults." The Bishop knew 
 that this blow would strike the French members of Par- 
 liament in a tender spot ; but they were not frightened 
 by it from their attitude of voting for the secularization 
 of the Clergy Reserves. 
 
 Bishop Strachan's words were, however, very signifi- 
 cant. This was the beginning of the end in the matter 
 of sweeping out of the way all special ecclesiastical 
 privileges in Canada. At least, no such rights could here- 
 after be held sacred. If any section of the community chose 
 to submit to pay church dues, in the shape of taxes, in the 
 future, that was their own affair ; but no national senti- 
 ment, no Parliamentary assistance, could ever again be 
 invoked in its support. The French Roman Catholics 
 were and are accustomed to appeal to the Treaty of Paris, 
 as if that secured for them their special ecclesiastical 
 privileges in perpetuity, but the moment they put their 
 hands to an assault upon the privileges of the Churches of 
 England and Scotland in Canada, they lost their right to 
 cite the Treaty of Paris in defence of their privileged 
 position. That instrument has to be interpreted in the 
 light of the facts and circumstances which gave it birth. 
 The Roman Catholic Church was at the time estab- 
 lished by law and endowed in France, and it was con- 
 sidered necessary that it should have the same privileges 
 in Canada. But the Church of England was also estab- 
 lished and endowed, and it was considered equally 
 necessary that it should be established and endowed in
 
 680 
 
 Canada. No other thought was in the mind of either 
 Greneral Amherst or the Marquis de Vaudreuil when they 
 made the agreement on this subject. It would have been 
 too preposterous for the representative of beaten France 
 to demand for his conquered countrymen higher privi- 
 leges, and greater and more permanent rights than the 
 conquering English race claimed for themselves. And 
 such a notion did not enter his head. He contemplated 
 an English Church, and a public provision made for its 
 maintenance, as was the prevailing conception regarding 
 a properly conditioned church ; but he desired that along- 
 side this Church of England, supported and favoured, to 
 which he naturally looked forward, his countrymen 
 should be tolerated and protected in the practice of their 
 religion. This was what was asked, and what was 
 granted, — this and nothing more. But was there any 
 pledge of perpetuity in this understanding ? No treaty 
 of the kind can be held perpetual, in spite of succeeding 
 circumstances. Had Canada been a French colony, for 
 instance, at the beginning of the century, it would have 
 had all its ecclesiastical privileges taken from it, as these 
 were taken from France, the parent state. And, consider- 
 ing the attitude of France to-day on this question of 
 religious establishments, could that power, as one of the 
 parties of the Treaty in question, reasonably demand of 
 the Queen that she should accord privileges to the 
 descendants of Frenchmen in Canada, when the French 
 at home are not prepared to afford as high privileges to 
 their own citizens ? And could England be, with any 
 decency, asked to continue to an alien and conquered 
 race, and an alien church, what it does not preserve to its 
 own race and church ? A treaty may become obsolete by 
 the changes which time and circumstances bring about 
 — especially by the attitude of the contracting parties 
 toward the subject matter of the treaty. Such a change
 
 681 
 
 has taken place in regard to the Treaty of Paris ; and 
 the secularization of the Clergy Reserves marked a very 
 important stage in the progress of this change. The 
 treaty is obsolete, and our French Roman Catholic fellow- 
 citizens must rest any claims they put forth on the 
 inherent justice of those claims, and not upon an instru- 
 ment that is out of date. 
 
 But while the writer enunciates this view without 
 hesitation, he does not wish to be understood as recom- 
 mending that the Roman Catholic Church should be 
 deprived of any of the ordinary rights it at present 
 possesses, unless the membership of that church demand 
 a change. He agrees on the whole with the opinions on 
 this subject put forth by William Lyon Mackenzie, in 
 1831, — which are substantially those which the present 
 Premier of the Dominion, Right Honorable Sir John A. 
 Macdonald, enunciated in his speech at London, Ontario, 
 in the autumn of 1885 : — 
 
 " Never did a church establishment in any country 
 present fewer objectionable points than that of Lower 
 Canada. The Catholic religion is professed by a majority 
 of the people, and the clergy of that faith are maintained, 
 not by a tithe, but by a twenty-sixth part of the produce 
 of the land of those persons only who are members of 
 that church. No man is forced to be a Catholic, con- 
 sequently no man is forced to pay or maintain a Catholic 
 minister. Yet, in a case where a parish priest sued and 
 recovered a very small sum from one or two perons as 
 his fees or stipend, the Canadian Courant, echoed by the 
 Montreal Herald, sounded the alarm at tithes, tithe-proctors, 
 demoralizing the laity, and so forth. This course appears 
 to be unfair and uncalled for, seeing the people them- 
 selves continue the willing members of a church which 
 could not otherwise compel them to maintain its ministers, 
 or support it in any shape whatever."
 
 682 
 
 So far, so good. The one thing to be objected to, which 
 is now getting to be obsolete, and is not conceded to 
 any other church in the country, is the fact that the 
 machinery of the Courts can be used to enforce ecclesi- 
 astical dues. This must be done away with, and the 
 people left to give spontaneously.
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Centennial Celebration, March, 1886 — Sermons in St. Gabriel Church 
 BY Principal Grant and Dr. Wilkes, March 7th — Reunions in St. 
 Gabriel Church — Conversazione in the Presbyterian College — 
 Addresses at the great Anniversary Meeting, March 12th, 1886, 
 in Knox Church — Sermons by Dr. Reid, Archdeacon Evans and 
 Dr. Douglas, in St. Gabriel Church, March 14th, 1886. 
 
 At a meeting of the Kirk-session of St. Gabriel Church, held 
 on 28th December, 1885, it was resolved to take steps to have 
 a fitting commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of the 
 tirst Presbyterian services held in the city ; and the Moderator 
 was requested to seek the co-operation of the Session of Knox 
 Church in making the arrangements. Mr. Campbell lost no 
 time in communicating with Mr. Fleck on the subject ; but no 
 response having been given, the St. Gabriel Street Session 
 resolved to proceed and do what they could alone to celebrate 
 the event. They thought the public of Montreal would deem 
 the matter of sufficient importance to be worth an effort to make 
 it memorable. The result showed that they had rightly gauged 
 popular feeling: no event or celebration ever held in the city 
 awakened more general interest in the Protestant community, 
 and many Poman Catholics even entered heartily into the pro- 
 ceedings. The first programme, sketched by the Kirk-session, 
 contemplated having all the meetings in the old church in St. 
 Gabriel Street, the idea being to have two special services on the 
 two Sabbaths, the 7th and 14th of March, 1886, with interesting 
 social re-unions on the intervening week-nights — and a gi-eat 
 historic demonstration on the evening of Friday, the 12th of 
 March, — the anniversary proper. Already correspondence had 
 taken place with parties at a distance, whose assistance was 
 sought to make the commemoration a success, when the Presby-
 
 684 
 
 teiy met, 12th Januai-}*, 1886. On the morning of that day, it 
 occurred to the minister of St. Gabriel Church that the Presby- 
 tery might be disposed to take an interest in the matter, and he 
 introduced the question. The Presbytery entered heartily into 
 the proposal to celebrate the occasion, and appointed a committee 
 consisting of Rev. Prof Campbell, Moderator, and the ministers 
 and representative elders of St. Gabriel, Knox and St. Paul's 
 Churches, together with Messi's. Warden, Jordan and Warden 
 King to make the necessary arrangement, if a celebration were 
 decided on, Mr. Campbell, convener. 
 
 With a view to add eclat to the event, and give the brethren 
 from the country an opportunity to take part in the celebration, 
 the Presbyteiy appointed its spring meeting to be held on 
 March 11th, instead of in the month of April as usual. 
 
 At the suggestion of the convener, the committee arranged 
 that the centennial celebration should be held in one of the uptown 
 churches, — Knox Church, as having had the longest and latest 
 connection with the old edifice in St. Gabriel Street, being speci- 
 ally named b}'' him. The only question raised was as to whether 
 the building was large enough for the number of persons that 
 might reasonably be expected to assemble on the occasion. 
 However, it was definitely decided to hold the celebration in 
 Knox Church. It was thought that besides the meeting in Knox 
 Church, which would necessarily be historical in its character, 
 and denominational, it would be well to have some social gather- 
 ing to which others than Presbyterians might be invited, and at 
 which an opportunity might be afforded to representatives of 
 other churches to offer their congratulations on the auspicious 
 occasion. A conversazione in the Presbyterian College, as being 
 an admirable common rallying ground for all the Presbyterian 
 congregations in the city, and as affording accommodation for a 
 larger number of guests than any single church or hall that was 
 available, was determined on. 
 
 The St. Gabriel Church Session very gladly modified its origi- 
 nal progi-amme, in order to give prominence to the centenary, 
 by securing the co-operation of all the Presbyterian congi-ega- 
 tions in the city in the celebration, and i-e-arraiiged its scheme 
 of meetings, giving up the Thursday, Friday and Saturday
 
 685 
 
 evenings — on all of which it had proposed to invite the public 
 to the old church. The Session adhered to its original resolution 
 in all other respects. 
 
 The arrangements for Sabbath, the 7th March, were that the 
 Eeverend John Cook, D.D., LL.D., of Quebec, the oldest friend 
 of the St. Gabriel Street Church, should conduct morning service, 
 that Eev. Henry Wilkes, D.D., LL.D., of Montreal, ex-Principal 
 of the Congregational College, and the representative of the 
 catholicity of Montreal, should oflSciate at 3 p.m., — and that 
 immediately afterwards the communion should be dispensed, all 
 old members being invited to share in the service, — while the 
 pastor of the church should deliver an historical discourse in the 
 evening. Towards the end of the week, a message came from 
 the Venerable Principal of Morrin College, Dr. Cook, that he 
 was so indisposed that he could not venture to undei'take the 
 journey to Montreal, and the fatigue and excitement of the ser- 
 vice for which he was announced. Very Eeverend Principal 
 Grant, D.D., of Queen's University, responded at a day's notice 
 to the call to take Dr. Cook's place. The discourses as preached 
 by him and Dr. Wilkes are given below in full.
 
 SERMON PREACHED MARCH 7th, 1886, AT 11 A.M., BY VERY 
 REVEREND PRINCIPAL GRANT, D.D. 
 
 Ephesians 5 : 32 — " I speak concerning Christ and the Church." 
 
 The Apostle has been speaking of the marriage relation ; but his 
 thought has been of the relation between Christ and the Church, and he 
 here says that, just as liusband and wife are one, so are Christ and the 
 Church one ; one organism, with one heart and life. Christ is the Head. 
 The Church is the body. "We cannot see the Head ; but He is. We can- 
 not see the body. We see only individuals united into communities pro- 
 fessing to be His. But the body is, and there is a perfect union between 
 the Head and the body. Whatever Christian life is, in the visible com- 
 munities, comes from the Head. These represent the body. They exist 
 to manifest the Head to the world ; to show forth His Spirit and continue 
 His work from age to age, until that work is completed in a regenerated 
 humanity. Only as any visible community does this work, does it repre- 
 sent the body of Christ and is it worthy to be called a Church. 
 
 The visible Church should be filled with the Spirit of Christ. How is 
 it that the Church falls so far short of this ideal ? Christians should be 
 Christ-like. How is it that as a rule they are so unlike Him ? It was 
 not so with heathen communities. Tell me the gods of a people, and I 
 will tell you the character of the people, it used to be said and said with 
 truth. The gods of each nation represented the characteristic national 
 virtues. and defects. The people made the gods, and the gods re-acted 
 upon and fixed the national character. The differences between ancient 
 nations had thus bases in their gods. Hence, hopelessly different national 
 ideals, incurable diversities, and war, as tlie normal condition of the 
 heathen world. Hence, too, the fate of the old ethnic religions. They 
 prevailed with the nations that gave them birth. Each religion rose, 
 culminated, decayed and died with the nation or civilization with which 
 it was identified. But while they existed, there was no disagreement 
 between the gods and their worshippers. Each people's character was 
 formed upon the ideals it had projected for itself and which it called gods. 
 There was agreement between the god of the land and the people of the 
 land, between the Head and the Botly. 
 
 Why is it not so between Christ and the Church? Because the Head 
 of the Church is not a natural product. He is above man, and has been
 
 687 
 
 above man ever since He revealed Himself to patriarchs, prophets and 
 psalmists. He is the same yesterday, to-day and forever. No wonder 
 that the people of Jehovah were continually forsaking Him, while 
 — as Jeremiah pointed out— no other nation " changed their gods, which 
 yet are no gods." No wonder that there was always what Hosea and 
 Micah called " a controversy of Jehovah with his people." The people 
 wished gods like themselves. Their gross natures could not endure the 
 pure severity of perfect light, the consuming fire of Jehovah's holiness. 
 And it has been the same ever since the full revelation of God was given 
 in the Christ. The Church of nineteen Christian centuries has been as 
 unlike its Head, as the Church of the previous nineteen centuries was 
 unhke the living God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Moses and 
 Hosea, as Friend, Saviour and Husband. 
 
 Christ and the Church are related as husband and wife, yet, as we have 
 seen, the wife is not and never has been worthy of her husband. Christ 
 has promised, however, that she shall be all glorious, "not having spot or 
 wrinkle or any such thing." The ideal Church, therefore, shall become 
 real. This is the promise. Let us always keep the promise in mind, and 
 in the meanwhile distinguish, — 
 
 First, between the forms that the Church has assumed, and may yet 
 assume in different ages, and the ideal Church, as it is in God's sight, and 
 as it shall be in a regenerated humanity. 
 
 Secondly, between the part of the Church with which we are connected 
 and the whole Church of God on earth at the present day. 
 
 Thirdly, between the Church and that for which the Church exists. 
 
 I. Think of how many forms the Church has already assumed. • With 
 the call of Abraham, the Church — as the election of grace for the good of 
 humanity — commences. There had been revelations of God before, but 
 there had been no special work of redeeming love, no separating of a piece 
 from the lump, in order to prepare it to be a leaven tor the whole. But, 
 with Abraham, a new movement begins, which has gone on continuously 
 ever since. It began with the call of an individual. We can now see 
 the significance of this fact. In that dawn of history, man's individual 
 responsibility to God had not yet been recognized. Worship was the act 
 of the community. But only in the individual is there hoi^e for the com- 
 munity. Let every man know the possibilities that are in him. He may 
 initiate a new development to which no bounds can be assigned. The 
 first outward form that the Church assumed was that of the family. 
 Abram was called by God, because he was a man that would not keep his 
 religion to himself. He would command his children and his household 
 after him to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. The
 
 688 
 
 significance of this fact, too, is very great. The great cell of society is the 
 family ; and the religion that is to unite humanity with God must be 
 rooted in family life. Modern socialism does not understand that the 
 family cannot be dispensed with, and it has proposed awkward devices as 
 substitutes for it, at which He that sits in the Heavens laughs. 
 
 The Church grows from the family into a community. That commun- 
 ity passes through centuries of vicissitudes. In Egypt, under the pressure 
 of the most developed civilization of the time, it awakes to undert'tand the 
 priceless heritage it possesses in the knowledge of Jehovah, the God of 
 Abram, and so becomes a nation. The national life is rooted in religion. 
 The nation, at the outset, does what its great ancestors had done centuries 
 before, went out from all that men usually think life worth living for, 
 "not knowing whither it went." 
 
 During the next fifteen centuries, the national form of the Church 
 changed again and again. Repeatedly the nation seemed to be lost. It 
 was beaten, broken up into tribal fragments or clusters of tribes, reduced 
 to chaos, but the life was in it and continually re-asserted its power. The 
 nation at length realized complete unity under David, but soon after was 
 disrupted into two kingdoms, the breach between whom could never be 
 healed. Then, the larger of the two was crushed to powder, and in the 
 next century, Jerusalem was destroyed. To all appearances, the experi- 
 ment of a Kingdom of God on earth had ended in total failure. 
 
 But with the Church, the valley of trouble has been always the door of 
 hope. After death, resurrection was sure to come. In every age, prophets 
 had declared that the golden age of the people of God was in the future. 
 And at no time had this prophetic intimation been couched in more 
 inspiring language than by Isaiah, when the Assyrian was thundering at 
 the gate, or by Jeremiah when he foretold the utter destruction of the king- 
 dom. They constantly declared that the community of the people of God 
 was indestructible, and that the hope of the future was bound up with 
 Israel. 
 
 During the Captivity, there was apparently no Church upon earth. 
 But the Church existed in the cities and plains of the illimitable East, as 
 truly as when it was in its own land. Deprived of outward ordinances, 
 the people found it a sweet necessity to be cast on the naked arm of God. 
 They learned how blessed are the privileges of prayer and praise, and 
 inspired psalmists assured them that the time to favour Zion would come. 
 Their visions were fulfilled, though not after the form nor in the full 
 measure foretold by them. 
 
 During the next centuries, the Church assumed of necessity an ecclesi- 
 astical rather than a political form. No longer an inspired warrior or 
 prophet judged the people, nor a king with more or less of Oriental 
 absolutism. The high priest was the head of the people, and Scribes were 
 the most important class in the community.
 
 689 
 
 At length, in the fulness of time, the Hea^ of the Church came in the 
 flesh. He, the ideal man, the true prophet. King and priest of humanity. 
 He, in whom God and man were united, that He might unite humanity to 
 God, came to establish the Kingdom of God upon earth. And now it 
 might be thought that the Church would receive a fixed and final form. 
 No. It is as necessary to distinguish between outward changing forms 
 and the ideal Church in the Christian as in the pre-Christian centuries. 
 It is still true that 
 
 " God reveals himself in many ways. 
 
 Lest one good custom should corrupt the world." 
 
 In vain have men insisted in every age that the form was imperish- 
 able. In vain has Rome taken as her motto, " Semper Eadem." She 
 has not been and could not possibly be the same. The Church devel- 
 oped from something like a Congregational into something like a Presby- 
 terian, and from that into a modified Episcopal form. Then came the 
 patriarchates; then the primacy or monarchy of Rome, and then the 
 Papacy. Each form, too, was suited to the time. Each was the wise, 
 necesssary and democratic choice of the Church. In the Middle Ages the 
 Papal form developed to an extreme of outwardliness and authority that 
 threatened spiritual life altogether, just as the development of the Jewish 
 monarchy under Solomon had threatened the life of the theocracy. 
 There was no resource but Schism. The Reformation, like the disruption 
 in the tenth century before Christ, was " from God ;" but each stopped 
 harmonious development and led the way to innumerable evils ; evils in 
 the latter case so dire that to this day many spiritually-minded men 
 trace all the woes that afflict the Church to the Reformation. From that 
 day, it has been more impossible than ever to identify any one organiza- 
 tion with the body of Clirist. The Church includes every society organ- 
 ized on repentance towards God and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
 the Church is wider than all put together. All present forms shall be 
 destroyed, and the imperisliable ideas at their basis shall, under the 
 energizing of the Divine Spirit, form and constitute the Church of the 
 future, a Church wide as regenerated humanity, and glorious as its 
 Divine Head. 
 
 11. In vain does the Romanist assert that the Church of Rome is the 
 only Church of Christ on earth. Societies that utterly reject Papal pre- 
 tensions bear all the marks that show they belong to the Body of Christ. 
 In vain does the Greek Church declare that it alone is Ortliodox. Other 
 societies bear the fruits of Orthodoxy. In vain does the Anglican assert 
 that, without Bishops descended in lineal tactical succession from the 
 Apostles, there can be no true Church. The facts are wider than the 
 theory of Byzantium or Canterbury. In vain does the High Church, 
 T T
 
 690 
 
 Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Congregationalist or Plymouthist, put 
 forward, directly or indirectly, similar arrogant pretensions. The Church, 
 which is the Body of Christ, includes them all. We will not unchurch 
 those who have no hesitation in unchurching us. Even when convinced 
 that the organization to which we belong is absolutely the best of any 
 existing, we insist on distinguishing between the part and the whole, 
 between the complex visible and the wider, grander, undivided Invisible 
 Church. 
 
 Believing that, notwithstanding all schisms, the Church is the Spouse 
 of Christ and ideally One, what is the first duty of every Churchman? 
 He must seek to realize the unity of the Church. How will that unity be 
 brought about ? 
 
 Not by any one of the three bad ways that have been tried in the past 
 Not by violence. Violence has been tried by every historic Church. 
 Unbelief in spiritual power has made men persecute to the utmost limit 
 to which persecution was allowed them. But, as Bacon says, " this is to 
 bring down the Holy Ghost, instead of in the likeness of a dove, in the 
 shajie of a vulture or raven; and to set out of the bark, of a Christian 
 Church a flag of a bark of pirates and assassins." Not thus will unity be 
 brought about. Not by proselytising either. The Pharisees tried this 
 way, more zealously than any sect before or since. AVhen they made a 
 proselyte they believed that they had saved a soul. The Lord told them 
 that they had made him twofold more the child of hell than themselves. 
 They uprooted his native virtues and gave him foreign vices. To this 
 day, these are the results of proselytising. Individuals are detached and 
 internal movements are arrested. The individual is spoiled and the 
 mass from which he is taken rendered hostile. Not thus will unity be 
 brought about. Not by dijilomatizing and drawing up protocols of agree- 
 ment eitlier. Intellectual agreement is impossible as long as men are 
 finite and free, and even if a common form of words is accepted to-day, it 
 w'ill not do for to-morrow. 
 
 How then shall we act so as to secure unity ? By subordinating dog- 
 matic forms and ritual observances to spiritual unity. The history of 
 this congregation gives stiking examples of how this may be done. To 
 these examples I need not refer, because they will be detailed to you 
 this evening. The facts stand out in the historj' of the Congregation. 
 They are oases that the whole country now admire, although doubtless 
 when they happened, some considered them tokens of laxity. 
 
 But, it is not enough to put dogma and ritual in their proper place. 
 The only way to bring aliout unity is by each and all drawing nearer to 
 the Head. Then, without arguing about it, almost without knowing it, 
 all the scattered parts or members must come nearer to each other. The 
 duty of the Church is thus the duty of every Churchman.
 
 691 
 
 III. What does the Church exist for ? To make men and women like 
 Christ ; to be an authentic witness of the reality of His Kingdom ; and to 
 proclaim Him to the world. The work of the Church is thus internal and 
 external, at home and abroad. But, think how the Church has failed in 
 both departments of its mission. In its work at home, it has often failed 
 60 signally that the Saints have been found without rather than within 
 the Church. It has exalted sacrifice above mercy, and conformity above 
 spirituality. It has made itself an end instead of a means, and has 
 magnified itself above the individual, above the country, and above 
 Christ. In its work abroad, it has acted so feebly and intermittently, 
 that the great majority of the race has never yet heard the only name 
 under heaven given among men whereby they may be saved. 
 
 We must distinguish between the Church as an organization and that 
 for which the Church exists. The Church is necessary, but necessary for 
 what ? To make us true men and women. The Church can never re- 
 quire our lie, our cowardice, or our faithlessness to any call which God 
 makes upon us. Those who are most like Christ in character and life are 
 the truest Churchmen. , 
 
 What shall we say to these things ? As a congregation you stand to- 
 day on a lofty mountain top, from which you look back over a hundred 
 years' history. What a wide field is presented to view ! As regards the 
 Church with which we are connected, what wonderful progress the cen- 
 tury records ! There have been conflicts, but they are forgotten ; schisms, 
 but they are healed. And looking forward, we may well take courage. 
 We may trust the God of our fathers, if we are filled with our fathers' 
 spirit. We are come of a good stock. Saints and martyrs, poets and 
 prophets, honest God-fearing men and pure women are our ancestors. 
 All that was good in them came from the Divine Spirit of Clirist. The 
 Church was always dear to them, but they never forgot that Christ, and 
 He only, is tiie Head of the Church. The Spirit that filled them is offered 
 freely unto us. We are called to new duties. We have entered on the 
 goodly heritage of half a continent. Only the Church that is true to 
 Christ will be the Church of Canada- Let us drink of His Spirit, and go 
 forth to the duties of the hour and the promise of the future. Filled with 
 child-like faith, with unswerving truth, with daring hope, and with a 
 love that endureth to the end, true to "Christ and the Church," we shall 
 do even better than our fathers. It may be given to us to accomplish a 
 unity of the Church such as they never dreamed, and a unity of Christ 
 and the Church such as John saw in his vision of the new heaven and 
 the new earth.
 
 SERMON PREACHED IN ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, MARCH 7th, 
 1886, AT 3 P.M., BY REV. HENRY WILKES, D.D., LL.D. 
 
 Revelation i : 12-13. — * * * n /,<,(,y, seven golden candlesticks ; and in 
 the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man." 
 
 The internal sense moves after the form and order of the external ; the 
 enraptured apostle first sees the symbol of the churches, and then Christ. 
 He gazes upon the assemblies of the faithful, and then beholds their Lord 
 and Master in the midst of them, giving to them their vitality and their 
 power. He who gave to him this vision, saw meet to make golden lamps, 
 filled with oil and brightly burning, the emblem of churches ; and as His 
 purpose was to send a message to each of the seven churches in Pro- 
 consular Asia, He made the number of the lamps seven. This the 20th 
 verse renders indubitable. 
 
 Reading the Divine direction to Moses, recorded Exodus xxv. : 31-40, 
 requiring him to make of the finest gold the seven-branched candlestick, 
 in which seven lamps were to be lighted, which direction is summed up 
 in the solemn words : " And look that thou make them after their pat- 
 tern, which was shewed thee in the mount," it must appear that some 
 important symbolic unfolding lay under these instructions. Tliis candle- 
 stick, rising from its stem like a tree, ornamented with bowls like 
 almonds, with knops and flowers, as a fruit-bearing tree, carrying light 
 on high as an illuminator, was designed to convey some great thoughts 
 of groat things. As we study the details, under the guidance of our 
 Lord's teaching, we perceive the reference to the Church and people of 
 God. They are branches of a vine. They are lamps and light in the 
 world. Tiiey are required to shine brightly. They have an unction from 
 the Holy One, and are thus kept burning by the oil of Divine grace, which 
 is constantly supplied. And this view is confirmed by the use of the 
 same tabernacle and temple lamp-bearer, in the prophecy by Zechariah, 
 chap, ix., where the source of the success of Zerubbabel in the erection of 
 the second temple is brought out in the words : " Not by might nor by 
 power, but by my spirit, saitli the Lord of Hosts-" Examining that pro- 
 phecy, you will find the exact description of the candlestick in the Jewish 
 Tabernacle, with apecial reference to the oil with which the seven lamps 
 were supplied. Now, oil, both in the Old and New Testament, is the 
 recognized emblem of the spirit of God. Anointing was the symbol of
 
 693 
 
 the bestowment of the Holy Spirit, as we see, Isaiah c. i., 1 : " The spirit 
 of the Lord God is upon me ; because the Lord hath anointed me to 
 preach good tidings unto the meek," etc. I suppose, however, there is 
 included in the symbol the lioly word, which is the utterance of the Spirit. 
 The anointing to preach includes the word given to be proclaimed. So 
 the oil from the two olive trees in Zechariah's vision denotes the word 
 given with the Holy Ghost, sent down from heaven. Those trees may 
 be the Old and New Testaments, or the two dispensations. It is not my 
 purpose to expound Zechariah's vision any further than to show the use 
 of the Jewish candlestick to denote the Church of God. It is the bearer 
 of the word and the spirit of God. The light is kindled by that divine 
 agent, and burns brightly as He graciously feeds the flame. This spirit- 
 ual light streams forth from the spirit-endowed community into surround- 
 ing darkness, for Christ says to his disciples, " Ye are the light of the 
 world," " A city set on a hill cannot be hid." 
 
 The text then sets before us for meditation several interesting points 
 concerning individual Christians and the churches composed of such 
 Christians. 
 
 I. — Beauty and Gloky. 
 
 The psalmist prays, " Let thy word appear unto thy servants, and thy 
 glory unto their children, and let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon 
 us." Aaron's garments and breastplate were distinguished for order and 
 beauty, and we are commanded to worship the Lord in the beauty of 
 holiness. How beautiful are trees ! " The righteous shall flourish like 
 the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be 
 planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God ; 
 they shall bring forth fruit in old age." The candlestick was constructed 
 somewhat after the fashion of these beautiful works of God, the trees, 
 that it might suggest the beauty of the Christian life and character, and 
 the beauty of tiie Church. "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole 
 earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great 
 king. God is known in her palaces for a refuge." 
 
 Though there are elements in the beautiful that meet the wants of the 
 aesthetic part of our nature, which it would not be easy to define, yet fit- 
 ness, adaptation to an end, must enter into our conception of the beauti- 
 ful. And assuredly the light shining from a truly Christian character 
 and course, whether in the individual or the Church, is a most fitting 
 thing to glorify Christianity, to honour God, and to vindicate and render 
 triumphant the truths of the Gospel. 
 
 The material of which the lamps were made is suggestive of glory ! 
 Pure gold, fine gold, curiously and elaborately wrought. This is always a 
 symbol of wealth and splendor. The heavenly city is said to be paved 
 with gold.
 
 694 
 
 It should be noted, ere we proceed farther, that the candlesticks before 
 us, in the first instance, denote what the Cliurch of God is, when it corre- 
 sponds with its true idea; but, secondly, they suggest what it ought to 
 be — a Hght shining in a dark place, diffusing its living, glowing briglit- 
 nees all around. The description carries embedded a call to be that 
 which is described. This comes distinctly out in the explanation of the 
 symbol which our Lord gives. After saying, " Ye are the light of the 
 world," he adds, *' Let your light shine before men, that they may see 
 your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." The Lord 
 probably refers to the candlestick, with its lighted lamps on the branches, 
 when he says, '• Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, 
 and ye yourselves like unto men who wait for their Lord." He has 
 respect also to the same thing in the parable of the ten virgins. Their 
 lamps burning were the symbol of their Christian character ; to have 
 them go out into darkness was to lose that character. Hence the loud 
 and solemn appeal, " Watch therefore." The Apostle Paul also speaks to 
 individual Christians when he says, " Do all things without raurmurings 
 and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, 
 without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among 
 whom shine ye as lights in the world ; holding forth," etc. Observe, 
 therefore that the glowing descriptions of the beauty of the Church, of 
 her privileges and glory, found again and again on the pages of Holy 
 Scripture, are so many trumpet-tongued appeals to Christians to be them- 
 selves thus. By your allegiance to your Lord, by your profession of love 
 and homage, by your indebtedness to his redemption work, and your 
 perpetual indebtedness to his grace, are you, individually and collect- 
 ively, urged to beauty and glory in your temper of mind, in your wor- 
 ship, in your daily walk, whether in business, in the family or in society. 
 '' Whatsoever ye do in word or deed," etc. 
 
 II. — Growth. 
 
 Though not so prominent as some others, yet this feature of growth is 
 not wanting in the candlestick representation of Christians and the 
 Churches. The likeness to a tree involves this idea, for you ever associate 
 with the thought of that beautiful object, the extension of its girth, and 
 the spreading and enlargement of its branches. Besides, the blossoms of 
 flowers which were added as ornaments to the golden candlesticks in the 
 Tabernacle, were emblematic of the Church's joyful blossoming and pro- 
 sperity. Our Lord much enlarges on this characteristic of his Church. 
 As a grain of mustard seed when first planted, it becomes a tree in which 
 the fowls of Heaven lodge. Whether as individuals or assemblies, the 
 Lord's people are a leaven, which being hid in the meal, the whole mass 
 of the world's character is to be leavened with these sacred principles. 
 If the image be of a Captain, and the forces under his command, there is
 
 . 695 
 
 no discomfiture, no turning back, they proceed onward conquering and to 
 conquer. Every Disciple of Jesus is required to grow in grace &c.> 
 and to promote to the utmost of his power, the growth and spread 
 of Godliness in the earth. It is observable that in order to do this he 
 is instructed to look for power from on high. It was not for the early 
 disciples merely that the command was given by their Divine Master 
 who would have them preach the Gospel to every creature under heaven, 
 to tarry at Jerusalem till they were embued with power from on high. 
 Unless the word comes with the demonstration of the spirit and in power, 
 it does not achieve the victory over sin and Satan ; it does not turn men 
 from the error of their way. But let Christians cry unto the Lord for that 
 power ; let them make all their efforts in His Kingdom in dependence on 
 this blessed power, and fruit will abound. Let any disciple of Jesus thus 
 proceed trustingly, prayerfully, earnestly, he will receive help from above. 
 Nor does he proceed in vain. Trutli advances, the Church grows, Clirist 
 triumphs and the struggling combatant on earth has often to exclaim 
 " Now thanks be unto God who always causeth us to triumph in Christ 
 Jesus." 
 
 III. — EpFiaENTLY Occupied. 
 
 This part of the vision is very interesting. " In the midst of the 
 seven Candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man." As employed by Him- 
 self — when on earth, this designation reminded them of his humanity as 
 he set forth, it suggests the fact also of a superhuman nature, and 
 then follows a magnificient description of his glorious person and attire, 
 as at once Priest and Monarch of his Church. His position and that of 
 his priestly apparel indicate both dignified repose and interposing acti- 
 vity. His robe, instead of being girded up around the loins to give freedom 
 for action, is simply girded vmder the breast with a golden girdle. His 
 ministry of toil and weariness and suflering was over. He was no more 
 driven to and fro by malignant Pharisees or the turbulent populace. He 
 had not now to go through the scenes of Gethsemane and Calvary, for 
 the days of his suffering and mourning were ended : — He was in possession 
 of his Kingdom ! He sat upon his throne. He moved about in the quiet 
 dignity of an accomplished and glorious mission. Yet He walked in the 
 midst of the Candlesticks, and He held the stars in His right hand. He 
 yet ever and actively interfered to guide, sustain and bless. He had told 
 His disciples during His personal ministry on earth that when He departed 
 from them. He would not leave them in a state of orphanage, but would 
 come unto them, and we see here that the promise is fulfilled. He has 
 triumphed over sin, death, and the grave, and now in His glorified and 
 triumphant state, He walks in the midst of the golden Candlesticks and 
 by His spirit keeps their light brightly burning. We can conceive of the 
 Jewish priesthood through neglect or weariness, allowing the lamps of the
 
 696 
 
 golden candlestick to go out, being untrimmed and unfed with oil, but He 
 that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps : He is never weary ; and 
 the lamps in the midst of which He walks and which He graciously trims 
 and feetl^, burn on for ever — their light never goes out. 
 
 This is the surpassing dignity and glory of the Church tJiat the Lord 
 Christ is ever in the midst of her, in an occupancy of mighty efficiency ! " All 
 her children are taught of the Lord " and great is their peace. " The 
 wonderful, the counseller," the Prophet like unto Moses, He walks among 
 His people as their teacher. They often " wonder at the gracious words 
 that proceed out of His mouth," and their " hearts burn within them as 
 He talks to them by the way and wliile He opens to them the scripture." 
 From Him thoy learn their duty and receive their impulse and stimulus ; 
 to Him they are indebted for all their worthy thoughts of the Great God 
 and Father ; He gives to them the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, who takes 
 of the things of Christ and reveals them to their souls. He comforts them 
 in all their sorrows and guides them in every perplexity. The Divine 
 Sagas, the Eternal "Word. He is tJie truth and He graciously unfolds it to 
 their hungry spirits and eager gaze. 
 
 The Son of Man walks amidst His people in sacerdotal garments, their 
 High Priest, who hath fully atoned for their sins, and now intercedes for 
 them before the Throne, presenting, amid the much incense of His 
 merits, their prayers and works and tears. The efficiency for good of 
 such occupancy who can estimate? Has He not a fellow feeling with 
 His people ? Is He not their elder brother — their friend ? Is He not 
 human as well as divine ? What power and prevalency in His interces- 
 sions I And how encouraging and consolatory to know that they are 
 being continually offered up ! Amid the many agencies fitted to put out 
 the lamps, — the damp and cold blasts of worldliness and sin which 
 threaten to extinguish their light, — how blessed His priestly agency at 
 the Mercy Seat, keeping alive the flame ! 
 
 Nor less potent is His indwelling as the King in Zion, to which this 
 robe and other symbols also point us — Isaiah vi., 1, for He controls and 
 subdues the mighty forces, which, if unchecked, would destroy the 
 Church. The world, the flesh, and the devil are mightier to overthrow 
 and break in pieces, than were Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, 
 and Nebuzar-ailan, captain of his guard, when they laid siege to Jerusalem 
 and took ii. Indeed, so mighty are they that no one, save King Jesus, 
 can effectually overcome them. It is through Him that His servants 
 are conquerors. They give thanks to God, who always causeth them to 
 triumph in Christ. 
 
 As we think of the Churches in themselves or in their individual 
 members, we have to note this grand central personage, who is ever with 
 them, an efiiective guardian, walking in the midst of their glory and 
 beauty, and honouring Himself in their growth and brilliancy. We
 
 69Y 
 
 appreciate more fully the exhortation of Barnabas, addressed to the dis- 
 ciples at Antioch, " when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was 
 glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would 
 cleave unto the Lord." 
 
 IV. — PowKR IN Beneficent Exercise. 
 
 This matter of power from on high is of supreme moment. Vain is our 
 organization, empty our most attractive forms, futile our expenditure of 
 time, energy, and money, barren of results our most distinguished gifts 
 of eloquence, culture, and zeal, without this power: this God-given, 
 ppirit-inspired might; this moulding, transforming energy; in fine, this 
 power of God unto salvation. 
 
 The design of creating these seven lamps, and of the walking in the 
 midst of them on the part of the Lord Christ, is that the nations might 
 be illumined and saved. Power is imparted that it may be beneficently 
 exercised. He sets up the candlestick of glory and beauty, causes it as a 
 tree to grow, and to blossom in joy and fruitfulness, and He walks in the 
 midst of it that its seven lamps may burn brightly to cheer and to bless 
 all who come under its influence. Is the human soul oppressed by sin 
 in darkness in condemnation, without God and without hope? — this 
 divine power in beneficent exercise illumines the darkness, lifts oflF the 
 burden of condemnation, and brings back the wanderer to God and to a 
 joyous hope. It makes men children of light and of the day, and by its 
 pervading influence in them and through them puts to shame the un- 
 fruitful works of darkness. Churches thus illumined and thus occupied 
 exercise a subtle and unobtrusive but a mighty influence for good on the 
 community in which they dwell and of which they formed a part. The 
 individuals of which they are constituted one after another pass away 
 into the unseen and eternal — they continue not amid their earthly privi- 
 leges and labours by reason of death— but the Church lives on. Instead 
 of the fathers there are the children, and these from generation to 
 generation. You celebrate the centenary of this venerable Church in 
 which the light has shone during three generations. Who can measure 
 the blessed influence of its sacred services, the priestly king walking in 
 the midst, and putting forth His great power for good. I remember sit- 
 ting in one of the pews, joining in the worship and listening to the Word 
 as ministered here more than sixty-three years ago. With old-fashioned 
 internal arrangements, its seats were well filled by individuals and fami- 
 lies, on whose experience and lives and influence on others, the services 
 were ever producing a sacred effect. The power exercised is subtle, gen- 
 tle, not immediately apparent. You cannot say — lo, here ! lo, there! But 
 it is there nevertheless, at the secret springs of action and of character, 
 making men and women and children other than they would have been 
 had they not enjoyed the privilege. I suppose there are few, ^'ery few, of
 
 698 
 
 my fellow- worshippers of those days now among the living, but neverthe- 
 less the succession has continued — faithful men have laboured, and that 
 not in vain, and still the Lord of the Church holds the star which has 
 shone here for many years in His right hand, and is walking in the 
 midst of the golden lampstand. I do not farther allude to the history of 
 the congregation, as that will occupy your attention this evening. I have 
 known and esteemed its successive pastors, and have now and again 
 occupied its pulpit, notably after its interior was modernised a number of 
 years ago. May the richest blessings of the INIaster descend upon His 
 people here continually. One word in conclusion. The scene we have 
 been contemplating is one of light, brightness, glory. It is such as our 
 loving Father would have us enjoy. He has made abundant provision 
 that every one may have the blessing. He invites, allures, commands, in 
 order that we may live and be blessed. But we are to notice also that it 
 is possible for us to live in darkness and to be finally consumed by sor- 
 row and despair. Out of Christ we are lost ! Let not one of us neglect 
 the great salvation. 
 
 At the conclusion of the sermon, a communion service was held, pre- 
 sided over by the pastor, Rev. James Barclay, of St. Paul's Church, 
 delivering an address. Many old members, and friends from other 
 churches, participated in the sacrament. 
 
 St. Gabriel Church, March 8th, 1886. 
 
 The centennial celebration at St. Gabriel Presbyterian Church was 
 continued by a festival in the church, which was largely attended. The 
 Rev. Robert Campbell occupied the chair, and after the opening exercises 
 introduced the representatives of Knox Church. He said that he did not 
 claim the exclusive possession of all the memories that clustered around 
 those walls, and that Knox Church, in its removal from that building, 
 was quite exceptional, inasmuch as thoy had left of their own accord, 
 and shared in all the memories connected with that building, up to 
 within the last twenty years. Major McGibbon, who had a great deal to 
 do with the early history of Knox Church, then gave an interesting 
 narrative regarding it, and Miss Melville sang a solo, " Over the line." 
 The chairman in introducing the Rev. J. Edgar Hill, of St. Andrew's 
 Church, referred to the circumstances of the secession of 1803, which 
 developed ultimately into St. Andrew's Church, and then spoke of the 
 generous consideration extended to him in coming lo Montreal by the 
 venerable Dr. Mathieson, then minister of St. Andrew's Church. Mr. 
 Hill then addressed the meeting, and said that he brought the congratu-
 
 699 
 
 lations of St. Andrew's Church, and their desire was to be worthy of the 
 Church of Scotland, which always said good of everybody and ill of none. 
 A quartette, " The Prodigal Child," was next sung by members of the 
 choir, and then Kev. G. H. Wells, of the American Presbyterian Church, 
 was introduced as one of the grandchildren of the church. He, too, 
 brought the congratulations of his church. After a solo by Mr. Bain, 
 "The Palace of the King," Rev. W. R. Cruikshank, of Point St. Charles, 
 brought, he said, the congratulations of his Kirk-session and congrega- 
 tion, and concluded with expressing the hope that St. Gabriel's con- 
 gregation would soon be provided with a more modern church edifice in 
 a suitable locality. 
 
 The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the long 
 metre doxology, after which the benediction was pronounced. Those 
 present then adjourned to the school-room adjoining and partook of 
 refreshments which had been furnished by the Young People's association. 
 
 St. Gabriel Church, March 9th, 1886. 
 
 The centennial celebration of St. Gabriel Presbyterian Church continued 
 this evening, the Rev. R. Campbell presiding. Letters apologizing for 
 unavoidable absence were read from the Rev. Messrs. Norton and 
 Newnham, and conveying their good wishes. 
 
 The Rev. James Barclay, and Mr. Birss — who had attended the 
 Sab- ath School fifty years ago — made short addresses, followed by a solo 
 by Miss J. Robertson. 
 
 The chairman referred to historic connection between St. Gabriel 
 Church and Crescent Street Church, formerly Cote Street Church, and in 
 the absence of the pastor, called upon the Hon. Justice Torrance, one of 
 the members of the Session, who conveyed the congratulations of the 
 Kirk-session. Principal MacVicar, as a former pastor of Cote Street 
 Church, delivered an interesting address showing the catholicity of Pres- 
 byterianism, indicating the point of contact between the Presbyterians 
 and various other representative churches. 
 
 The choir having sung "Jerusalem, my glorious home," the chairman 
 introduced Mr. Edward B. Greenshields, grandson of a former pastor of 
 the church and founder of St. Paul's Church. Having referred to Erskine 
 Church, congratulatory addresses followed from the Rev. L. H. Jordan, 
 pastor of the congregation, Mr. Andrew Robertson, and the Rev. R. H. 
 Warden. Messrs. Stewart and Traquair then rendered a duet, "Now 
 we are ambassadors," after which the concluding speech of the evening 
 was then listened to. It was from the Rev. Mr. McCaul, of Stanley Street 
 Presbyterian Church, who referred to the St. Gabriel edifice, and said 
 that the right thing for Presbyterians to do would be to buy and preserve 
 it for some general church use. 
 
 A hymn having been sung, and refreshments served, the meeting closed.
 
 100 
 
 St, Gabriel Church, March 10th, 1886. 
 
 Tlie centennial festival was continued this evening, the pastor in the 
 chair. After devotional exercises, the first congregation to be welcomed 
 was St. Mark's, which was organized by the Rev. W. M. Black, son of 
 one of the former ministers of St. Gabriel Street Church. The Rev. J. 
 Nichols responded on behalf of his congregation, and members of the 
 choir of St. Mark's contributed to the evening's proceedings by singing 
 several pieces. 
 
 Tlie Rev. Dr. Smyth, of the St. Joseph Street Church was prevented 
 from being present by illness, but he sent greeting in his own name and 
 on behalf of his Kirk-session and congregation. One of the managers of 
 the church also answered the remarks from the chair in welcoming the 
 congregation. 
 
 An interesting part of the proceedings was the relation of Col. Fletcher 
 and Mr. George Cruickshank of personal reminiscences in the old church. 
 The Rev. Col borne Heine brought from Chalmers' Kirk-session and con- 
 gregation, and the Rev. Thos. Bennett from Taylor Church the respectful 
 greetings of the two youngest of the sisterhood of Presbyterian churches 
 that had grown out of the old mother church in St. Gabriel Street, and 
 thus was brought to a close a most interesting and delightful series of 
 soirees. 
 
 At the conclusion, the chairman reminded the friends present that 
 these meetings were, however, meant to lead up to the great meeting, 
 the anniversary itself, to be held in Knox Church on Friday evening, and 
 urged their attendance then and there. He also referred to the com- 
 memorative services to be held in his church next Lord's day, and 
 explained that the Communion in the afternoon was to be quite distinct 
 from the Anglican service, and a short interval would elapse between 
 the two. 
 
 March 11th, 1886. 
 
 The Conversazione in the David Morrice Hall this evening was a brilliant 
 affair. The programme was arranged by a special committee, of which 
 Rev. R. H. Warden was convener. 
 
 The Rev. Professor Campbell, Moderator of the Presbytery of Montreal, 
 occupied the chair. 
 
 Congratulatory addresses were delivered during the evening by Rev. 
 Dr. Wilkes, Rev. Prof. Shaw, of the Wesleyan College, Rev. Dr. Stone, of 
 St. Martin's Episcopal Church, and His Honor Mayor Beaugrand. The 
 Harmony Male Quartette Club sang several pieces, and Holland's Band 
 filled up the intervals with appropriate music. Refreshments were served 
 in the dining room, reading room and lecture room No. 1. The corridor,
 
 ^01 
 
 library, halls and entire college buildings were thrown open at the close 
 of the programme, and were thronged for the rest of the evening by all 
 that was best in the way of intellect and worth in Montreal circles. It 
 proved a happy suggestion to hold this reunion in honour of the centenary 
 of Presbyterianism. 
 
 Knox Chuech, March 12th, 1886. 
 
 This was the great day of the feast. By eight o'clock, the church was 
 well filled, and a little later every seat was taken. The Rev. Jas. Fleck, 
 B.A., pastor of the church, presided, and on the platform were the Revds. 
 Principal Mac Vicar, Prof. Coussirat, Dey, Robert Campbell, A. B. Mackay 
 R. H. Warden, L. H. Jordan, W. R. Cfuikshank, T. Bennett, J. Mackie, 
 J. McCaul, W. J. Smythe, Ph.D., G. H. Wells, J. Nichols, J. Patterson, 
 C. Heine, A. B. Cruchet, J. A. F. McBain, and K. McLennan, members 
 of Presbytery, under whose auspices the meeting was held. 
 
 The grand Old Hundredth Psalm was sung as the opening exercise, 
 Rev. L. H. Jordan read the Scriptures and led in prayer. Then Psalm 
 122 was sung, after which the chairman gave a short historical address, 
 showing the relation of the Knox congregation, in whose church the 
 meeting was held, to the century of Presbyterianism just concluded, — as 
 representing the main stalk of the original congregation, organized 12th 
 March, 1786. Then followed the addresses of Principal MacVicar, Rev. 
 Geo. H. Wells, of the American Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Dr. Reid. 
 Psalms 24 and 48, and Paraphrase 2 being sung in the intervals. This 
 grand meeting was brought to a close by prayer and the benediction by 
 Rev. A. B. Mackay, of Crescent Street Church.
 
 ADDRESS DELIVERED IN KNOX CHURCH, MARCH 12th, 1886, 
 BY PRINCIPAL MACVICAR. 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN DOCTRINE AND POLITY. 
 
 To say within half an hour what should be said on the subject, at the 
 centenary of Presbyterianism in Montreal, is a task which I have not set 
 for myself, but one which I have been constrained to attempt by the 
 urgent persuasions of my lay and ministerial brethren. If my sentences, 
 therefore, seem condensed and void of rhetorical expansion, ascribe it 
 to the limit of time by which I am bound. 
 
 Presbyterianism is not a thing of yesterday. Its doctrines and the 
 fundamental principles of its polity can be readily traced to their apostolic 
 source. Foremost among its dogmas is that which declares that the Bible 
 is the supreme, infallible rule of faith and conduct, by which alone all 
 matters of doctrine, worship and discipline must ultimately be determined. 
 This was the great central principle of the Reformation of the sixteenth 
 century, and the various Christian bodies formed under the spiritual im- 
 pulse of that period have acted upon it with more or less fidelity. So far 
 as Presbyterians are concerned, while granting occasional unfaithfulness 
 and deadness, we may safely say that they have adhered to it with a 
 firmness of purpose which is still unshaken. They have all along em- 
 phasized the truth of the memorable words of Chillingworth : " The Bible, 
 the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, is the religion of Protestants." 
 Nor have they hesitated, amid successive storms of Germanic and Anglo- 
 Saxop Biblical criticism, to indicate precisely what they mean by the 
 Bible. In their subordinate standards they have definitely settled the 
 canon by naming the books which it contains, and steadfastly refusing 
 to allow any diminution of the nurubor or any addition of apocryphal 
 writings and the traditions of men. They have based the claim of the 
 Book to infallible authority on its divine inspiration, and have uniformly 
 put forward this claim in opposition to the pretended infallibility of Popes 
 and Councils, and the imperious utterances of Rationalism. As to ihemode 
 of inspiration, Presbyterian, as well as other theological writers, have ex- 
 pressed a variety of opinions, while, touching the fact of inspiration, they 
 have shown the utmost unanimity. They have declared in the clearest 
 terms that the Book is from God, and is the true expression of His mind, 
 while it has undoubtedly a human and historical character, inasmuch as
 
 703 
 
 men were used as the free organs of the Holy Spirit in making the record 
 whether of truth communicated directly and for the first time by God, or 
 gathered from human sources. 
 
 Along with the inspiration, infallibility, and sovereign authority of the 
 Bible, Presbyterians have strenuously maintained 
 
 THE RIGHT AND DUTY OF ALL TO tSE IT FREELY, 
 
 because of its perfect adaption to their intellectual, moral and spiritual 
 wants. They have apprehended no danger from putting it into the hands 
 of the people, owing to its supposed obscurity and the difficulty of under- 
 standing it. They have gone upon the assumption — surely a safe and 
 true one — that if the Spirit of God did not make plain his meaning and 
 express in the most intelligible manner all essential saving truth, and 
 if Jesus, whom the common people heard gladly, because He spake 
 as never man spake, failed to state with sufficient simplicity and 
 clearness His own gospel, we look in vain for help in this respect 
 from erring, sinful men and human literature. And while strongly 
 asserting the right of private judgment in determining the meaning of the 
 word, Presbyterians have ever been careful, at the same time, to seek 
 unanimity and catholicity of belief and practice among the members of 
 the body of Christ : hence, the various creeds and confessions upon which 
 they have been united. And here we take leave to say that creeds, 
 whether written or unwritten, are necessary and unavoidable. They may 
 be feeble and mutable, or strong and stable, the growth of the thought and 
 wisdom of centuries. 
 
 A man may be silly enough to ignore the past and all its efforts, and to 
 regard the advent of wisdom into the world as dating from his own birth, 
 but he should credit those who lived before him with some share of com- 
 mon sense, and shape his creed accordingly. And one way or other a 
 creed is inevitable. Since God has undoubtedly spoken to man, it is 
 obviously man's duty, not only to listen but also to do his best to express 
 in clear terms what he understands to be God's meaning. This is his 
 creed, what he believes, it may contain much or little, may be logical and 
 definite, or disorderly and vague, according to his capacity and culture 
 and the measure of faith with which he receives the heavenly message. 
 And it is manifest that the larger the number of intelligent. God-fearing, 
 Bible honoring persons who are cordially agreed as to what they believe 
 the better, because they thus testify ojjenly to the unbelieving world that, 
 in terms of his intercessory prayer, they are one in Christ, and because 
 it is undeniable that the weakest part of every man's creed is that which 
 he holds alone or aside from Christendom, and the strongest part that 
 which he holds along with the whole household of God. Happily for 
 Presbyterians they have never appeared as an isolated sect so far as doc- 
 trine is concerned. Their strength has largely been their catholicity and
 
 704 
 
 comprehensive and firm grasp of divine truth. Tliey have accordingly, 
 in common with Christendom, accepted the Apostles' Creed as containing 
 ap)ostolic teaching, although not written by apostolic hands, and the 
 Nicene and so-called Athanasian Creeds in similar terms. If asked to 
 give an historic account of the belief of the portion of the Holy Catholic 
 Church which we represent, we confidently point to the oracles of God as 
 supreme, and then to no narrow, sectarian creed, but to the consensus of 
 the Reformed Confessions as that which we hold and teach. We point to 
 the Gall ican Confession of the Protestants of France (1559); the Belgic 
 Confession of the Netherlands (1561) ; the second Helvetic Confession of 
 Switzerland and other countries '(1560) ; the Heidelberg Catechism of 
 Grermany and Holland (1563) ; the two Scottish Confessions of 1560 and 
 1581, as well as the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, sup- 
 plemented and explained by the Lambeth Articles (1559), and the Irish 
 Articles of Archbishop Usher (1615) ; and to the canons of the Synod 
 of Dort (1618). 
 
 WHAT WAS BEST IN ALL THESE VENERABLE SYMBOLS 
 
 was gathered up into our Westminster Confession and Catechisms in 
 1647. It was the specific outcome of the best Theological scholarship of 
 the age, and of the terrible struggle between Puritanism and semi- 
 Romanisra, known as the Second Reformation in England. It was made, 
 as is well known, in the venerable Abbey whose name it bears, and where 
 the Bible was translated in 1611 for Euglish-speaking people, and again 
 recently revised. But although the work of English scholars, candid 
 and profound, and intended for three kingdoms, it was rejected in the 
 land of its origin and accepted in Scotland and by the churches beyond 
 the Atlantic and Pacific. It may be said of all the confessions named, 
 as well as of this last and best of them, that thoy are not the fruit of 
 theory and speculation, but of keen, practical conflict and deep conviction. 
 There were giants in those days, mighty men of God, Huguenots in 
 France, Burghers in Holland, Puritans in England, and Covenanters in 
 Scotland, who had the courage of their convictions, and who were ready 
 to contend and die for the truth which they formulated. It is not sur- 
 prising, therefore, that much of it assumed an apologetic and controver- 
 sial form, and that the views of ApoUinarians, Eutychians, Arians, 
 Socinians, Pelagians, Arminians, and especially Papists, ^^•ere treated 
 with critical skill and unmistakable firmness, facts which require to be 
 kept in view, in order to read with success these great theological treatises, 
 as they may be called. They are so largely moulded upon the prevailing 
 errors of the stirring times which gave them birth, as to be almost unin- 
 telligible to persons ignorant of these important periods of Church History. 
 Nor is it to be regretted that our AVestminster Standards are so largely 
 apologetic, becaiise they deal electively with great generic errors which
 
 105 
 
 are ever recurring in slightly varied forms in the history of human 
 thought. It is probably this feature of the work, as well as the copious 
 stores of positive and direct truth which it contains, that has given it 
 vitality beyond all its predecessors, so that now, after more than two 
 centuries, it stands, with but slight modifications, as still setting forth the 
 belief of the Reformed churches. 
 
 Many persons ignorantly imagine that our Church and doctrine are 
 Scottish, and that the work of formulating our dogmas was limited to 
 Scotland, but the facts are far otherwise. Before Scotland had any Con- 
 fession of her own, about tlie year 1548, George Wishart, the martyr of 
 St. Andrew's, translated and published for the use of the people, the First 
 Helvetic Confession, and it should not be forgotten that the best theo- 
 logical instruction which our great Reformer, John Knox, ever received, 
 was from the lips and writings of that Frenchman of penetrating, mar- 
 vellous, imperiaF mind, John Calvin. He was thus taught the views 
 w'hich he incorporated in his Confessio Scoticana (1563), which was 
 adopted by the General Assembly, so that in a very essential sense, Scot- 
 land owes her first Confession to the French mind. Then, a few years 
 later, the Assembly sanctioned and approved the Second Helvetic Con- 
 fession. This symbol originated (1566) in the desire to enlarge the earlier 
 Swiss Confession of 1536, and to include in it the views of John Calvin, 
 which had meanwhile been published. It w^as also professedly drawn up 
 to manifest the unity of doctrinal belief among the Reformed continental 
 churches, and was approved by most of them before being adopted in 
 Scotland, and has ever since found general acceptance in Switzerland. 
 The Geneva catechism, prepared by John Calvin, was also sanctioned by 
 the General Assembly upon this sjjecific ground, among others, that it 
 was then the one most generally used among the Reformed churches, 
 our Presbyterian ancestors thus again showung the utmost catholicity of 
 spirit and practice. Moreover, the Heidelberg catechism was translated 
 into English and freely used in the Church of Scotland. It was originally 
 prepared by the Heidelberg theologians, Gaspar Olevianus and Zachariah 
 Ursinus, at the command of the Elector-Palatine, Frederick III. It is 
 Calvinistic in doctrine, and became the standard of the churches and 
 schools of the Palatinate, and retains the authority of a symbol in Ger- 
 many to this day. It was approved by the Synod of Dort, 1618, and its 
 use in Scotland shows both the identity of British and Continental Pres- 
 byterianism, and how much w'e owe to Germany, as well as to Switzer- 
 land and France. Finally, the Act of the Parliament of 1690, approving 
 the Westminster Confession of Faith, fully recognizes the fact that it con- 
 tains the sum and substanc6 of the preceding Reformed Confessions. Our 
 claim, therefore, to catholicity in doctrine and polity is no vain boast, 
 but one which rests upon a broad and strong historical foundation, and 
 the fact that our subordinate standards survived the revolutionary 
 storms of the eighteenth century, and are to-day accepted by millions of 
 U U
 
 706 
 
 Christians of a thoughtful and vigorous type all over the world, and are 
 more intlucntial than ever before, is no unimportant evidence of their 
 being tho vehicle of God's truth which abideth forever. The sixteenth 
 and Bevcnteenth centuries formed a period of unprecedented mental and 
 spiritual activity, of reformation and theological progress, but the 
 eighteenth century was a time of re-action and destruction. It was then 
 that Deism in England robbed men of the truth of God and left them 
 nothing but the cold lifeless skeleton of natural religion and threatened 
 the ruin of Church and State, until the apologetic efforts of Butler, Lard- 
 ner and others, and the vital warmth of the Methodist revival in some 
 measure checked its progress. 
 
 Deism in France Degenerated into Blasphemous Atheism, led by 
 Voltaire and Rousseau, and culminated in the atrocities of the re- 
 volution and the reign of terror. In Germany, dominant thought took 
 the form of Rationalism and touched with its blighting influence churches 
 and colleges, and poisoned the fountains of theological learning in every 
 department, historic, exegetic. and dogmatic. So terrible was the storm, 
 that it virtually wrecked the Confessions and the piety of her Lutheran 
 and Reformed Continental Churches. But through it all believers in our 
 Presbyterian doctrine and polity, so luminously summarized in the West- 
 minster Standards, remained steadfast and immovable, both in Britain 
 and America; and now, under the unifying influence of the Presbyterian 
 Alliance, which has already held three successful meetings in Edinburgh, 
 Philadelphia and Belfast.these desolated Continental churches are rallying 
 once more around the old Gospel banner, while a worldwide and emphatic 
 testimony is being borne to the Biblical character of our cherished doc- 
 trines. And we do not anticipate any serious departure from these being 
 brought about by the progress of knowledge and science. They have 
 already withstood attacks as strong and fierce as any they are likely to 
 encounter. We do not say that they are perfect or infallible, that belongs 
 to God's Word only, and it contains far more truth than can ever be em- 
 braced in human symbols. We know, too, that this is a progressive age, 
 and we believe and rejoice in progress. We are greatly in advance of the 
 seventeenth century in many departments. This is the case in textual 
 criticism, based upon a wealth of original manuscripts wholly unknown 
 to scholars of that time ; and the case also in Biblical Antiquities, History, 
 Archaeology, Monumental evidences, Biblical Geography, and Natural 
 Sciences, as these affect the interpretation of the sacred text. We have 
 far clearer views than the Reformers of the doctrine of toleration, the 
 nature of constitutional government and the relation between Church and 
 State. On all these subjects we have left our ancesters far behind. And 
 yet we have not reached tho utmost limit of knowledge. Others are to 
 distance us in the future. But truth is trutli in all age.s. It never grows 
 old. And while we are ardent believers in scientific and theological pro- 
 gress, we have no faith in a new gospel or in preachers who are so original
 
 101 
 
 as to make their own gosj^el instead of declaring God's message. The old 
 Gospel of our salvation that saved patriarclis and prophets and apostles 
 and countless millions through the ages of the past, is to be the Gospel of 
 the future. Sin, for example, will always continue to be " a transgression 
 of God's law," as well as a defilement of man's soul, antagonistic to God's 
 nature and deserving his wrath and curse. The divinity of the Son and 
 the personality and divinity of the Spirit of God will always rest upon a 
 mass of Scripture evidence against which the gates of hades cannot pre- 
 vail. The one great atoning sacrifice, " once offered," and not often, as in 
 the so-called sacrifice of the mass, will never lose its efficacy as the only 
 ground of justification and the foundation of our eternal hope- The sub- 
 stitutionary sufferings and death of onr Lord, " the Cross of Christ," will 
 never cease to be the rallying point and glory of the true servants of God- 
 Man's freedom and responsibility will remain facts of human conscious- 
 ness, no matter what metaphysicians and moralists may say or decide 
 upon the subject — God's untrammelled freedom and sovereignty in work- 
 ing in the physical universe and siiiritual kingdom, whether in creating 
 worlds and ruling them, or in quickening, by His Spirit, souls that are 
 dead in trespasses and sin, will not be impaired if the whole world should 
 vote against it. It w'ill still be true that "He doeth according to his will 
 in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth." 
 
 Thus we might pass through the entire circle of our doctrines, expres- 
 sing our faith in their scriptural verity and their continuance in time to 
 come. But we content ourselves with the general declaration that what 
 we need is not new doctrine, but the baptism of the Holy Ghost, greatly 
 quickening our personal faith in the Christ we preach, and giving to 
 Christian life in our homes and churches a divine reality and power, and 
 to all the servants of God, in the pulpit and the pew, definiteness and 
 honesty of purpose in holding and teaching the truth once delivered to 
 the saints. We reprobate, as strongly as any of the so-called advanced 
 thinkers of the age, dead orthodoxy, but we value at an unspeakable 
 price, as a matter of true, manly conduct, of morality and religion, living 
 fidelity to all that the mouth of the Lord hath spoken. 
 
 We have now time for only a few words upon polity. Presbyterians 
 have never deemed this subject of such grave importance as doctrine, and 
 it is impossible here to enter into anything of the nature of a full exposi- 
 tion and defence of our views. We must be content with the very brief- 
 est statement of fundamental principles which are the logical outcome of 
 what we hold as to the nature of the Church. 
 
 1. Our thorough Catholicity, as embracing all the children of God, by 
 whatever name known, is declared in various forms in the Westminster 
 Standards. Thus, in the twenty-fifth chapter, it is said that the "Catholic 
 or Universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of 
 the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ 
 the Head thereof." And, again, " the visible Church, which is also
 
 •708 
 
 Catholic, consists of all throughout the world who profess tlio true reli- 
 gion, together with their children." Nor are these things asserted merely 
 as matters of abstract dogma. They are fully sustained by Scriptural 
 evidence, and made the basis of most practical action. Hence, in the 26th 
 chapter, the Communion of Saints is defined in equally comprehensive 
 and Catholic terms, and it is tliere declared that " Saints, by profession, 
 are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship 
 of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their 
 mutual edification, as also in relieving each other in outward things, 
 according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, 
 as God ofTereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who in every 
 place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus." In view of these solemn 
 declarations, to which we most heartily subscribe, if Presbyterians are in 
 any case narrow and sectarian, they must be so in flagrant violation of 
 their own standard. 
 
 2. As the necessary sequence of the Headship of Christ over the 
 Church, Presbyterians have maintained her spiritual independence, and 
 are destined to do so, we believe, with greater unanimity and power in 
 the future than in the past. The true and admirable words of the 30th 
 Chapter of our Confession are : '' The Lord Jesus, as King and Head of 
 his Church, hath therein appointed a government in the hand of church 
 officers, distinct from the civil magistrate." Tliis lifts the church at once 
 above the low and narrow conception of her being a national institution 
 — Scottish, English, Irish or American, and sets her free from the un- 
 scriptural domination of popes and civil governments, the very thing 
 which is needed, and which is surely coming, in the Province of Quebec, 
 and in all parts of the world. Sectarianism, ecclesiastical tyranny, the 
 thraldom of those whom Christ hath made free and over whom He alone 
 has a right to reign, are doomed, and sure to come to naught, and the 
 Scriptural and Presbyterian principles just enunciated certain to prevail. 
 
 3. lender Christ, as Head, the highest officers in the Church are 
 Presbyters. These are the bishops of the New Testament, as acknow- 
 ledged by Howson and Conybeare, Alford, EUicott, Jacob, and many 
 other distmguished scholars of thfe Church of England, as well as the 
 revisers of our English translation of the Bible. To the Presbyters 
 belong the functions of ordaining to office, administering the two sacra- 
 ments of the new covenant, teaching and ruling, or expounding and en- 
 forcing the Word of G(xl. Tiiere is nothing priestly or sacerdotal in their 
 office and work. Officially, they are all equal, neither are they lords over 
 God's heritage,but associated with teaching and ruling Elders and Deacons 
 for the management of the temporal affairs of the Church. And the 
 right of the people to elect all office-bearers, to choose their own spiritual 
 teachers and rulers, to " try the spirits," and to judge for themselves in 
 doctrine and the practical administration of the affairs of the Church is 
 most sacredly guarded.
 
 709 
 
 4. The unity, order and purity of the Church are conserved by our Polity, 
 We recognize the existence of " the Church in the liouse," where two 
 
 or three are gatliered together in the name of Jesus, as well as in the 
 great assembly, and in the aggregation of all the congregations of the 
 saints. 
 
 We find evidence in favor of this in the practice of the Church in 
 Jerusalem, Antioch, Corinth and elsewhere during the days of the 
 apostles. And the working of our Church courts, Sessions, Presbyteries, 
 Synods and General Assemblies, is admirably fitted to give practical 
 effect to this unity, and to secure the utmost advantage in concentrating 
 the entire strength of the Church upon Home and Foreign INIissions, 
 The wise use of the ecclesiastical power accorded to these courts secures 
 order, represses the disputatious and revolutionary tendencies of some 
 members, and secures also purity of doctrine and discipline. Both are 
 essential to the life and growth of the Church. A church without a 
 creed, without something definite which she holds and teaches, is an 
 aimless, disorderly democrac)', and a church with an endless diversity of 
 creeds and no power to maintain or enforce any, is a house divided 
 against itself. A church without disposition and power to exercise disci- 
 pline to cast out the unworthy, the impure and corrupting, is a body with 
 a deadly cancer eating away its very life. The principles of our polity 
 faithfully administered, guard against all these evils. 
 
 5. Ample provision is made to secure justice and freedom to all the 
 members of the church and to render the entire body active and aggres- 
 sive in the service of the Lord. Justice is provided for by the presence in 
 all our courts of ruling elders as representatives of the people, and more 
 especially by the right of appeal secured to all from the lowest to the 
 highest of these judicatories. By this means, the judges, at each step, are 
 changed and the influence of local prejudices thus neutralized, until, 
 finally, in the General Assembly the judges are drawn from our whole 
 Dominion, and can scarcely be supposed to be swayed by unworthy mo- 
 tives. And seeing the members of Assembly are from all parts of the 
 church, the chosen representatives of the peo])le, they should be able to 
 rouse them to energetic action and the concentration of their material and 
 spiritual forces upon the accomplishment of all evangelical work that may 
 be proposed. Principal Kainy, of Edinburgh, has truly said, that " Pres- 
 byterianism means organized life, regulated distribution of forces, gra- 
 duated recognition of gifts, freedom to discuss, authority to control, and 
 agency. to administer." 
 
 Let us then exert ourselves to the utmost to have this " organized life," 
 a life fed by the truth and the Spirit of God, spread over the entire land, 
 and let us strive to have it manifest itself in the formation of a God-like, 
 pure, strong and manly typo of character, and in the training of citizens 
 who will always resist oppression in every form, and stand up for the 
 right, and carry forward our vast Dominion to its rightful place among the 
 nations of the world.
 
 ADDRESS DELIVERED IN KNOX CHURCH, MARCH 12th, 1886, 
 BY THE REV. GEORGE H. WELLS. 
 
 THE CHARACTER PRODUCED BY PRESBYTERIANISM. 
 
 '• The tree is known by his fruit." — A System is judged by its results. — 
 Tried by this rule, how does Presbyterianism stand? — What kind of 
 character and life does it produce ? 
 
 My time is brief! I cannot stay to make nice definitions, nor to draw 
 fine distinctions between Presbyterianism and other branches of the 
 Christian Church. 
 
 Dr. McVicar has told us that it consists of inward faith and outward 
 form. It is a system of doctrinal belief, and it is a method of church 
 government. It is mainly with the first of these two elements that 
 I shall deal to-night. 
 
 Presbyterianism, as identified with the school of theology, commonly 
 called Calvinistic or Augustinian, will be my present theme. I know that 
 not all Calvinists are Presbyterian, and that not all Presbyterians are 
 Calvinists. There is Calvinism in the standard of the English Church. 
 
 Luther, anil still more, Melancthon, held some Calvinism, but Angli- 
 cans and Lutlierans are usually not Calvinists. Baptists and Congrega- 
 tionalists, in both Great Britain and America, are often Calvinistic in 
 belief, but they reject the Presbyterian polity. — Unitarians in England 
 and Ireland, were formerly called Presbyterians, and in some cases they 
 still retain the name. 
 
 There are Calvinistic Methodists in Wales, andArminian Presbyter- 
 ians in the United States ; but, notwithstanding these exceptions and 
 some other.s we might cite, Presbyterianism and Calvinism are popularly 
 and properly identified with one another. 
 
 In this discussion, therefore, we shall treat the two systems as in sub- 
 stance one. 
 
 By Presbyterianism we mean Calvinism, — that complete, compacted 
 system of belief, whose foremost teachers and reformers we claim were 
 Paul, the great Apostle ; Augustine, the groat Latin Father ; Anselm, the 
 great Scholastic ; and Calvin, the great Reformer. Calvin was born and 
 trained in France, but he labored and died at Geneva. Driven from his 
 own country by intolerance, he found a home in that fair city that has
 
 Ill 
 
 given shelter to so many exiles of widely different race and faith. Calvin 
 and Voltaire both found a refuge within its walls. It seems strange that 
 Calvin never makes reference in his writings to the splendid scenery by 
 which he was surrounded at Geneva. No word of his would indicate 
 that he ever looked upon the peerless summits of Mont Blanc, or marked 
 the beauty of the gleaming lake, or of the rushing Rhone. 
 
 In this, however, he resembled the Apostle Paul. He was now at 
 Tarsus, where he saw the snow-capped peaks of Tarsus, and the swift 
 Cydnus as it swept through the city to the sea. He travelled amid 
 scenes that were fair by nature, and famed in history, but they have left 
 no traces upon his w^orks. The Psalms of David, and the parables of 
 Jesus are full of nature, but the Epistles of St. Paul contain no reference 
 to the external world. Human nature alone attracted and interested 
 him. Calvin shows the same peculiarity. He probably was of a prac- 
 tical, rather than of a poetic turn of mind, and he dwelt more in the 
 domain of thought, than in the the realm of sight. "We should mistake 
 however, if we thought of Calvin, as of a harsh or gloomy man. He was 
 fond both of poetry and of music. He wrote some metrical versions of 
 the Psalms, and a hymn of praise to Jesus Christ, that shows a true poetic 
 imagery of fire. 
 
 I once attended an organ concert in the Cathedral of Geneva, where 
 Calvin preached, and where the very chair in which he sat is still pre- 
 served. I suppose Calvin did not approve of organs in his day, yet 
 possibly he would permit them were he living now. We feel that he was 
 really, though unconsciously, impressed by the fair scenes in which he 
 lived. If nature is not described in his works, it is reflected there. His 
 thoughts have the grandeur and sublimity of mountain ranges ; his 
 mind is broad and deep as the profound and azure lake ; his style is 
 swift and pure as the clear and rapid stream. The Rhone becomes a great 
 river, widening and deepening until it meets and mingles with the sea, 
 and then it sends its Avaters onward to wash remotest continents and 
 shores. So Calvin's influence has increased and spread throughout the 
 earth. He made that little city of Geneva in his time, the centre and 
 fortress of the Reformation, so that men called it the Jerusalem, the 
 Mecca, or the Rome of Protestantism, according to their love or hatred 
 for the man. His greatest work, " The Institutes of the Christian Reli- 
 gion," became a standard and text book in most of the reformed churches. 
 The Protestants of Boliemia and Hungary, the Waldenses of Italy, the 
 reformers of Switzerland and Southern Germany, of Belgium and of 
 Holland, the Huguenots of France, the Covenanters of Scotland, the 
 Puritans of England, all show the influence of his teaching, and their 
 descendants, both in the old world and the new, prove the tenacity of his 
 system. The symbols of these churches, including such well known 
 standards as the confessions of Dort and of Westminister, and the Heid-
 
 712 
 
 elberg Catechism, can justly claim a lineal descent from Calvin, while 
 most of the remaining cret'ds of Trotestantisni betray some marks of his 
 far-reaching hand- It is a large and goodly fellowship to which we are 
 thus introduced. 
 
 Merely to read this list of names and to recall the deeds which they 
 performed, suflices to stir us as with trumpet blasts and to thrill us with 
 memories of a holy and heroic past. What ranks of saintly men and 
 women, what hosts of scholars and of warriors ; what scenes of noble 
 daring, and of patient suffering, rise to confront us while we speak 1 We 
 seem to read a new 11th chapter to the Hebrews, and to behold a fresh 
 line of martyrs and heroes of whom the world was not worthy, arrayed 
 before our sight! If we mark well this company, we shall discern in 
 them the distinguishing quality of mental vigor and activity- Calvinism 
 promotes thoughtfulness and intelligence in its disciples. They have a 
 certain steadiness and sturdiness of mind, that loves to grapple with 
 hard problems, and seeks the toil of profound exacting thought. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Storrs, in his recent book, " The Divine Origin of Christian- 
 ity vindicated by its Historical Effects," devotes a brilliant chapter to 
 tracing " the influence of Christianity upon the mental culture of man- 
 kind." In it he argues that the study and discussion of the great truths 
 presented by the Bible, must stimulate and educate the mind; — he says, 
 " The student of Christianity is brought in contact with the themes, 
 most majestic and vital that can occupy the human mind." "Here are 
 the great gnomic sayings of the Master, as marvellous in the fulness of 
 their unwaning wisdom as any works attributed to him ; the profouudest 
 truths conveyed to the world in the most gracious, lucid and memorable 
 phrase." " Here are the alleged discoveries of transcendent facts that 
 pass the reach of our thought as do unsounded seas, the out-stretch of 
 our hand." — " The incessant and eager discussion of these facts never 
 fails among men." It has highest charm for the loftiest spirits ; audit 
 holds within it the clear prediction of larger scope, a more exact and 
 interpreting vision to be attained in the hereafter. " He who meditates 
 upon God, duty, immortality, as the Christian writings present them to 
 him, feels heirship with whatever is royal in the universe, and has a 
 sovereign sense in the soul of relationship to essences primordial and 
 eternal." 
 
 Calvinism shares with all schools of Christianity in this rich heritage 
 of fruitful and inspiring truth. Chief, as we believe, among the goodly 
 sisterhood, she loves to dwell upon the deepest, grandest theme. She 
 exalts most highly the eternal power and sovereignty of God. She regards 
 the universe, in all its parts, from rolling sun to falling hair, as constantly 
 depending on his care and help. She hangs eternal destinies for bliss or 
 woe on his immediate will. She, more than any other creed, we think, 
 imjKils and allures her followers, not her clergymen and students merely, 
 but her entire membership, to meditate and argue on these lofty themes.
 
 ^13 
 
 Mrs. Stowe faithfully discusses New England country life three-quarters 
 of a century ago, when she represents the labours of the kitchen and the 
 field as mingled with, and sometimes interrupted by, discussions upon 
 fore-ordination and free will. Something like this prevailed at Geneva 
 in Calvin's day, and in England and Scotland in the times of Cromwell 
 and of Knox. All men were eager then to reason high " of providence, 
 fore-knowledge, will and fate." "Fixed fate; free will; fore-knowledge 
 absolute ! " Milton said it was the devils that discussed these themes* 
 but Milton's devils were giants of intellectual strength and skill. I know 
 that men of other faiths declare that all such reasoning is vain and 
 sometimes mischievous. They believe that these great subjects only 
 baffle and exhaust their students, and that those who venture into their 
 discussion, like Milton's fiends, will " find no end in wandering mazes 
 lost." 
 
 I take issue, however, with such persons. Let it be granted that the 
 doctrines of Calvinism cannot be fully defined and understood, nor 
 settled to the satisfaction of any one and beyond the possibility of doubt 
 What then ? Does this prove their study to be worthless and inane ? 
 Is it of no profit to the human mind to have proposed for its considera- 
 tion questions which it sliall continually ask, but cannot finally and fully 
 answer ? Does not Scripture challenge us to try and train our powers on 
 matters that we cannot fathom nor explain ? To quote again from Dr. 
 Storrs. He says : — " I do not hesitate to accept it as part of the plan of 
 the author of Christianity to leave these questions, and others like them, 
 so far undecided that new discussion should be always in order, and that 
 the most exact and wide investigation should never be suspended. It is 
 by such discussion and investigation that the intelligence of Christendom 
 is constantly trained. The doubts which men at times have entertained 
 upon such subjects have been more instructive than many certainties on 
 common themes." Perhaps no man will ever be able to define and 
 demonstrate the doctrine of election to his own entire satisfaction and 
 that of otiiers, but his attempt to do it will certainly go far to enlarge 
 and to exalt his thoughts. The person who tries to ascend Mont Blanc 
 may not attain its summit, but he will breathe more pure and invigorat- 
 ing air, and will enjoy fairer and farther reaching views than if he had 
 remained in the valley at its foot. Consideration of these mighty 
 doctrines must make a man humble and reverent, and lead him to seek 
 the Holy Spirit's aid, as Milton did when entering on his great work — 
 " O, Spirit ! Instruct me, for Thou knoweet. What in me is dark, illumine. 
 What is low, raise and support: that to the height of this great argument 
 I may assert eternal Providence and justify the ways of God to men !" 
 
 Calvinism produces a thoughtful, earnest cast of mind. Seriousness 
 and sobriety have characterized its disciples in all ages- Macaulay 
 marked this fact in speaking of the Puritans. He says of them : — " They
 
 714 
 
 were men whose minds had derived a peculiar character from the daily 
 contemplation of superior beings and eternal interests. Not content 
 with acknowledging in general terms an over-ruling Providence, they 
 habitually ascribed every event to the will of the Great Being, for whose 
 power nothing was too vast, for whoso inspection nothing was too 
 minute. To know Him, to serve Him, to enjoy Him was the great end 
 of their existence. They rejected with contempt the ceremonious homage 
 which other sects substituted for the pure worship of the soul. Instead 
 of catching occasional glimpses of the Deity through an obscure vail, 
 they aspired to gaze full on the intolerable brightness, and commune with 
 Him face to face. 
 
 "If they were unacquainted with the works of philosophers and poets, 
 they were deeply read in the oracles of God. If their names were not 
 found in the registers of heralds, they felt assured that they were 
 Avritten in the Book of Life. If their steps were not accompanied by a 
 splendid train of menials, legions of ministering angels had charge over 
 them. Their palaces were houses not made with hands, their diadems 
 glory that should never fade away. On the rich and the eloquent, on nobles 
 and priests, they looked down with contempt, for they esteemed them- 
 selves rich in a more precious treasure, and eloquent in a more sublime 
 language, nobler by the right of an earlier creation, and priests by the 
 imposition of a mightier hand. The very meanest of them vras a being 
 to whose fate a mysterious and terrible importance belonged, on whose 
 slightest actions the spirits of light and darkness looked with anxious 
 interest, who had been destined, before heaven and earth were created, 
 to enjoy a felicity which should continue when heaven and earth should 
 have passed away. Events which short-sighted politicians ascribed to 
 earthly causes had been ordained on his account. For his sake empires 
 had risen and flourished and decayed. For his sake the Almighty had 
 proclaimed his will by the pen of the evangelist and the harp of the 
 propliet. He had been rescued by no common deliverer from the grasp 
 of no common foe. He had been ransomed by the sweat of no vulgar 
 agony, by the blood of no earthly sacrifice. It was for him that the sun 
 had been darkened, that the rocks had been rent, that the dead had 
 arisen, that all Nature had shuddered at the sufferings of the expiring 
 God. Thus the Puritan was made up of two different men, the one 
 all self-abasement, penitence, gratitude ; the other proud, calm, inflexible, 
 sagacious." 
 
 We may not agree with all the brilliant essayist here says, but we 
 accept enougli to illustrate and confirm our point, that Calvinism works 
 a strong and quickening influemie upon the mind. It produces strength 
 ratlier than refinement. Buckle says : " Calvinism is more favorable to 
 the sciences than to the arts, better fitted to the ministers than to 
 scholars." I believe that through its history there can be traced a
 
 116 
 
 certain ruggedness and robustness of the intellectual life which differen- 
 tiates it from every school of thought. In common with all Protestantism, 
 it has always sought the education of the people. It has tended to 
 dignify and strengthen the middle classes of society, by lifting the masses 
 from ignorance and poverty, by investing them with civil rights, and by 
 training them for self-protection and self-support. Buckle declares again 
 that Calvinism is always democratic and its professors are more apt than 
 others to form habits of bold and independent thinking. The same 
 author adds the profound remark that " those who associate metaphysics 
 with their religion are led by Calvinism into the doctrine of necessity, a 
 theory which though often misunderstood, is pregnant with great truths, 
 and is better calculated than any other system to develop the intellect, 
 because it involves that clear conception of law, the attainment of which 
 is the highest point the human understanding can reach." 
 
 John Knox aimed to plant a school in every parish, and to place every 
 child in school. The Puritans of New England built their Commonwealth 
 upon the foundations of religion and education — the meeting-house first, 
 and the school-house beside it. Both Covenanters and Puritans were 
 worthy representatives of Calvinism in its zeal for popular intelligence 
 and nowhere has instruction been more general and thorough, or illiteracy 
 less common than in Scotland and New England. 
 
 It has been remarked that people who live in the valleys and shadows 
 of great mountains come to wear a serious and earnest look. They are 
 men of courage and self-reliance, but they are less gay and joyous than 
 those who dwell upon the plains. It may well be that those who abide 
 beneath the influence of great truths should possess sobriety of character 
 and mind. The foes of Calvinism have always charged it with being 
 melancholy and morose. It may not be so bright and cheerful as some 
 other creeds, but tliis can be said in explanation and defence, that 
 Calvinism has had much of hard, stern work to do- It was obliged to 
 bear the sharpest thrusts of the sore conflict with tyranny in clmrch and 
 state. The other leading churches of the Reformed faith — the Lutheran 
 and Anglican — while not indeed exempt from trial, were yet not sum- 
 moned to so fiery and bloody a baptism as the Calvinists passed through. 
 Luther was shielded as well as threatened by the civil power, and the 
 system which he founded counted among its members and defenders 
 many of the German cities, states and princes. The Church of England 
 was established and generally protected by the royal authority, and its 
 adherents seldom suftered for tiieir belief in property or person. How 
 different from the position of the Calvinists ! In almost every instance 
 they incurred the bitter and unrelenting hatred of the great. 
 
 The bright beginning of the Reformation in Austria, Italy and Spain 
 were smothered in the dungeons and devoured in the fires of the Inqui- 
 sition. Bohemia and Hungary, once Protestant, were made a wilderness.
 
 11G 
 
 their people killed or exiled, and their lands given back to the ravages of 
 the wild beasts. French Huguenots endured a century of persecution, 
 were slaughtered like sheep in the massacre of St. Bartholomew, and 
 scattered everywhere abroad by the cruelties of Louis XIV. In the Low 
 Countries, 50.000 Protestants suffered martyrdom, and multitudes were 
 driven into banishment. Their inhuman sovereign, the bigoted Philip, 
 declared that he would rather reduce the country to a desert than rule 
 over heretics, and only the indomitable heroism of the people prevented 
 him from doing it. The blood of the Covenanters dyed the soil of 
 Scotland red, and English Puritans were burned at Smithfield and exiled 
 from their native land. 
 
 Historians affirm that civil and religious liberty was twice kept alive upon 
 the Continent of Europe by the persistent valor of the Dutch Calvinista, 
 once, in the 16th century, w hen led by William the Silent, who had been 
 reared a Romanist, but who became a Protestant. No more desperate, 
 determined struggle has been waged than that. On the one side were 
 marshalled the veteran and victorious armies of the mightiest monarchy, 
 led by the most consummate captains of the age — on the other, were 
 arrayed undisciplined burghers and peasants contending for their faith 
 and home ! Providence was not then upon the side of the heaviest 
 battalions. " The race was not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong." 
 Spanish bigotry and bravery went down before the Flemish piety and 
 courage in that memorable fight ! The tide of intolerance that seemed 
 ready to sweep over the whole of Europe, was first checked on those low 
 shores of Holland, and it has been ebbing and dying ever since. 
 
 Again in the 17th century, France succeeded to the place of Spain as 
 chief oppressor and persecutor of the saints, — Louis the Great receiving 
 the nmntle of Philip the Bigot, declared that lie would conquer the 
 Dutcli heretics. He set all the vast resources of his realm in motion to 
 secure that end. Another William of Orange and Nassau — the worthy 
 scion of a noble stock, commanded the opposing troops. The world 
 waited to see the feeble Hollanders subdued. Town after town capitulated 
 or was captured by the French. Tlieir armies W'ere in sight of Amster- 
 dam, the capital, and seemed about to enter it in triumph, when once 
 more the gallant Dutchmen cut their dykes— preferring to surrender 
 their land to the sea, from which they had rescued it witli inlinite toil, 
 rather than to the cruel foe. The ocean overflowed the land, and Louis 
 with iiis forces barely escaped from drowning like another Pharaoh 
 beneath its waves. 
 
 Not only did William thue secure the freedom of his own land. He 
 crossed the sea, snatched the crown from the head of the unworthy 
 James, and, as Macaulay says, became the greatest king that ever sat 
 upon the English throne. To few jiorsons do Englishmen owe so much 
 for the liberty which is their boast to-day, wherever Englishmen are
 
 Ill 
 
 found, as to William of Orange- He was a Calvinist of the strongest 
 type. The doctrine of predestination was the keystone of his faith. He 
 often said that if he should abandon that tenet, he must abandon with 
 it all belief in superintending Providence, and must become a mere 
 epicurean. With him we might rightly associate the names of many 
 other great liberators and reformers who were also Calvinistic in their 
 views. A writer, so little favourable to evangelical religion as Froude, 
 speaking of Calvinism, says : — " It is enough to mention William the 
 Silent, Luther (for, on the points of which I am speaking, Luther was 
 one with Calvin), the Scottish John Knox, and Andrew Melville and the 
 Regent Murray, Coligny, and Cromwell, and Milton, and John Bunyan." 
 He might easily have added to that list still other noble names. I have 
 heard that the great Swedish hero, Gustavus Adolphus, the most illustrious 
 figure of the Thirty Years' War, who rolled back the flood of Austrian 
 and Romish victory from Northern Germany, and on the field of Liitzen 
 conquered, though he fell, was Calvinistic too in his belief. 
 
 But we would not claim all excellence and heroism for our distinctive 
 creed. We only aim to vindicate for it an honorable place in the front 
 rank of forces that have wrought for the advancement and enlighten- 
 ment of men. We would clear it from reproaches that have been cast 
 upon it, and would prove from history that it is not the monstrous and 
 irrational system that it has been often called. We do not think that 
 Calvinism contains the only and the entire truth of God. We do believe 
 it holds a vital and essential portion of that truth. Its doctrines have 
 displayed their fruitfulness and vigor in the past. Despite the prophecy 
 of many in these times that its days are already numbered, and that it 
 will soon be buried out of sight, we trust that it is strong and stalwart 
 yet. We see large fields that demand its earnest, patient work. We 
 believe that so long as there shall be great and intricate problems to be 
 re-solved, hoary and giant wrongs to be corrected or cast down, mighty 
 and urgent reforms to bo inaugurated and pressed forwanl ; sin to be 
 rebuked, judgment to be pronounced, and punishment to be inflicted, so 
 long will Calvinism live and thrive. In every battle with ignorance and 
 intolerance, her standard will, in the future, as in the past, be like the 
 white plume of her great hero, Henry of Navarre, ever seen moving in 
 the thickest and hottest of the fight.
 
 ADDRESS DELIVERED IN KNOX CHURCH, MARCH 12th, 1886, 
 BY REV. WILLIAM REID, D.D. 
 
 It is with great diffidence that I come forward and attempt to offer any 
 remarks worthy of your attention after the very able, interesting and 
 eloquent addresses to whicli we have listened. I shall at any rate try to 
 be brief in my address. The occasion on which we meet is one of great 
 interest. A century ago the simple but impressive service of the Presby- 
 terian Church was begun in Montreal. Assuredly the results have been 
 great, the growth has been very remarkable. The slender twig then 
 inserted into the Canadian soil has become a goodly tree, whose branches 
 extend far and wide, and which has borne and is still bearing good fruit 
 to the day of the groat husbandman. 
 
 A hundred years — a century is, in view of the life of man, a long period. 
 Scarcely one will be found alive to-day in 1886 who saw the 12th March, 
 1786. Even half a century is a pretty long period, and not a very large 
 proportion of those present here to-night can be familiar with events 
 which took place fifty years ago. It is not quite half a century since I 
 first saw Montreal. In 1839, forty-seven years ago, I first arrived in this 
 city, and in the course of the years intervening, great changes have taken 
 place. At the time referred to, steamboat travel across the Atlantic was 
 scarcely begun. Several trading vessels from the Clyde to the St. Law- 
 rence were fitted up very comfortably for cabin passengers, and in one of 
 these, belonging to the Allans, whose enterprise afterwards originated the 
 now celebrated Allan line of steamers, I arrived in the autumn of 1839. 
 I had been licensed to preach only a few weeks before leaving, and I came 
 to the country young, raw and inexperienced, but with my mind made 
 up to make Canada my home, and to labour wlierever the INIaster might 
 point out the field. I well remember liow much I was taken aback when, 
 on arriving at the wharf at Montreal, I learned that I was expected to 
 preach in St. Andrew's Church on the coming Sabbath, as the pastor, the 
 Rev. A. INIathieson, afterwards Dr. Mathioson, was setting out on a mis- 
 sionary tour through the Eastern' Townships. I greatly enjoyed the short 
 season of my sojourn in Montreal before proceeding to the Presbytery of 
 Kingston, within whose bounds I was specially commissioned to labour. 
 I spent my time in the then bachelor homo of Mr. Mathieson, and had 
 opportunities of becomjng acquainted with the other Presbyterian minis-
 
 119 
 
 ters, from whom, as a stranger, I received great kindness, especially from 
 Mr. Esson, then the minister of St. Gabriel Street church. Shortly after, I 
 proceeded to Upper Canada, and in January, 1840, was ordained as min- 
 ister of the congregations of Grafton and Colborne. 
 
 But instead of dwelling on my own personal course I would on this 
 occasion make a few remarks on some of the more prominent men in the 
 Presbyterian Church at the time of my arrival, with most of whom it was 
 my privilege to be personally acquainted. There were prominent men 
 then, men worthy of being remembered in connection with the progress 
 of Presbyterianism. Some in these later times have thought proper to 
 speak somewhat lightly of the ministers who came in early times to 
 Canada. But the great men are not all confined to the present genera- 
 tion. There were ministers in tlie dawn of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada who were at least the equals of their successors. I have already 
 mentioned the name of Dr. Mathieson, and in Montreal I need only name 
 him. He was one of the prominent men in the Presbyterian Church 
 forty or fifty years ago, a man of mark every way, physically, intellectu- 
 ally and ecclesiastically. He was a man of strong convictions, and he 
 could, with firmness, decision, and yet with dignity, carry out his con- 
 victions of duty. Many of you no doubt remember his decided and 
 dignified stand in connection with the presentation of an address from 
 his synod to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in 1860. In view 
 of this meeting I have been glancing over the early ministers of synod, 
 and I was struck with the fact that Dr. Mathieson's name appeared more 
 frequently than that of any other as a "dissenter," I mean as entering 
 his dissent from the judgments come to by his brethren. He was 
 strongly conservative. I do not mean politically, but ecclesiastically, and 
 especially in reference to the relations of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada to the Church of Scotland. Believing as he did that his brethren 
 were disposed at times to proceed at too rapid a rate in the line of eccles- 
 tical independence, he thought it expedient and necessary to apply the 
 brake. But as we have said, he was a man of mark, and when he wrs 
 removed in the course of years, a land-mark in the Presbyterian Church 
 had departed. 
 
 I have also mentioned already the name of the Rev- Henry Esson. He 
 too was a man of mark, but in many respects the very opposite of Dr. 
 Mathieson. He was a man of great learning and extensive reading, a 
 devourer of books even to the end of his days, of ardent temperament, 
 lofty aims, generous impulses and warm affections. Somewhat given to 
 speculation and theories, and an ardent advocate of liberty both civil and 
 rehgious, he was occasionally in advance of his brethren in his views and 
 sentiments. On one occasion the attention of Synod was called to a 
 Pamphlet said to be from his pen. The title was a somewhat remarkable 
 one, " Prospects of the Plan and Principles of a Society, which is proposd
 
 720 
 
 to be formed in Montreal, for the attainment and security of Universal 
 Religious Liberty and E(]uality, and for the immediate and entire aboli- 
 tion of all invidious distinctions in favour of one sect to the exclusion or 
 disparagement of anotlier" Some of the views set forth did not meet 
 with the approval of some of his brethem. I have not met with 
 the pamphlet, and I am not aware that the proposed society was not 
 actuallj' formed. The objects set forth, however desirable in themselves, 
 have not yet been practically secured in the Province of Quebec. After 
 the division of the Cliurch in 1844, Mr. Esson was removed to Toronto, to 
 take part in the work of educating young men for the Ministry. In this 
 work he was in his element. He was a most enthusiastic teacher, and 
 his lectures and teaching were well fitted, not merely to impart additional 
 knowledge to the young men under his care but to quicken and stimulate 
 their mental qualities, and make them truly life-long students. jNIr. 
 Esson, w ho was greatly beloved by a large circle of friends, died in the 
 early part of 1853. 
 
 With the Rev. Edward Black, the Minister of St. Paul's Church, I was 
 but little acquainted. He was seldom present at subsequent meetings of 
 Synod. He was a faithful Minister, and much respected and beloved by 
 the members of his congregation. 
 
 I could recall with great pleasure my impressions of many of the ministers 
 who were in the Church when I became connected with it, but this would 
 occupy too much of your time. I shall briefly mention a few of them. 
 Dr. Machar of Kingston, from whom with his excellent and devoted wife, 
 I received on my first arrival kindness which I shall never forget, was a 
 man greatly respected and beloved by those who knew him. He did not 
 greatly delight in the debates of church courts, but he was a man of sound 
 views, extensive learning, and deep personal piety. He was a model 
 pastor. At a subsequent period he rendered most important services in 
 connexion with Queen's College- 
 
 The Rev. William Rintoul, first pastor of St. Andrew's Church, Toronto, 
 but of Streetsville, when I came to Canada, was also one who laboured 
 faithfully and in various capacities for the advancement of the Presby- 
 terian church. Afterwards he was connected for a time with Knox 
 College as instructor in Hebrew and Biblical Literature, and for the latest 
 years of his life was Minister of St. Gabriel Street Church. From time to 
 time he did a large amount of Missionary work. He was respected and 
 beloved as a man of deep piety and of a most catholic spirit. 
 
 The Rev. Alexander Gale, for many years Minister of Hamilton, was 
 an excellent scholar, a zealous educationalist, and a most faithful, laborious 
 and useful Minister. He gave much attention to the public business 
 of the Church, and exerted an extensive influence throughout the whole 
 of the Western Section of Canada. After 1844, ho was called to Toronto 
 to take charge of an Academy and give instructions in Classical Literature
 
 121 
 
 to the Students in Knox College. Mr. Gale died in the early part of 
 1854. 
 
 The Rev. Hugh Urquhart was Moderator of the first Synod which I 
 attended. He was a man of gentle but dignified bearing, and appeared 
 to me to discharge with great attention and ability the duties of the 
 chair. 
 
 The Rev. William Bell of Perth had come at an early period to Canada, 
 and his labours tended largely to build up Presbyterianism in what was 
 then called the Bathurst district. I remember during the meeting of 
 Synod in 1840, we had a social gathering of the members in a large room 
 in the North American Hotel in Toronto, when Mr. Bell gave very in- 
 teresting accounts of his early labours. He had two sons in the ministry 
 of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Andrew Bell, and Rev. George Bell, 
 now Dr. George Bell, who resides in Kingston. 
 
 The Rev. Peter Colin Campbell first went as a Presbyterian Minister to 
 the Mauritius. After a short time he came to Canada, and was called to 
 Brockville. When Queen's College was established, he was appointed 
 Professor of Classical Literature. Afterwards he was Minister of Caputh, 
 in Perthshire, Scotland, and subsequently was Principal of the Uni- 
 versity of Aberdeen. He was a man of acute intellect and an accom- 
 plished scholar. 
 
 The Rev. Robert McDowall was one of the earliest Presbyterian Minis- 
 ters who preached in Canada, having come to the country before the close 
 of last century. For many years he was almost the only Presbyterian 
 Minister who preached in the country- For many years he was almost 
 the only Presbyterian Minister along the shores of Lake Ontario, and 
 many congregations owed their continued existence, under the blessing 
 of God, to his Missionary visits. Ho was present at my ordination, and 
 remained with me a few days at Colborne. His long experience, deep 
 piety and strong common sense well qualified him to give needful 
 counsels to a young and inexperienced minister. He lived two or three 
 years after the date referred to. 
 
 The Rev. John Bayne of Gait, afterwards Dr. Bayne, was one who left 
 his impress on the Presbyterian Church- He was a man of powerful 
 intellect, of deep thought and strongly marked character. His sermons 
 are still remembered in the whole district around Gait. They were truly 
 great sermons, frequently occupying nearly a couple of hours in the de- 
 livery, but they were listened to not only with patience and attention but 
 with avidity. 
 
 But were I to speak oven briefly of all the ministers with whom I was 
 brought into contact, and who might be counted worthy of being remem- 
 bered, I should detain you to an unreasonable hour. I should like to 
 speak of such men as Thomas Wilson, of Perth ; John Fairbairn, of Ram- 
 say ; Henry Gordon, of Gananoque ; James Ketchum, of Belleville ; 
 V V
 
 722 
 
 Robert McGill, of Niagara, afterwards of Montreal ; M. Y. Stark, of 
 Dundas; John M. Roger, of Peterborough ; Donald IMcKenzie, of Zorra; 
 Dr. James George, of Scarboro', and many others- Very few of those who 
 were ministers of the Clnirch in 1840, are now alive, and still fewer are in 
 the active discharge of the duties of the ministry. Dr. John Cook, of 
 Ciuebec, ]\Ir. Tliomas Alexander, at one time of Cobourg, Mr. Duncan 
 ^McMillan, and Mr. William INIeldrum are, so far as I know, the only 
 ministers now alive who were in the ministry when I first became identi- 
 fied with the Canadian Church. I should add the name of Dr. Robert 
 Neill, of Seymour, who was ordained one day before me- You will 
 observe that in these remarks I have confined myself to ministers in the 
 Church at the time of my arrival in Canada, and with whom I w'as per- 
 sonally acquainted. There were at that time several ministers who, in 
 any history of the Presbyterian Church, are worthy of being mentioned, 
 connected with the Secession or United Presbyterian Church, but with 
 these I was not brought into contact. Such men as Mr. William Proud- 
 foot, AVm. Taylor, John Jennings, Robert Thornton, and others of their 
 associates did much to extend Presbyterianism. Happily the streams 
 which then flowed in different channels have been united to form one 
 great river. For more particular accounts regarding the early workers in 
 the field, I refer you to the pages of the volume lately published by my 
 excellent friend, Dr. Gregg, of Knox College. My plan, it will be seen, 
 restricts me also from referring to those who came in after years, such as 
 Dr. Robert Burns, Dr. Willis, and others. I may state that at the first 
 meeting of Synod after my arrival, the union of what was called the 
 United Synod with the Synod in connection with the Church of Scotland, 
 took place. This union brought in such men as Mr. William Smart, of 
 Brockville, Dr. Robert Boyd, of Prescott, Mr. Daniel W. Eastman, of 
 Grimsby, and others, — in all, sixteen ministers. Several of them had 
 been pioneers of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Had time i^ermit 
 ted, I should have referred to some of the prominent elders who, in early 
 days took part in ecclesiastical matters. I am reluctantly obliged to lay 
 aside this part of my plan. There is one elder, however, whose name 
 often occurs in the early minutes of Synod, I refer to the Honourable 
 William Morris, whose public services and private labours did much to 
 advance the interestis and secure the rights of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The early Canadian ministers had to meet with many difiiculties, and 
 even trials, which are not experienced in these days- The state of the 
 country and of the roads, and the domestic arrangements of the houses 
 where the minister or missionary had often to lodge, were very different 
 from what we find now. Then, again, they were in many cases isolated, 
 far removed from each other, and with few opportunities of meeting, 
 except on the occasion of Presbytery and Synodical meetings. Their 
 time for study was limited, as their fields of labour were often so exten-
 
 Y23 
 
 sive that they had to be almost every day in the saddle, either for a 
 preaching appointmenf or for family visitation. There was less ma- 
 chinery then than in these days, but there was a large amount of 
 missionary work done — indeed, every minister was a home missionary 
 as well as a pastor. Had tliis not been the case, the Presbyterian Church 
 would not to-day have bean such as it is. 
 
 While the early fathers of the Church had each a full share of work in 
 his own sphere, they were from the beginning public-spirited men, men 
 of large views, and of high Christian enterprise. From the very first 
 formation of Church courts, the ministers and elders at their meetings 
 gave their attention to such subjects as the following : The education of 
 young men for the Christian ministry, Home Mission work, the state of 
 religion, missions to the heathen, and to the Aborigines, Sabbath ob- 
 servance, temperance, and the sukiject of the license laws. Psalmody, a 
 religious book depository, aud other matters intimately connected with 
 the moral and physical advancement of the people. Some of these sub- 
 jects have not yet been exhausted, but occupy the attention of the Church 
 from year to year. 
 
 But I must hasten to a close. My review goes back less than fifty 
 years. Even within the limits of this period very great changes have 
 taken place, clianges in almost every department, civil and ecclesiastical. 
 When we contemplate the altered circumstances of the present day, the 
 vast growth of the Church, for in reality the little one has become a 
 thousand, the altered social condition of the people, the improvement in 
 church architecture, in Sabbath school accommodation, in church 
 psalmody, in the means which the young men of our congregations, 
 whose hearts the Lord hath touched, have for obtaining education, both 
 literary and theological, we may well say, ''What hath God wrought?" 
 I have attained tlie age when one is somewhat disposed to look back in 
 the past, and " inquire why the former times were better than these." 
 Perhaps in some respects they may have been bettor, but I am no 
 pessimist. I do not believe that things have been becoming worse, but 
 better. I believe that in many respects the present times are better than 
 any that have gone before, that tliere is more spiritual life in the 
 churches and in the individual Christians than in former years, and 
 more interest in the extension of Christ's kingdom, and I think we can 
 with great confidence look for^\■ard to the future. So far as our Presby- 
 terian Church is concerned, let us maintain our great fundamental doc- 
 trines, the great doctrines of grace, as set forth in our symbolical books 
 and as prominently unfolded in the word of God. Let us be faithful to 
 our principles, while at the same time we cultivate friendly intercourse 
 with other branches of the Church of Christ, for our principles lead us to 
 be Catholic, and to recognize as brethren in the Lord all who love the 
 Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and in truth. Let us be faithful to the
 
 •724 
 
 great Head of the Church, and we may trust that, through His blessing 
 and the abiding presence and power of His spirit, there will be seen 
 even greater progress and growth in the future than in the past, to the 
 glory of our God and King. A hundred years, a century, is a long time 
 to look back on, it is a long time to which to look forward. We cannot 
 anticipate the future. We know not what changes may take place in the 
 course of years, but wo liave the true promise to rely on, " Lo I am with 
 you always, even to the end of the world." 
 
 St. Gabriel Chukch, Maech 14th, 1886. 
 
 SERMON PREACHED IN ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, AT 11 A.M., BY 
 
 THE REV. WILLIAM REED, D.D.. OF TORONTO, CLERK 
 
 OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 
 
 Hebrews vii., 23, 24, 25 : " And they truly tvcrc many priests," etc. 
 
 The careful reader of the Epistle to the Hebrews will have observed 
 that a leading object of the writer is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, — to 
 exalt him personally as higher than any creature, as better than the 
 angels ; yea, as God's equal, — to exalt him officially as worthy of more 
 glory than Moses, and as superior to the priests of the Old Testament, the 
 priests of the order of Aaron. Several points of contrast are mentioned 
 between the Levitical priests and Christ, and between their respective 
 priesthoods. The writer of the Epistle especially dwells on this point, 
 that the priests under the law were after the order of Aaron, but Christ 
 was after the order of Melchizedeck, who is spoken of as being " without 
 father, without mother, without descent." The obvious meaning of these 
 expressions is not that Melchizedek was really without father and mother, 
 but that his priesthootl did not depend on his earthly parentage. The 
 ])riests under the law held office in virtue of their descent from Aaron. 
 Unless their descent could bo tlius trace(l,they could not hold the priestly 
 office. But in the case of Melchi/jedek, his priesthood did not depend on 
 his being the son of any earthly parent. He was a priest specially 
 appointed and recognized by God ; and so Christ was a priest by special 
 appointment of God the Father. " Thou art a priest forever after the 
 order of Melchizedek." Farther, Aaron and his successors were priests, 
 and nothing more. Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, and Christ 
 was king and priest together, " a priest upon his throne."
 
 725 
 
 In considering this passage more fully, I shall consider, 1st, the state- 
 ment as to the priests under the law ; 2nd, the declaration as to the priest- 
 hood of Christ, in its perpetuity and unchangeableness ; 3rd, the infer- 
 ence which the writer draws, that in virtue of his priesthood the Lord 
 Jesus Christ is able to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by 
 him. First, then, let us notice the statement of the text as to the priests 
 under the law, " And they truly were many priests," etc. Under the Old 
 Testament dispensation there were many priests. Several persons exe- 
 cuted the duties of the priesthood at the same time. They were divided 
 into several orders. There was a division of labor. One order or rank 
 had one set of duties to dischar<,'e, and another had another set of duties. 
 But Christ, in all his priestly work, was alone. " Of the people there was 
 none with him." None shared his work. He is the one mediator between 
 God and man. Neither angel nor archangel, not even his mother, could 
 take part with him in his priestly and mediatorial work. The undivided 
 work and the undivided honor belong to him alone. 
 
 But the passage is to be regarded as referring nut so much to the fact 
 that under the law several persons might be executing the functions of 
 the priesthood at the same time, as to the fact that there were many 
 priests in succession. They were not suffered to continue by reason of 
 death. One generation of men passed away after another, and so one set 
 of priests passed away after another. One high priest succeeded another. 
 The holy offices to which they were consecrated, the holy services and 
 duties in which they were engaged, did not preserve them from the stroke 
 of death. Being themselves sinful men, needing to have sacrifices offered 
 for their own sins, being themselves compassed with infirmity, they had 
 to submit to death. Death passed upon them as well as upon others. 
 And as their work was not perfect, as their services and saci-ifices needed 
 to be repeated from day to day, being in reality merely types and 
 shadows of good things to come, there required to be a succession in the 
 priesthood, one being raised up to take the place of another. There were 
 thus many priests, because; they were not suffered to continue by reason 
 of death. There were among these priests men of different characters. 
 Some were exemplary for their piety and fidelity, and there were others 
 who made themselves vile by their ungodliness and wickedness. Some 
 died full of days, and others were cut down in the midtime of their life. 
 Some came to their end in peace, and others were cut oflf by some sudden 
 strokes of divine displeasure. The high priest himself, with all his liigh 
 dignity and privileges, could not long continue, by reason of infirmity 
 and death. As Aaron was gathered unto his fathers, and was succeeded 
 by Kleazar, his son, so one high priest succeeded auother in rapid succes- 
 sion. "They truly were many priests, because they were not suflered to 
 continue by reason of death." 
 
 So it is still with ministers and people alike. They are not suflered to
 
 ^26 
 
 continue by reason of death. Congregations have a succession of minis- 
 ters; and ministers see themselves surrounded with new congrcjiations. 
 This old pulpit has been filled by a succession of ministers. AVithin the 
 range of my own memory, there have been in succession five ministers, 
 exclusive of the present incumbent, who, I trust, may be long spared to 
 minister, as in the past, to a faithful and attached congregation. The 
 first whom I knew was Mr. Henry Esson, who was greatly beloved, and 
 whose memory is still cherished by surviving members of the old con- 
 gregation. On being called to another important field of labor, he was 
 succeeded by Mr. William Leishman, who was in his turn succeeded by 
 Mr. "William Rintoul, a man of deep piety and missionary zeal. Mr. 
 Rintoul was the only minister of this church whose pastorate was closed 
 by death. I refer, of course, to those whom I knew. The others were 
 translated to other spheres of labor. Mr. Rintoul died as pastor of this 
 flock, being cut down by cholera while on a missionary tour to Metis. 
 His grave is in the little Protestant burying ground at Riviere du Loup. 
 After Mr. Rintoul, Mr. David Inglis was for several years minister of this 
 church. Many, no doubt, remember still his faithful proclamation of the 
 Gospel, and also the severe domestic bereavements which, in the provi- 
 dence of God, he was called upon to experience. After his removal to 
 Hamilton, in the Province of Ontario, the pulpit was occupied by Mr. 
 Alexander F. Kemp, well known as a man of science and as an education- 
 ist, as well as an able preacher. These ministers in succession occupied 
 the pulpit, each in his own style proclaiming the gospel of the grace of 
 God. They have all passed away, not being suffered to continue by rea- 
 son of death. These old pews, too, have been filled by a succession of 
 hearers. The old bell— the first, I believe, that ever pealed in any Pro- 
 testant church in tlie Province— has summoned to the house of God suc- 
 cessive generations of worshippers. There have been changes in the 
 pulpit and in the pews. Individuals and families pass away and others 
 take their place. So it will still be. To-day we are in our places, busied 
 with our ordinary duties; but time passes on. Death, judgment and 
 eternity are at hand. Let us work while it is called to-day. "Whatso- 
 ever our hand findeth to do, let us do it with our might- The day is far 
 spent and the night is at hand, when no work can be done." 
 
 II. In the second place let us notice the declaration in the text as to 
 Christ and his priesthood. " But this man, because he continueth ever, 
 hath an unchangeable priesthood." The Lord Jesus Christ, our great 
 higli priest, was made like unto his brethren. " He took not on him the 
 nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham." He is such a high priest as 
 became us, one who can be touched with a feeling of our infirmities, ong 
 who was tempted like as we are, yet without sin. But althougli man, he 
 was not a mere man, — he was Emmanuel, God with us. Ho died, but he 
 died not as a mere num. Ho laid down his life lor liis peoj)le. He was
 
 727 
 
 both the priest and the victim. He offered himself up as a lamb without 
 blemish and without spot. He poured out his soul as an offering for sin. 
 And having died, he rose again, for death could have no dominion over 
 him ; and continued his priestly office by ascending into heaven, there to 
 present the merits and memorials of his infinitely precious sacrifice and 
 to make within the vail intercession for his people. The priesthood of 
 those priests, who were after the order of Aaron, terminated with their 
 lives. But when our great high priest, who is not after the order of 
 Aaron, died, his priesthood did not terminate. The scene of operation 
 was transferred from earth to heaven. As the high priest on the great 
 day of atonement, after having offered up the appointed sacrifice, entered 
 into the holy jjlace with the blood of the sacrifice, so Jesus, having arisen 
 from the grave, ascended to his Father and entered into the holy place, 
 not made with hands, even into heaven itself, there to carry on his great 
 work, to plead the merits of his sacrifice, to receive gifts for men, even for 
 the rebellious, and to make continuous intercession for the people. His 
 priestly work on earth was complete. " Bj^ his one offering he perfected 
 forever them who are sanctified." His sacrifice was so precious, so 
 perfect, that it needed no repetition like the sacrifices under the law, — it 
 required no addition to be made to it. But in heaven his intercession is 
 perpetual. " He abideth a priest forever." " He ever liveth to make 
 intercession for his people." We cannot tell nor understand precisely how 
 Christ's intercession is carried on. He appears personally in the pres- 
 ence of the Father as a mediator. He stands as " the lamb slain," still 
 bearing the marks and presenting the virtue of his meritorious 
 and sacrificial death. From the words which he himself uses, '"' I will 
 pray the Father," we may believe that by some distinct expression of his 
 will he pleads the cause of his people before the Father. Tenderly, 
 lovingly, with sympathy and with effect, he pleads our cause at the right 
 hand of the Throne of God. " We have an advocate with the Father, 
 Jesus Christ the righteous." 
 
 While, then, we have no priests such as officiated under the law, while 
 we have no bloody sacrifices, while we do not recognize the necessity of 
 any repetition, or attempted rejietition, of the sacrifice, whi<h he offered 
 up once for all, while we do not regard ministers of the Gospel as exercis- 
 ing priestly functions, we are not without a priest, as some assert of us. 
 We have a priest, a great high priest, who hath passed into the heavens, 
 and who ever liveth, interceding for us. While some believe in earthly 
 priests and offerings and sacrifices, the Christian can say : 
 
 "I need no priest save Him who is above, 
 
 No altar save the heavenly mercy seat. 
 Through these there flows to me the pardoning love, 
 
 And thus in holy peace my God I meet.
 
 •728 
 
 I need no blood but that of Golgotha, 
 
 No sacrifice save that which on the tree 
 Was offered once without defect or flaw, 
 
 And which, unchanged, availeth still for me. 
 
 I need no vestment, save the linen white, 
 
 With which my high priest clothes my guilty soul, 
 
 He shares with me his seamless raiment bright. 
 And I in Him am thus complete and whole." 
 
 III. In conclusion, let us briefly notice the influence which the apostle 
 draws from the nature of the priesthood of the Lord Jesus, " Wherefore he 
 is able also to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him, 
 seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Christ having, in 
 his priestly character, by his sufferings even unto death, fully paid the 
 price of our redemption, having been exalted to the right hand of God, 
 clothed with all authority and power, and exercising the function of 
 mediator and advocate in behalf of his people, may be well regarded as 
 able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him. His 
 sacrifice being of infinite value, his intercession being continual, his 
 interest in his people and his love to them being ever fresh, ever 
 unchangeable, no enemy can successfully assail them, no sin can destroy 
 them, for if they sin, they have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ 
 the righteous- He can save to the uttermost in respect of sin and guilt. 
 " His blood cleanseth from all sin." He can save the very chief of 
 sinners. He can save to the uttermost in respect of time, on to the end 
 of the Gospel day, until the last ransomed soul shall be saved. He 
 can save to the uttermost in respect of the necessities and wants of his 
 people, sustain them to the last of their days, through all their tempta- 
 tions, conflicts, trials, weaknesses and sorrows, and make them conquer- 
 ors and more than conquerors. 
 
 Consider, then, brethren, the apostle and high priest of our profession, 
 Christ Jesus. He is a Saviour, able and mighty to save, and willing, too, 
 for he hath declared that whosoever cometh unto him shall in no wise be 
 cast out. Let all look to him. Let sinners, laden with the guilt of num- 
 berless sins, look to him. There is truly life in a look, for the proclama- 
 tion is, " Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth. " Let 
 weak and trembling believers look to him. His grace shall be made 
 sufllcient for them. He is ever making intercession for them. Let us all 
 habitually look to Jesus Christ in him ; changes may take place around us, 
 earthly relatives, friends and companions may be taken from us, but he 
 ever liveth, the same yesterday, to-day and forever. The lips of fathers 
 and mothers and ministers who have pleaded with us and pleaded for us 
 may become cold and silent, but Jesus, our ever living and ever loving 
 friend, abideth ever, making intercession for his people. He liveth ever, 
 and because he lives, they shall live also. — Amen.
 
 THE ANGLICAN SERVICE. 
 
 In the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, a service of the Church of England " in 
 commemoration of the years 1805 to 1814 during which, by the Christian 
 courtesy of this congregation, the members of the Church of England 
 were permitted to hold their service in this church"— as was stated in 
 the " Form of prayer" printed for the occasion, was held. Ven. Arch- 
 deacon Evans ofliciated, assisted by Rev. Canons Ellegood and Anderson. 
 There was a special fitness in Mr. Evans undertaking the ofiice, not only 
 from his ecclesiatical status, and as the Bishop's private chaplain, but 
 also from the fact that hie wife is a grand-daughter of Rev. John Bethune- 
 the founder of Presbyterianism in Montreal. The church and chancel 
 were beautifully ornamented with flowers. The service began with the 
 singing of the 100th Psalm, the rendering of which was much aided by 
 the choir of St. Stephen's Church. This was followed by part of the 
 usual order for evening prayer. Psalms 122 and 123 were then read, after 
 which Canan Ellegood read the first lesson from Isaiah 62. This was 
 followed by the singing of the Magnificat, after which Canon Ellegood 
 read the second lesson from Rev. 1. The Bnis Misereatur was then sung, 
 followed by the repeating of the Apostle's Creed. Canon Anderson then 
 read the Collect for the first Sunday in Lent, and the second and third 
 Collects at evening prayer. The hymn " The Church's one Foundation " 
 was then sung. Canon Anderson then read the prayers for the Queen 
 and Royal Family, for the clergy and people of all conditions, a general 
 thanksgiving, and the prayer of St. Chrysostom, with a special clause for 
 the occasion, referring to St. Gabriel Church. The hymn, "All hail 
 the power of Jesu's name," was then sung. Archdeacon Evans preached 
 the sermon, choosing as his text Revelation xxi. 22 : — " And I saw 
 no temple therein." How intimately connected, the preacher said, are 
 our earthly temples and our spiritual lives. The earth contains no 
 spot so sacred or so dear to a devout soul as the tabernacle of God 
 pitched among men. the material sanctuary of wood and stone where 
 prayer is wont to be made. It has always been so since God chose a 
 people for himself. Long before any temple's foundation had been laid, 
 Abraham had his " place before the Lord " to which he gat him up to 
 pray. The solitudes of Bethel became the very gate of heaven to Jacob, 
 where he built an altar and called it the House of God. Later on in 
 Israel's history all their religious life was clustered round the tabernacle. 
 There the blood of sacrifice and the smoke of incense gave expression to
 
 ^30 
 
 a people's faith and obedience. There were ofiFered a people's prayers and 
 praises. There prophotic ceremonial spoke of better things to come. And 
 later still, when David's son iiad built God's temple at Jerusalem, where 
 the gold and the silver, the cedar, the marble and the brass, lent their 
 beauty and strength to the material structure, while the mystic glory of 
 the Shechinah glowed within, how did all the holiest instincts of God's 
 people centre there ? It was the very habitation of their souls, the home 
 of their desires, the joy of the whole earth. Thither the son of Abraham 
 turned in fond devotion from every distant land whither his wandering 
 feet might carry him. Like Daniel in Babylon, he would open the win- 
 dows of his soul towards Jerusalem, the city of his love, and the fervid 
 longings of his heart would find expression like the Psalmist's, " How 
 amiable are thy dwellings, thou Lord of Hosts ; my soul hath a desire to 
 enter into the courts of the Lord." And when at length One more glorious 
 than the high priest effulgent with oracular jewelry came to God's temple> 
 even the Messenger of the covenant, to whom all types and ceremonies 
 pointed, in whom they found their meaning, and before whom they melted 
 away even as the stars which pale before the gilded splendor of the rising 
 sun, when a fuller divine presence even than the Shechinah glowed within 
 its precincts— even the Sun of Righteousness— when at length his scattered 
 followers went everywhere preaching forgiveness through His name, his 
 words at Jacob's well found wonderful fulfillment :— " The hour cometh 
 when ye shall neither in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the 
 Father." When from city to city and from land to land the churches of 
 living stones, communities of blood-washed souls began to rear material 
 structures, cross-crowned habitations for the worship of the crucified, the 
 same devotion to the courts of God's house, which so marked the Jewish, 
 pervaded the Christian sentiment as well, and men have grown to reve- 
 rence and then to love them. Round them their most sacred associations 
 gather, and their holiest memories cluster. Of the log chapel reared by 
 the self-denying toil of the hardy pioneer, as of the lofty catliedral adorned 
 with painted glass and sculptured marble, devout spirits have learned to 
 sing :— 
 
 I love the place, Lord, 
 
 Wherein Thine honor dwells ; 
 The joy of Thine abode 
 
 All earthly joy excels. 
 
 And to-day what sacred memories gather round this venerable edifice ! 
 Sacred memories for you of tiie Presbyterian faith — grateful memories to 
 us of England's church, and wholesome, happy memories for all. Even 
 since we assembled here this afternoon, how many of you, my older 
 brethren, have been retracing your steps through the years that are gone. 
 Many who have worshipped here and passed away, have lived again in
 
 731 
 
 your thoughts ; memory has re-peopled this place with the kind and the 
 good of past generations who used to tread these courts, to learn the 
 secret of that better life which is now their's forevermore. Living again 
 in memory, the fires of old affection are re-kindled and you are ready to 
 cry, " Oh, for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that 
 is still !" To many of you will come grateful memories of blessings here 
 experienced — seasons of refreshing here enjoyed — words of counsel and 
 of comfort heard from this pulpit in times of perplexity and sorrow. For 
 us, we seem to live again in those days when your generous-minded 
 ancestors threw open these hospitable doors to ours and bid them wel- 
 come to find a temple for their worship here, while exiled by misfortune 
 from their own. We seem to have bridged over the span of seventy 
 years since last our forefathers in the faith assembled here, and our sur- 
 pliced clergy stood to lead their worship in the self-same venerable form 
 which we have used to-day. We stand upon historic as well as holy 
 ground. Turning from these thoughts, how strange, how almost startling 
 will the statement seem that every earthly temple made with hands, 
 however sacred its associations, is after all but a reminder of the fall of 
 man. We call them monuments of faith, and so they are; but so also 
 are they monuments of our ruined state, monuments of what the world 
 has forfeited through sin. The more strict and proper meaning of the 
 word " temple" is a place consecrated to God, with ministering priest, 
 incense and sacrifice. But we have come to use it also in a figurative 
 sense of any place specially set apart for the worship of God. In either 
 sense they have only existed in the world because of the havoc sin has 
 wrought. While there was no sin, there was no sacrifice. Had there been 
 no sin, there had been no altar, no place of offering for sin, no temple. 
 Before the fall time and place for worship were unknown, But for the 
 fall, they had remained unknown. Then the universe had been God's 
 temple, all humanity his congregation, every spot a sanctuary, every word 
 praise, every act worship. Thus was it in Paradise. Only in the day of 
 sin, was this happy prospect blighted, and those elements let loose which 
 have limited man's worship and devotions as to time and place. " They 
 heard the voice of God walking in the garden in the cool of the day." 
 Ominous words are these! It was the day on which the pleasures of sin 
 had overtaken them. Hitherto God had been always present to them ; 
 to-day he had been present, but they had not seen Him. Sin had dis- 
 tracted them. Disobedience had shut him out from view. Only with 
 the solemnities of night, conscience asserted itself and the voice of God 
 was heard. Thenceforward life has been marred of God's design — part 
 sin and part obedience, part toil and part worship— here a temple and 
 there a temple — worship and service of God no longer universal — man's 
 whole attitude changed towards God. No longer natural for him to be 
 holy he must be helped by ordinances. The truth he never should have
 
 732 
 
 needed must be preached to him. He must be taught the remedy of a 
 disease he never should havo had. For this there must be a ministry, 
 and for the ministry a temple. Thus earthly temples, sacred as they are, 
 are but concessions to our necessities, only needful because of sin. They 
 stand like garrisons of a king in a once loyal but now disloyal province 
 — their very existence sorrowful because testifying of a disloyalty which 
 should not be. They are strongholds of truth, only needful because truth 
 is not universal — strongholds of holiness, only needed because holiness i6 
 not universal, as once it was — their very idea embodying false concep- 
 tions of God — seeming to represent Him as dwelling more in one particu- 
 lar place than another, while He asks, " Where is the house that ye built 
 Me, and where is the place of My rest?' They seem by the very use 
 men make of them to encourage the idea that the worship of God is but 
 for one day, and not for all the seven. God has permitted them in merci- 
 ful condescension because of the infirmity of our nature, but from the 
 beginning it was not so. Thus can we come to understand why St. John 
 saw no temple therein. He was beholding things as they are to be, when 
 He who in the beginning created shall have made all things new, when 
 He shall not only replace them as they were, destroying sin, but shall 
 crown them with a fuller glory. And nowhere in all God's creation shall 
 the blessed transformation be so wonderful as in man himself, redeemed 
 and glorified. The needs of his present fallen state being needs no longer* 
 that which supplies them shall be done away. Here he must toil, and 
 so must rest. To this end, darkness follows daylight in merciful succes- 
 sion. Then rest will be universal. No period need be measured oflF for 
 it — there is no night there- " No candle, neither light of the sun," no 
 luminaries where all is light. There no Sabbath dawns, because no Sab- 
 bath ends. It is a perpetual keeping of Sabbath. And thus, too, "No 
 temple is there" — no place for sacrifice, where the Great Sacrifice is ever 
 present — where all are redeemed — no place dedicated to worship, where 
 the great object of all worship, is present — no place for ordinances, the 
 channels of God's grace, where we shall be in living intercourse with 
 Him. Their glory present everywhere alike, the splendor of their pres- 
 ence filling every part, and making all heaven a temple, and thus "the 
 Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it" — its every citizen 
 a spiritual j)rie8t, its every occupant a worshipijer. So then at length, my 
 brethren, worship is to be universal. 
 
 The shades and differences of this world's sanctuaries shall find no 
 place there. The true followers of the Lamb whoso voices never blended 
 in worship here, shall and must be blended there. Shall not this thought 
 encourage us to seek and pray for fuller foretastes of the harmonious 
 spirit which there we shall experience so fully? For this the heart of 
 Christendom is longing ; for this we believe the Mighty Advocate is 
 pleading still as He did uix)n earth that " they may be one." If uniform-
 
 Y33 
 
 ity of practice, faith and doctrine seem a great way off— impossible per- 
 haps until heaven is the universal temple— though these are days when 
 any movement once inaugurated may develop with wonderful rapidity— 
 a closer unity of spirit may at least be cultivated between the followers 
 of Him who says " Hereby shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if 
 ye love one another." If we lived more up to the principle, " In all things 
 charity," Christianity would present a more consistent and attractive 
 aspect than it does. The truest way of drawing nearer each other is by 
 drawing mutually nearer to the Crucified. As the radii of a circle 
 approach each other, in proportion as they approach the centre, so, 
 Christians come nearer to each other as they come nearer to Christ. If 
 He is to be the Temple of our worship by and by. He must be the life and 
 only centre of our worship here— the desire of our hearts, the glory of our 
 lives. Brethren in Jesus Christ, may we who have mingled in His 
 worship to-day in this temple, made with hands, again unite our praises 
 where " the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple" eternal 
 in the heavens. 
 
 The sermon was followed by an offertory on behalf of a new St. Gabriel 
 church building fund. The hymn, " One sweetly solemn thought," was 
 then sung, which was followed by a prayer and the benediction, which 
 closed the service. After service the Holy Communion was administered, 
 a large number of the congregation remaining to receive it. The Rev. 
 Dr. Reid, Rev. Prof Scrimger and Rev. Robert Campbell, the pastor, 
 oflBciated. The scene was one of deep solemnity. 
 
 SERMON PREACHED IN ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, MARCH 14th, 
 
 1886, AT 7 P.M., BY THE REV. GEORGE DOUGLAS, LL.D., 
 
 PRINCIPAL OF THE WESLEYAN COLLEGE. 
 
 Psalm xcii., 4 :— " For Thou, Lord, hast made me glad. Through Tliy uork, 
 1 will triumph in the works of TJii/ hands." 
 
 Of all productions of thought, of artistic skill and of creative genius, 
 the most unchanging in form and duration is that of poetry and song. 
 The songs of the Vedas, the Iliad of Homer, the tales of Chaucer, these 
 have travelled down to us from remote antiquities, and still, with eye 
 undimmed and natural strength unabated, they fling defiance in the face 
 of time and hold a divinity within them which age can never kill. And 
 what is the secret of this undecaying, undying power of song ? Mani-
 
 ^734 
 
 festly because it crystallizes thought into the rallying cries of liberty; 
 into the instincts of deep affection ; into the ideals of beauty that ascend 
 to the Divine; into just that which our humanity decrees shall never die. 
 Seldom, if ever, has the world witnessed a finer illustration of all this 
 than in the psalms before us. Hoar with ago, yet crowned with peren- 
 nial youth, they come to us with songs ; songs pathetic and tender as 
 tears; songs that breathe sweetest devotion; songs of conflict and tri- 
 umph, empire and victory ; songs that strike every note in the scale of 
 possible experience, from exultant joy down to avenging remorse ; songs 
 that stand as God's great heritage to the Church throughout all ages and 
 generations. Our text, this evening, is one of those crystallized thoughts, 
 true in the experience of the unknown psalmist, true, forever true. 
 "Thou, Lord, has made me glad through Thy work. I will triumph in 
 the works of Thy hands." 
 
 The subject before us is in commemorative harmony with this centen- 
 nial occasion. 
 
 We do not propose to subject this text to any severe analysis, but 
 simply to ask your prayerful contemplation of some of God's works as the 
 source of gladness and triumph to the Christian. 
 
 I. — AVoRKs OF God in Works of Nature. 
 
 The method of all anti-Christian science is to begin with the atom, and 
 by natural evolution advance to an atheistic and ultimate negation of an 
 intelligent Designer. The method of Christian science is to begin with an 
 Infinite Thinker, and trace his handiwork to its last analysis. In this 
 material universe we have matter unorganized, matter organized into 
 life, and then that life ascending to alliance with intelligence. Take mat- 
 ter unorganized, pulverize and sift it, fuse it with fire, dissolve it with 
 liquiiis, analyze it down to its ultimate atom. In that unseen atom, you 
 find law and force, the law of elective aflinitj', and a force, working accord- 
 ing to law, which leads these atoms to rush into each other's embrace, 
 build themselves up into crystalline forms that corruscate into beauty, 
 up into those granite heights that stand as ministers of sublimity to men, 
 and, as the laws of matter are alike in all worlds, up into those flaming 
 suns and systems that swing the rounds of immensity — 
 
 " Forever singing as they shine. 
 The hand that made us is divine." 
 
 Take, again, matter organized into life. All seeds hold within them a 
 slumbering and germinal power. Let one l>e deposited in the soil, it 
 wakes from its long sleep, it builds its cylinder, it seeks the light, it blos- 
 soms in the bud, damasks in the rose, goldons in the fruit, and diffuses, 
 like benediction, its perfume all around. Before this, deepest science
 
 V35 
 
 and highest art uncover and bow their reverential heads, and with united 
 voices declare, " The builder and maker is God I" 
 
 Then take life in its higher forms, — the wondrous optics of the eagle 
 ej'e, the unceasing enginery of the heart, the thrill of the nerve, the fine 
 frenzy of the animal nature, up to the culminating beauty of that physi- 
 cal manhood which becomes the place of abiding for that searching intel- 
 ligence that graduates the laws of the universe and reveals the thinkings 
 of God. Standing amid the amplitude of this universe, with evidence 
 everywhere of an infinite and personal thinker, of an infinite and per- 
 sonal worker, who delights in beauty, who expresses the sympathy of his 
 heart in the universal mother-love, who manipulates the universe, so 
 that it is working toward righteousness, how just the testimony, how 
 kindling the thought, that the hand of a Father-God is in all. Yes > 
 " Thou, Lord, hast made me glad. Through Thy work, I will triumph in 
 the works of Thy hands." 
 
 II. — Works of God. — Work of Revelation. 
 
 What grandeur pertains to this revelation of God ! Like an antique 
 and stately temple, it has gone up through the ages, stone upon stone 
 holding many a dark crypt and niche and aureole of beauty. The two 
 portals face the eternities. Out of the eternity of the past, you enter its 
 genesis of creation ; out of its apocalypse of consummation you march 
 into the eternity to come; while ascending its altar steps of gradual 
 development you climb to the mystic heights of God-head. With this 
 grandeur, how commanding the evidence of its divinity. Look at it as 
 an intellectual and progressive force in the world. It has ever gone 
 before and beckoned onward the civilization of the ages. Since this 
 truth was first given, what changes have transpired ! Instead of the 
 frail bark groping its way along Levantine shore, we have the stately 
 steamer that steers by the stars; instead of the swift-footed courier, we 
 have the flash of the telegraph across continents and beneath the seas ; 
 instead of the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, we have the palatial 
 car which sweeps along on rails of steel ; instead of the weary fingers of 
 the scribe, we have the mighty printing press, which m^ultiplies a million- 
 fold the productions of the mind ; instead of the shifting tent of the Arab, 
 we have the colossal cities, with their magnificent palaces. Art lifts up 
 her head. Liberty unrolls her charter, Religion builds her temple, where- 
 ever the influence of tliis revelation obtains; and still it holds aloft its 
 banner of Excelsior, and cries out to the civilization of the nineteenth 
 century, " Not as though you had already attained, either were already 
 jierfect ;" advance with me, — I lead the way to the infinite ideals of God, 
 possible to man. With the intellectual quickening which belongs to this 
 revelation, we ask you to mark its universality of adaptation. Light of 
 the World ! Light, says Plato, is the shadow of divinity. What a symbol
 
 736 
 
 of His truth is light ! Light ! It tips the mountain summit, it shines in 
 the valley, it spreads itself over the plains, it gilds the domes of mighty 
 cities, it gladdens the weary eyes that watcli for the morning, it looks in 
 on the prisoner in his cell, it smiles on every flower, it forgets no blaile of 
 grass, is over all, around all, blessing all. How finely does this figure 
 the universal fitness which belongs to tlie revelation of God. Divine 
 truth ! It challenges science, and says, " Search the strata and the stare, 
 and find out a god more adapted to man than the Being I reveal." It 
 confronts philosophy, and demands that it shall show an attribute of the 
 spirit, or an inner want, which it does not meet. 
 
 Divine truth ! It goes out into a far country, a land of darkness and 
 the shadow of death, and, standing amid corruption and the grave, points 
 to a mom— a glorious mom of resurrection, and an immortality whose 
 immortelles shall fade them, never. Descending to an uttermost despair, 
 and looking up, it points to the possibility of an ever ascending and utter- 
 most salvation. Divine truth ! It smites with a drawn sword, piercing 
 to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and it is a 
 discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, while its promises 
 hang like brilliants in that firmament which overarches human condi- 
 tion. Oh, the darkness of that Gethsemane into which we may enter ! 
 Oh, the wailing cry, "My God, why hast thou forsaken me!" which 
 blighting anguish may wring from the desolated heart. When Dr. 
 Punshon lay dying, a friend who Wiis with him went to Mr. Spurgeon 
 and asked the prayers of his congregation. Mr. Spurgeon asked, " Is the 
 doctor much depressed ?" When answered in the affirmative, he added , 
 " Ah ! I have gone down to the depths of sorrow, anguish and pain, but 
 there is no darkness, no depth where the light of promise does not shine.' 
 All hail, ye promises of God ! Crowned as comforters are ye all ! Maxims 
 of Socrates, the thinker, principles of Plato, the philosopher, wisdom of 
 the all-unveiling dramatist, deep inductions of Baconian knowledge, 
 coined into the currency of literature, held in honor and trusted by the 
 age, can ye crown despair with hope, light the languid eye into a new 
 brilliance, sustain the panting heart, when age fails, when childhood 
 bows its head in deatli and sorrow sits enthroned ? Nameless shall be 
 the men who, witli infamous intent, have sought to break down the 
 authority of revelation, and rob us of our last liope, — men who, with an 
 arrogant assumption tliat lifts itself against the very lioavens, dare to assert 
 that the Gospel of our Christianity is bec^oming effde ; that the thought 
 and intelligence of the age demands another and a better Bible. Another 
 Bible! Is that possible? Methinks the heavens laugh and the earth 
 responds with derision, while the universe cries out, Impossible ! An- 
 other Bible ! 
 
 "Should all the forms that men devise 
 
 Assault my faith with treaclierous art, 
 I'll call them vanity and lies. 
 
 And bind Thy Gospel to my heart."
 
 1S1 
 
 "For Thou, Lord, hast made me glad. Through Thy work, I will triumph 
 in the works of Thy hands." 
 
 III. — Works of God. — Work of the Person and Mission of Christ. 
 
 The upbuilding of the person of Christ must ever be regarded as God's 
 grandest work. His name shall be called wonderful, and justly so, for 
 in that person He has seemed to gather all things in himself. This uni- 
 verse holds matter and mind conditioned into a six-fold life. Life vege- 
 table, that grows; life animal, that feels; life intellectual, that thinks; 
 life emotional, that thrills ; life moral, that oscillates between right and 
 wrong ; life spiritual, that ascends to God — every form of life known on 
 this planet and beyond it is thus gathered together into one. And now 
 behold the infinite personality of the Son, stooping with an infinite stoop- 
 ing and lifting this six-fold life into an everlasting union with Himself, 
 and you at once see that your Saviour and mine is mediator for the uni- 
 verse, embracing all things within His wondrous personality. In one of 
 the great palaces of Rome there is frescoed on a lofty ceiling the Aurora, 
 one of Guido's finest productions. As you stand and look up at the dim 
 distance, all is nebulous and obscure, but on the floor there is a reflecting 
 mirror into which you may look and study the details of the painting. 
 Looking up, all is dim and distant ; looking down, all is near and dis- 
 tinct. Looking up, "no man hath seen God at any time;" looking down, 
 " the only begotten of the Father, He hath declared Him." Ah ! it is this 
 near image, this character of Jesus, that is dominating the ages and will 
 mould humanity to its likeness. With such a Saviour as this, what are 
 miracles to Him ? What is it that the water blushes into wine at his 
 word, or that the billows quiet at His bidding? What is it that 
 sepulchred death departs at His command, or that foul leprosy and 
 shivering paralysis flee before Him, and the heirship of strength and 
 beauty returns? With such a Saviour as this, who shall doubt the 
 plenitude of that ability which, travelling in the greatness of His strength^ 
 is mighty to save ? If I would see the dignity of man, or the terrors of that 
 impending calamity to which he is exposed, I must take my stand be- 
 neath the shadow of the Cross, and ask what must have been the issues 
 which demanded the sacrifice of an incarnate God ? Speculative systems 
 on law, justice and atonement, that have agitated the ages, get you 
 hence. In the incarnate Sou of God we have a being who lived and died 
 to tell tlie world one word — that word was Love, — a Being who built the 
 altar of Calvary and laid himself on it as an atonement, a royal procla- 
 mation of a Father reconciled to everyone of the redeemed, the blood- 
 royal of the race. I may be told that this world is but as a grain of sand 
 on ocean shore to the magnitude of the universe, too insignificant, utterly, 
 to be the theatre on which the phenomenon of the incarnation was to be 
 enacted, but we forget that sometimes God delights to put dignity on 
 insignificance. 
 
 W W
 
 T38 
 
 Long was it believed that the magnetic pole was some stupendous 
 mountain, sending out its attractive forces all over the earth ; but when 
 Sir John Ross discovered this pole he found neither hill nor mount, but a 
 dreary waste ; yet from that centre there went out a power which makes 
 every needle shake to the pole, guiding the mariner over unknown seas. 
 Tiie thunder of the Information, which shook the mighty despotism of 
 Rome, was not forged in a London or a Paris, but in the petty, marsliy 
 village of Worms. And so, in like manner, God has dignified this world 
 by making it the place of sojourn of His Son. Ilis cross and passion, 
 with their" infinite agonies, made this world a mysterion, arresting the 
 gaze of angelic principalities and powers. His death and burial trans- 
 formed this world for a time into a sarcophagus, carried in the hands of 
 the eternal laws through the veiled darkness of the immensities. 
 
 " Ah ! the pathway is not given, 
 
 Ah ! the goal I cannot hear, 
 Earth will never roach to heaven, 
 
 Never will the there, be here," 
 
 was the wail of Schiller, but the resurrected Son of God, standing upon 
 this earth, bade defiance to the forces which held him here ; ascending up 
 on high, entered the everlasting gates which had for Him lifted up their 
 heads, and left behind him a shining track, along which the lowly and 
 the lost may in pardon and in peace pilgrimage to the skies. Oh ! mys- 
 tery and mercy of God's works and ways, that He hath crowned with 
 everlasting dignity this world and our race by the advent of His Son. 
 We clasp Him in the arms of faith, and hold him to our heart of hearts, 
 as we cry out, " Thou, Lord, hast made me glad. Through Thy work, I 
 will triumph in the works of Thy hands." 
 
 IV. — Works of God. — Work of the Spirit. 
 
 It is never to be forgotten that if the Son of God is the organ of divine 
 manifestation, the Spirit of God is the organ of divine execution. What 
 is creation but the work of the Spirit ? " Thou sendest forth Thy Spirit, 
 and they are created ; Thou renewest tlie face of the earth." No sooner 
 were the mountains brought forth and the earth and hills formed by the 
 Spirit, than a new and higher manifestation was proposed. God had 
 created organized matter, God had created organized spirit. As thought 
 is the logical antecedent of action, so a tliought — I had almost said a new 
 thought — came to tlie mind of God. He will tabernacle spirit with flesh 
 and appoint immortality to dwell with dust. He will create a new order 
 of being that will wake the wonder of the universe — a physico-spiritual 
 being, with a consciousness, with an intelligence, with an affection — a 
 being who would shed on his Creator the full summer-bloom of a heart's
 
 Y39 
 
 intensest love. That divine thought took form in the creation of our 
 race, designed for eternal fellowship and beatitude. I need not tell you 
 the old, old story, how the purpose and policy of heaven was seemingly 
 defeated and our humanity involved in ruin. The literature of that ruin 
 is read and known of all men, in living epistles around us, written 
 within and without, with mourning, lamentation and woe. By whom 
 shall Jacob arise, and who shall deliver Israel? If we accepted much of 
 the current teaching of our age, another gospel is being promulgated, 
 which is not a gospel — the gospel of culture, the gospel of self-education, 
 which proposes a self-regeneration, independent of God, of the Holy 
 Ghost. Can it be done? A man says, " I will build my scaflfold, set up 
 my ladders, mix the colors, and tinge and adorn those dark, portentous 
 storm-clouds into beauty." Can he do it ? Never, never ! But look how 
 God accomplishes the task? He rolls the sun beneath the hill-tops, 
 flashes an oblique light athwart the coming darkness, and lo I the storm 
 clouds become continents of silver, islands of gold, and purple-crowned 
 summits, while the canopy of heaven becomes an aqua-marine, rivallino' 
 the beauty of the ocean. 
 
 A man says, " I will set up my scaffolding, and with my colors of cul- 
 ture I will adorn the dark, unholy elements of my character with the 
 beauty of holiness." Can he do it ? Never. But behold the method of 
 God. With one flash of the light which comes from the Holy Ghost 
 every element of the man's being is transformed into the likeness of the 
 Divine. Then, the distorting frown of guilt is changed into the smile of 
 peace ; then the foul imagery of the imagination is cartooned into the 
 likeness of the Heavenly ; then the prodigal, in rags and polluted from 
 his companionship with swine, is robed, f&ted, ringed and songed, amid 
 exultant joy, that " the lost is found." God the Spirit is templed in the 
 heart, in grander than Pantheistic sense, and the 
 
 " Spirit answers to the blood, 
 And tells that he is born of God." 
 
 While on every line and lineament is written "Holiness unto the Lord." 
 And what finite intelligence can measure the greatness of this work of 
 God? 
 
 When the Spirit converted fiery John, it was not merely that a soul 
 was saved from death ; that work meant giving to Jesus a beloved dis- 
 ciple, giving to the world the intelligence that God is a spirit, that God is 
 light, that God is love ; giving to the ages and eternities to come all the 
 inspiration that comes through his character and writings. 
 
 When the Spirit shot the arrows of conviction through the hearts of 
 Wesley and Whitefield, like binary stars they shone out over the 
 churches; they started evangelistic forces that have influenced millions 
 for good. Grand as is the Spirit's work, that which kindles the heart is
 
 740 
 
 the condesreniling sympathy of that Spirit to the lowhest possible condi- 
 tions. A strong-minded New England mother determined that her son 
 should form his own religious views. The names of Jesus, Saviour, 
 Heaven, had never been spoken in his ears. The boy of six sickened 
 and lay dying. The anguished mother awoke to her folly. As she 
 watched her dying boy, he 0[>ened his eyes and said, " ^Mother, what 
 country is that I see beyond the high mountains?" The mother said, 
 " My son, there are no mountains ; you are with us here in the room." 
 But the boy insisted that he saw a beautiful country, where little ones 
 were calling him to come, and appealingh* cried, " Oh, won't you help me 
 over the high mountains ?" They sought to comfort him, when, turning 
 with more than mortal brightness in his eyes, he said, " Mother, mother, 
 do not be afraid ; the strong man has come to carry me over the high 
 mountains," and he was gone. Ah, the spirit was there to tell that 
 young heart of a Deliverer, though he knew not the name. In the light 
 of the Spirit's all-comprehending work, who is not ready to exclaim, 
 " Thou, Lord, hast made glad. Through Thy work, I will triumph in the 
 works of Thy hands." 
 
 V. — Works of God. — Work of Consummation. 
 
 Out of all the symbolizings of Scripture, none convey to us a higher 
 conception of that dwelling-place to which we hope to go than the state- 
 ment of Paul that God hath prepared for them a city. The grandest 
 productions of man on this earth are cities. They are the expression of 
 all that the intellect and skill of man can devise and execute. Calcutta, 
 on the Ganges ; Stamboul, on the Dardanelles ; Rome, on the Tiber ; 
 Florence, on the Arno ; Paris, on the Seine; London, on the Thames, the 
 golden gateway of the continent — here wealth has concentrated in sump- 
 tuous palaces and architectural glory, in the rush and thunder of com- 
 merce, in the culminating of social refinement, in the gathering of all 
 resources to minister to man. If such be the splendor which hangs 
 around the cities that have been built by man, what shall be said of the 
 city whose builder and maker is God? Those apocalyptic texts vvhich» 
 as one has said, seem to have fallen from the sky like fragments from 
 the jasper walls and golden pavement of the city of God, and which flash 
 before our eyes with a blinding refulgence, do not tell us too much of 
 that heavenly city ! No; we are well assured that God, who poured out 
 the wealth of His divinity to redeem, will, in His provision for our great 
 future, transcend all that tongue can utter or heart conceive. 
 
 Cloud-capped towers and gorgeous palaces of heavenly splendor will be 
 there, but that object which above all others will wake the immortal song 
 of the redeemed will bo the Lamb in the midst of the throne and of the 
 city. Oh, the beatitude of that city, where the gates shall be open night 
 and day. Shades of the departed that have gone from this honored
 
 741 
 
 church, can ye not come back and tell us of your bliss? But no. We 
 need you not. God hath told us in words, which our own poet, Burns, 
 could not read without tears, "They shall hunger no more, thirst no 
 more, die no more ; neither shall there be any more pain, but the throne 
 of God and of the Lamb shall be in the midst of it, and they shall reign 
 for ever and ever." Captain of our salvation, whose magnificent titles 
 are the Resurrection and the Life, to Thee we commit our souls and 
 bodies, in the sure and certain hope that Thou hast prepared for us a 
 city, for " Thou, Lord, hast made me glad. Through Thy work, I will 
 triumph in the works of Thy hands." 
 
 Fifty-four years ago 1 sat as a scholar in the Sabbath school, beneath 
 the gallery on my left, while my father and mother occupied a front seat 
 in yonder gallery, when Rev. H. Esson was minister of this church. In 
 the allotments of Providence, my path led into a sister denomination, but 
 my love for the church of my fathers abides with unabated strength, 
 From this centre, founded one hundred years ago, has gone out a power 
 which has planted the banner of the Presbyterian Church in every city, 
 in every town, in almost every village and community, from where the 
 rude Atlantic tosses her crested billows against the granite clifls of New- 
 foundland to where the broad Pacific tells to the beach her summer 
 dreams in sea-blown murmurs, faint and low. I rejoice that the Church 
 which I represent stands side by side with yours in holding the essen- 
 tials of all Christian truth, and, with yours, is marching with triumphal 
 tread to the conquest of this Dominion for Christ. With the exception of 
 one or two, I have known every pastor, from the venerable Somerville 
 onward ; and what is our hope but that, when the shadows are a little 
 longer grown, we shall join them in that church of the first-born, whose 
 names are written in heaven, amid the beatitudes of the Eternal. Amen. 
 
 The Montreal Witness of the 15th March, 1886, had the following kindly 
 notice of the foregoing services and meetings : — 
 
 THE CENTENARY. 
 
 Commencing with Dr. Grant's sermon a week ago, and ending with 
 that of Dr. Douglas, last evening, the centennial celebration of Presby- 
 terianism in Montreal has eflectually marked the open page of our 
 history with a moxt interesting era. St. Gabriel's, or St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, calls to mind the early days when it was building, when the 
 Roman Catholics thought it not sin to harbor Protestant worship in the 
 Church of the Recollets. It vividly recalls tlie early fraternity by which 
 "Covenanters " and " Prelatists " worshipiied within the same walls. It
 
 742 
 
 particularly recalls the long war of the " Disruption," and its happy end, 
 liaving been carried ofl' by those who sympathized with the Free Church 
 movement and long used by them, having been recovered by the Church 
 of Scotland by process of law, the exiles having to build themselves 
 a new church which they called Knox, and having, finally, by Presby- 
 terian Union, become a sister with its rival. It is now the peaceful centre 
 around which not only all Presbyterians but all Protestants and all 
 Christians may praise God together. Where will it be at the end of 
 another hundred years, and where will Presbyterianism be ? Both, we 
 prophesy, will have given way to something larger. Presbyterianism, 
 which the Mayor supposed must have come from the Old Country, claims 
 to be as old as Christendom, and in its modern history Scotland can 
 claim but a small part. It seems to-day to be established like the ever- 
 lasting hills. But, while nothing essential to it is likely to give way, 
 it may, in another century, be difhcult to recognize the denomination 
 which now bears the Presbyterian name. As Professor Shaw said, 
 Methodists claim also to be Presbyterians, and the recent facts of Presby- 
 terian union and Methodist union point to larger results. Meantime we 
 contemplate with reverence the wide-spreading harvest over half a con- 
 tinent, which may be traced to the handful of corn sowed by the sturdy 
 men and noble women of a hundred years ago. No one could have 
 hstened to the mighty eloquence of Dr. Douglas last night without a 
 feeling that it was good for him personally that his early days had had 
 pure Christianity to feed upon. So impressive a discourse is seldom 
 heard. Dr. Reed's venerable presence gave force to his earnest repetition 
 of the old, old story which he had proclaimed there so many years 
 before. There was a fine touch of reverence in the presence of Arch- 
 deacon Evans and Canons Anderson and Ellegood at the afternoon 
 Anglican service. It was impossible, even for a Presbyterian, to note the 
 white-haired worshippers so thickly dotting the large audience without 
 feeling a quickening of the emotions and a sympathy that easily over- 
 steps difi'erences of form. The service on Friday evening in Knox 
 Church, the congregation which originally worshipped in St. Gabriel 
 Church, and the exhaustive oration of Dr. MacVicar on that occasion 
 were most interesting. The celebration in David Morrice Hall was 
 suggestive of the day when brethren shall dwell together in unity.
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Othbh Presbyteirian Churches in Montreal, in 1886 : — Knox — St. 
 Andrew's — American — St. Paul's — Erskine — Crescent Street — St. 
 Matthew's — Calvin — St. Mark's — Chalmers' — Stanley Street — 
 Taylor — Melville — St. John's — The Saviour's. 
 
 Knox Church, 
 
 In the list of the Presbyterian Churches of Montreal at 
 the date of the Centennial celebration, apart from old St. 
 Grabriel's, Knox is entitled to be placed first; because, 
 although, according to the present writer's views of Pres- 
 byterian constitutionality, it does not represent dejure the 
 original congregation, organized 12th March, 1*786, it does 
 unquestionably de facto. And here the author would take 
 leave to say, as formerly a minister of the Church of Scot- 
 land in Canada, that he regards it as a compliment to that 
 branch of the church that his friends of Knox Church so 
 stoutly contend for the honour of continuing the history 
 of the St. Grabriel Street congregation that existed prior to 
 1844. 
 
 Knox Church, at the corner of Dorchester and Mansfield 
 Streets, is built in the early English variety of Gothic 
 architecture, consisting of a nave, side aisles and a 
 pulpit recess. The principal entrance on Dorchester 
 Street is through a large open porch; and there are 
 two entrances on Mansfield Street, leading to the gal- 
 leries and basement. The nave, arches and roof are sup- 
 ported on light piers, which also carry the galleries, and 
 these latter are made to project octagonally between the
 
 *744 
 
 piers. The ceilings are plastered, and the roof timbers 
 formed so as to divide them into panels. The ceiling over 
 the organ and pulpit recess is grained and has a pretty- 
 effect. The pulpit is spacious, with a handsome Q-othic 
 balustrade in front, worked in black walnut wood. The 
 pews on the ground floor are arranged on a circular plan, 
 and, with the galleries, afford accommodation for 750 per- 
 sons. The plan contemplates the addition of a tower and 
 spire at the west side. The church is built of Montreal 
 stone, and, although not an imposing structure, is a very 
 comfortable and useful one — the appointments of the base- 
 ment being everything that could be desired. A very fine 
 organ has just been built by Warren & Co., in the recess 
 in rear of the pulpit. 
 
 The church was opened for divine service, December 
 3rd, 1865, the Rev. D. H. McVicar, then of Cote Street 
 Church, officiating at 11 a.m., — Rev. John Jones, then of 
 Cote des Neiges, at 3 p.m., and Rev. A. B. Simpson, then 
 of Knox Church, Hamilton, at 7 p. m. The first minister 
 of the new church was Rev. Robert Irvine, D.D., formerly 
 of Knox Church, Hamilton, who was inducted, February 
 6th, 1866. He resigned the pastorate, 2nd December, 1870, 
 and removed to Augusta, Georgia, where he died, April 
 8th, 1881, aged 66 years. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
 Robert M. Thornton, B.A., who was inducted, 8th March, 
 1871, and resigned, 30th October, 1874, to accept a call 
 to Well Park Free Church, G-lasgow, where he laboured 
 successfully for several years. He is now pastor of the 
 East Camden Presbyterian Church, London, England. 
 The present esteemed minister is Rev. James Fleck, 
 B. A., formerly pastor of the 2nd Presbyterian Church, 
 Armagh, Ireland, to which he was ordained, 31st March, 
 1869. A native of the County Antrim, Ireland, he was 
 educated in Queen's and General Assembly Colleges, 
 Belfast. He visited Canada in 1875, on a special mission
 
 t45 
 
 connected with his congregation ; and the impression 
 which his appearance in Knox Church on that occa- 
 sion made, was so strong, that when the congregation 
 became vacant the following year, he received a unanimous 
 call to the church, which he accepted.. He was inducted, 
 June 1st, 1876. 
 
 The office-bearers of the congregation, in 1886, were : — 
 
 Kirk Session. — Rev. James Fleck, B. A., Moderator ; 
 Edward Moore, Clerk ; D. Aikman, John McDougall, Jas. 
 Wallace, Eev. Prof. Campbell, M.A., W. D. McLaren, J. T. 
 Donald and Walter Paul, Elders. 
 
 Trustees. — Wm. McGribbon, D. Aikman, H. B. Picken, 
 Jr., W. D. McLaren, Robert Gardner, Alex. Murray. 
 
 Board of Management. — W. D. McLaren, President; 
 H. B. Picken, Jr., Treasurer ; Jno. Baillie, Secretary ; A. R. 
 Wightman, J. Gr. Davie, W. S. Evans, Jas. Grardner, Geo. 
 Barrington, H. S. Stafford, Walter Paul, Robt. Henderson, 
 A. W. Stevenson. 
 
 Auditors. — Jno. McD. Hains, Wm. Cairns. 
 
 The following statistics show that the congregation, 
 which has much esprit de corps, is a most important factor 
 in the religious life not only of Montreal but also of 
 Canada : — Contributions to schemes of the church, $1114 ; 
 contributions for all purposes, $5892. 
 
 St. Andrew's Church. 
 
 The congregation, of the origin and early history of 
 which a sketch has been given, pp. 1Y6-182, having re- 
 solved by a majority, on the retirement of Rev. Robert 
 Easton, in 1824, to connect themselves with the Estab- 
 lished Church of Scotland, application was made for a 
 minister to influential parties in that church, and Rev. 
 John Burns was chosen. He was ordained by the Pres- 
 bytery of Edinburgh ; and on the 9th July, 1824, the
 
 746 
 
 committee of arrangements, in name of the congregation, 
 put it upon record that they were " Christians in connec- 
 tion with the Established Church of Scotland, under the 
 ministry of Rev. John Burns." The congregation, at the 
 same time, assumed the name of St. Andrew's Church. 
 Mr. Burns resigned his charge, May 19th, 1826, and re- 
 turned to Scotland. The congregation asked him to select 
 a minister for them ; and his choice fell upon Rev. Alex. 
 Mathieson, although he appears to have encountered some 
 prejudices in certain of the Presbyteries, raised against 
 the congregation's relation to the Church of Scotland, 
 which were supposed to emanate from parties connected 
 with St. Grabriel Street Church. Mr. Mathieson was a 
 handsome young Highlander, although Renton was his 
 birthplace, where he first saw the light, October 1st, 1795. 
 He took his full course of Arts and Divinity in Grlasgow 
 University ; and was licensed and ordained by the Pres- 
 bytery of Dumbarton. He was installed minister of St. 
 Andrew's Church, December 24th, 1826, and was intro- 
 duced to his charge, according to the Scottish custom, on 
 the following Sabbath, by Rev. Archibald Connell, of 
 Martintowu, Upper Canada. 
 
 As Dr. Mathieson had so much to do with St. Grabriel 
 Street Church, in one way and another, it is fit that an 
 extended notice of him should appear in this volume. 
 He was a noble specimen of manhood, physically, men- 
 tally, morally and spiritually. He could not be in any 
 company without being singled out for attention ; and 
 this not on account of any attempt at creating a strong 
 impression, for he was very modest, — might even be 
 called shy, by nature. In the Roman Church he would 
 have been made an Abbot, on account of his very pres- 
 ence — he would certainly have obtained a mitre in the 
 Church of England. Of a retiring disposition, he was yet 
 resolute as a lion in defence of his principles. He had
 
 Y4Y 
 
 also all the mental activity and warmth of emotion that 
 belongs to the G-ael. The influence which he wielded 
 among his brethren is seen in the fact that he was chosen 
 the second Moderator of the Synod of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada, in connection with the Church of 
 Scotland, in 1832. In the year 183Y, the Senatus of 
 Glasgow University, unsolicited, bestowed upon him the 
 degree of D. D., — indeed, he got no intimation of the 
 intended honour until his name was called. He was 
 again raised to the moderatorship of the Synod of the 
 Church of Scotland, in 1860, in prospect of the advent of 
 royalty to Canada. His dignified and spirited bearing, 
 in the presence of His Royal Highness the Prince of 
 "Wales, when he deemed his church belittled by the Duke 
 of Newcastle, won the admiration of the entire com- 
 munity. 
 
 The author takes the liberty of borrowing back from 
 Mr. Croil's biography of Dr. Mathieson his contribution 
 to that volume, describing the venerable minister of St. 
 Andrew's Church as he appeared in the Synod : — 
 
 " I know no one who courted popularity for its own sake, less than Dr. 
 Mathieson did. Of course, like all men, he loved power and influence, but 
 he would never condescend to acquire it by trimming his sails to the 
 breeze. He was too out-spoken, and cared too little to conciliate those who 
 were opposed to him in opinion, to have his name associated with trium- 
 phant votes. Hence he was more frequently counted with the minority. 
 No face was more radiant than his, however, when he felt that he was 
 in sympathy with the Synod as a whole; as, for instance, always when 
 reading and commenting upon the annual report of the AVidows' Fund, his 
 smile was most benignant, and his eye was filled with kindly warmth. 
 The same was true of his treatment of all persons who were in accord with 
 his views — when at any time they addressed tlie Synod. It was really a 
 temptation to one to coincide with him — even againstbetter judgment and 
 conviction — to obtain a hearty recognition from him. But woe to him tliat 
 raised the Doctor's wrath ! And this was not hard to do. Let the slightest 
 symptom of departure from what he thought the constitutional principles 
 and practice of the Church of Scotland be shown, and the Doctor's agitated 
 countenance and restless attitude became quite a study. He seemed like
 
 748 
 
 a proud steed held in check with the bridle : champing his iron curb. Very 
 frequently he would not wait till the speaker sat down to express his pro- 
 test against anything that seemed to him in the remotest way to argue 
 contempt of, or indifference to, the parent church ; but would interrupt him 
 in spite of all rules and cries of ' order !' And when he rose in such cir- 
 cumstanees, the hearts of common disputants quailed before him. His 
 lips tirmly compressed, betokening the resolution of his nature, indigna- 
 tion seated on his brow, and his eye Hashing forth scornful fire — particu- 
 larly if the opponent happened to be in the Doctor's estimation, young and 
 inexperienced and therefore presumptuous — this was enough to bear the un- 
 lucky wight to the ground ; so that it mattered not that the Doctor had not 
 free utterance. Like the full bottle, the few words that came out of his lips 
 in spurts, being clenched, by the determined force with which the staff 
 was brought to the ground, were more powerfully eloquent and effective 
 than full flowing periods, decked out in the ordinary dress of rhetoric, but 
 which really want the subjective reality and earnestness tliat character- 
 ized the Doctor. 
 
 " Dr. Mathieson did not shine in debate. He was governed in his 
 views more by instinct and feeling than by a strict acquiescence in the 
 laws and requirements of the Cliurch of Canada, and thus had to speak 
 everything that occurred to him, when it did so occur, whether it was in 
 order to do so or not, sometimes rising half a dozen times in a single debate. 
 Nevertheless, he was very influential, though not possessing the qualities 
 needful in a leader. His personal presence and bearing were much in his 
 favour — men of meaner exterior felt themselves at a disadvantage when 
 arrayed in opposition to him. In later years, too, the remembrance of his 
 long and faithful services added weight to his views, while his well-known 
 loyalty to the church gave him a hold on the sympathies of all who had a 
 spark of chivalry in their nature, so that even those whom he took to task 
 in no honeyed words, could not help respecting him as an earnest, honest 
 man. It cannot be doubted that all through our church's history his views 
 helped to mould the legislation of the church if they did not control it — 
 giving to it a conservative tone ; so that on the whole, the Synod was the 
 arena on which he appeared to greatest advantage." 
 
 The part which he felt called upon to take in connection 
 with the St. Grabriel Street Church, after the disruption, 
 has already been given in detail. He felt more than ordin- 
 ary responsibility in the matter, inasmuch as he was one 
 of the executors of Rev. James Somerville's will, and had, 
 indeed, been that gentleman's chief adviser in leaving the 
 $4,000 to build the manse. Knowing the intentions of the
 
 149 
 
 donor, he stood out strongly for holding the manse for 
 ministers of the Church of Scotland only. 
 
 Beyond that, he took no very decided action to contest 
 the claims of Mr. Esson and his successors, farther than 
 moving resolutions in the Presbytery bearing upon the 
 case. He and Dr. Black were, indeed, looked upon by those 
 siding with the Free Church as their chief opponents in 
 the Montreal district, yet they were blamed by other mem- 
 bers of their own Presbytery for their inaction in the mat- 
 ter of leaving the St. Gabriel Street Church alone ; and it 
 was even insinuated that they were not averse to having 
 one seceding church in the city, as a safety-valve, a centre 
 to which Free Church sympathisers from their congrega- 
 tions might repair and not trouble them — and that, more 
 especially, were they reconciled to the withdrawal of cer- 
 tain of their members, seeing that they received from St. 
 Gabriel Street Church in exchange for them so many 
 wealthy and influential families, after 1844. 
 
 Dr. Mathieson died of heart disease, after a severe illness 
 of a few weeks, 14th February, 1870. He had passed 
 through two very heavy trials a short time previously, 
 which, no doubt, contributed to shorten his days. His 
 daughter was drowned while bathing at Cacouna, 29th 
 July, 1868. And St. Andrew's Church, which was as the 
 apple of his eye, and in which he took so much pride, was 
 destroyed by fire, on the Saturday night, October 24th, 
 1869. ' 
 
 Mention has been made of Dr. Mathieson's shyness. This 
 was partly the reason why he did not meddle much with 
 general movements in the city, or take part in local 
 societies, in which some of his contemporaries were promi- 
 nent. But besides that, his ecclesiastical relations, which 
 took hold upon the whole country, fully occupied his time, 
 and afforded him all the ministerial fellowship he needed ; 
 and he considered that he owed his first duty to them ;
 
 750 
 
 while others, whose ecclesiastical functions were confined 
 mainly to Montreal, found vent for their surplus enthusiasm 
 and energy in devising and promoting local associations of 
 various kinds. 
 
 When Dr. Mathieson began to advance in years, he had 
 a number of assistant ministers. Rev. Robert Dobie, late 
 of Milton, the plaintiff in the suit against the Temporali- 
 ties Board, was one of these ; so was the Rev. Robert Her- 
 bert Story, D.D., late Minister of Roseneath Parish, now 
 Professor of Church History in G-lasgow University. Rev. 
 Andrew Paton, now the respected minister of Penpont, 
 occupied the position of Assistant and successor to Dr. 
 Mathieson, and was inducted 15th February, 1866. On 
 receiving a presentation to Penpont from the Duke of 
 Buccleugh, he resigned his connection with St. Andrew's 
 Church, 23rd December, 1869. 
 
 Rev. Gavin Lang was inducted as Dr. Mathieson 's 
 successor, November 28th, 18Y0. He had been selected for 
 the position by a committee consisting of Dr. Norman 
 MacLeod, Dr. Macduff and James A. Campbell, of Stacathro, 
 as eminently suited by a fine presence, ready talents and 
 impressive social qualities, for filling the most influential 
 Presbyterian pulpit in the country. He was already con- 
 nected with Canada by historic ties, his father, of the same 
 name, having been minister of Shelburne, N.S., for two 
 years. Mr. Lang had been minister of the parish of Fy vie, 
 and at the time he was called to Montreal, was successor 
 to his father at Grlassford. 
 
 As is well known, he opposed the union of the Presby- 
 terian Church of Canada in connection with the Church 
 of Scotland, towards the close of the negotiations, 
 although he and two of his elders, Messrs. Hickson and 
 Hunter, acted on the committee for arranging the terms 
 of union, during the earlier years of discussion of the
 
 151 
 
 question. The issue was disastrous to the fortunes of 
 St. Andrew's Church. The majority of the congregation 
 resolved to stand by their minister and decline to be par- 
 ties to the union, but a very influential and active 
 minority would not stay in the church on these terms, 
 and seceded from it, worshipping separately for some 
 months, but finally becoming incorporated in St. Paul's 
 Church, which henceforth became stronger than St, 
 Andrew's. Mr. Lang receiving a call to Inverness, re- 
 signed in May, 1882. 
 
 Rev. James Edgar Hill, M.A., B.D , the present pastor, 
 is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. Licensed 
 by the Metropolitan Presbytery, July 9th, 1872, he was 
 afterwards assistant in Morningside Parish, as well as in 
 Lady Tester's Parish. Being presented by the Queen to 
 the Parish of Burnt-Island, on petition of the parishioners, 
 he was inducted minister there, July 16th, 18*73. He 
 was minister of St. Paul's Church, Dundee, where he 
 had been settled, February 18th, 1877, when he received 
 the call to St. Andrew's Church, Montreal, into which he 
 was inducted November 15th, 1882. 
 
 St. Andrew's Church which was burnt in 1869, and 
 re-built on the old lines, stands unrivalled for elegance 
 among the many beautiful ecclesiastical structures of the 
 city. Without expensive adornment either within or 
 without, there is a tasteful harmony about it which 
 pleases the most fastidious eye, while its site, on the slope 
 of Beaver Hall Hill, sets off its admirable proportions to 
 advantage. It was designed by G-. H. Smith, who took 
 for his model the celebrated Salisbury Cathedral. It is 
 built of Montreal stone, with a tower and spire rising to 
 a height of 180 feet from the ground. The gallery fronts 
 and pulpit are of rich Gothic work ; and the effect of the 
 whole is heightened by the light afibrded by the stained
 
 752 
 
 glass windows. On the right and left of the pulpit there 
 are noble memorial windows to Dr. Mathieson and mem- 
 bers of his family. 
 
 Trustees of St. Andrew's Church. — Joseph Hickson, 
 Chairman ; William Currie, Treasurer ; John Beattie, Sec- 
 retary ; George Denholm, James Spier, Hugh Paton, Rev. 
 J. Edgar Hill, M.A., B.D. 
 
 Kirk-session. — Eev. J. Edgar Hill,M.A., B.D., Moderator; 
 G-eorge GTraham, Treasurer; C. N. D. Osgood, Henry- 
 Morgan, Dr. A. Lapthorn Smith. 
 
 Organist, Joseph G-ould. 
 
 Executive Committee. — "W. W. Ogilvie, Chairman; 
 Eev. John Williamson, Secretary ; Joseph Hickson, John 
 Beattie, Dr. A. L. Smith, W. M. Blaicklock, Jas. Poustie, 
 C. N. D. Osgood, G-eorge G-raham, Wm. Currie, J. G-. Shaw, 
 Jas. Wardlow, E. M. Esdaile. 
 
 American Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The minority of Mr. Easton's church in St. Peter Street, 
 offended at the resolution of the majority to procure a 
 minister of the Established Church of Scotland, and 
 " none else," withdrew from what henceforth became St. 
 Andrew's Church, and organized a new congregation, 
 December 15th, 1822. They "were -recognized by the 
 Presbytery of New York city as under their care, March 
 23rd, 1823. The first church belonging to the congrega- 
 tion stood at the corner of St. James Street and Victoria 
 Square, where Morgan's warehouse now stands, and was 
 opened for Divine worship, 1st December, 1826. William 
 Lyon Mackenzie thus describes it in 1831 : — 
 
 Montreal, April 10th, 1831. 
 " I went this forenoon to the American Presbyterian 
 Church, the clergyman of which is greatly celebrated
 
 •753 
 
 here as a preacher. The house is a large and commodious 
 stone building handsomely finished both inside and out- 
 side. The pulpit is of the most costly mahogany, with 
 crimson cushion, very splendid. The windows are all 
 made double to keep out the cold. The congregation sit 
 while singing, as in Scotland, but the organist and band 
 of musicians alone join in the melody ; at least, I did not 
 observe that any others of the congregation opened their 
 lips to sing. The music is very pleasing ; some of the 
 choristers, male and female, having fine powerful voices. 
 The congregation is numerous, and the people generally 
 well-dressed, forming evidently an important and influ- 
 ential part of the citizens of Montreal. Yet the minister, 
 because he was born in the United States, is forbidden to 
 marry even the members of his own congregation. Mr. 
 Perkins delivered an excellent discourse from Isaiah iii. 
 11 — " Woe unto the wicked, it shall be ill with him, &c." 
 
 Rev. G-eorge Perkins was the second minister of the 
 church. He was installed May 30th, 1830, and resigned 
 on account of ill-health in June, 1837, and died in 
 Chicago in November, 1856, aged 52 years. The first 
 pastor had been Rev. Joseph S. Christmas, a man of rare 
 personal qualities, of an ardent and poetical temperament* 
 and withal of fervent zeal in his ministerial work, which 
 was crowned with great success, the membership of the 
 church rising during his four years' pastorate, from 30 to 
 214. On September 27th, 1839, Rev. Caleb Strong was 
 inducted into the charge, — "a man of fine character, 
 a scholar and a warm friend to all." He died in January, 
 1847, only 31 years old. Rev. John McLeod was installed 
 the fourth pastor November 7th, 1847, and closed his 
 labours with the church in April, 1857, having added 
 during his ministry 164 members to the church. Mr. 
 McLeod afterwards laboured in Philadelphia for many 
 
 X X
 
 •754 
 
 years, and is now resting in the evening of his days. 
 Kev. James B. Bonar was inducted in July, 1857, and 
 resigned the pastorate in February, 1869. It was during 
 his ministry that the present spacious church in Dor- 
 chester Street was erected, the corner-stone of which was 
 laid, April 27th, 1865. It is said to be an exact copy of 
 Park Church in Brooklyn, New York. One of its finest 
 features is the fact that it provides for lecture-room, study 
 and other modern adjuncts to a well-equipped church, 
 without going underneath the ground. The " Study " is 
 a cosy sanctum which is the envy of the ministers of all 
 the other churches of the city. This additional accom- 
 modation is secured by the length of the building, which 
 is 144 feet, — and which adds to its massiveness, the width 
 being proportionately great. It was opened June 24th, 
 1866, and has a seating capacity for 1200 persons. The 
 present popular pastor is the Rev. G-eorge H. Wells, who 
 by his scholarship, personal magnetism, public spirit, as 
 well as ready eloquence has fully maintained the ministry 
 of this congregation at the high level which it has always 
 reached. Mr. Wells was born in New York, brought up 
 in Illinois, and educated at Amherst College and Chicago 
 Theological Seminary. He was ordained at Amboy, 
 Illinois, in 1867, and was inducted into his present charge 
 1st November, 1871. The communion roll of the congrega- 
 tion numbers about 400 ; and it has always been foremost 
 in supporting all good objects in the city. Besides the 
 Home Church in Dorchester Street, it supports ordinances 
 in a mission chapel in Inspector Street, at present minis- 
 tered to by Rev. Malcolm S. Oxley, and has for half a 
 century kept a Sabbath School at the Cross Mission 
 Chapel, and one also for a long time at the Tanneries. 
 Although the congregation is called " American," it is 
 not now mainly composed of those who were born in the 
 United States or who, indeed, ever had any personal con-
 
 •755 
 
 nection with that country. They are largely persons 
 of Canadian birth, who have been drawn to it by personal 
 considerations, rather than those that are denominational 
 or national. Although nominally Presbyterian, it is 
 virtually a Congregational Church, being beyond the in- 
 fluence of the currents of Church life in the United 
 States, and yet not identifying itself with the communion 
 in this country from which a considerable proportion of 
 its membership is derived. 
 
 Kirk-session. — Rev. G-eorge H. Wells, Moderator ; E. F. 
 Ames, Clerk ; G-eorge Childs, Hugh McLennan, S. H. May, 
 G-. "W. Reed, John Murphy, and W. S. Paterson. 
 
 Trustees. — G-. Cheney, Chairman ; G-. W. Reed, Hugh 
 McLennan, Gr. S. Brush, A. D. Nelson, M. Babcock, W. V. 
 Lawrence, J. C. Holden and K. G-reene. 
 
 St. Paul's Church. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Black, the founder of the congregation having 
 died on 8th May, 1845, it was, perhaps, natural that the 
 people's thoughts should have turned to Rev. Robt. McG-ill 
 of Niagara. They had showed their confidence in him in 
 the time of their trouble, in St. Gabriel Street, by agreeing 
 to him as one of the four arbitrators ; and his management 
 of that business had been characterized by much tact and 
 sagacity. Indeed, it was he who took the initiative in 
 convening the Ministers of Kingston, in 1831, to deal with 
 the matter. This action was quite in keeping with Mr. 
 McG-ill's record, as one of the most public-spirited of the 
 Church of Scotland clergymen in Canada. His voice 
 in the counsels of the Synod was always heard on the 
 side of Church extension and evangelical movements 
 generally. He had also exhibited literary taste while at 
 Niagara, and took steps to publish a Church of Scotland
 
 •756 
 
 Monthly, which should advocate the rights of that body in 
 Canada, especially in the face of the grasping disposition 
 of the Church of England. The Christian Examiner, while 
 it lasted, did this most effectively. During his incum- 
 bency of St. Paul's he received from Glasgow Univer- 
 sity the well-merited honour of Doctor of Divinity. 
 He maintained while in Montreal, the high reputation 
 which he had established in Niagara, consolidating the 
 congregation which Dr. Black had founded. He died 
 4th February, 1856. On the 4th of November, in the 
 same year, Rev. William Snodgrass, D.D., was called 
 from Charlottetown, P. E. I., to fill the vacancy in St. 
 Paul's. He laboured in the charge till 5th October, 
 1864. when he was transferred to the more important 
 sphere of the Principalship of Queen's College. He 
 was convener of the committee of the Church of Scot- 
 land on Union, and as Moderator of that branch of the 
 United Church, was one of the signers of the Union 
 document. He conducted a successful campaign, with 
 Rev. Professor MacKerras, his colleague, on behalf of 
 the endowment of Queen's College in 1869, and succeeded 
 in raising $100,000. His labours and anxieties regarding 
 the institution told upon his health more than once ; and 
 so, when the Presbytery of Canonbie presented him to 
 the Parish of Canonbie, which opened up to hima sphere 
 of quieter usefulness, he was tempted to accept it. 
 
 The Rev. John Jenkins, D.D., L.L.D., succeeded Dr. Snod- 
 grass in St. Paul's, being inducted June 27th, 1863. As 
 he had to do with getting St. G-abriel's on its feet in 1866, 
 and was moderator of the reconstructed Kirk session, he 
 also belongs, in a measure, to the history of the old church 
 in St. Gabriel Street. He was born at Exeter, England, 
 and educated at Mount Radford College, Exeter, and 
 Hoxton Theological Institution, London, England. He was
 
 • 151 
 
 ordained to the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist 
 Church, in 183Y, so that this is his jubilee year, as well 
 as the Queen's. The same year he went out as a 
 missionary to India, under the auspices of the "Wesleyan 
 Missionary Society of London. After returning to Eng- 
 land, he accepted an appointment to Montreal, and 
 was the first minister in charge of St. James Street 
 Methodist Church, having Hev. Lachlan Taylor, D.D., 
 and Rev. Mr. De Wolff, for colleagues, during his term of 
 office. He acquired a high reputation for scholarship 
 and controversial skill, by a course of letures which he 
 delivered at this time, the subject being the Douay Bible. 
 The large church was crowded during the delivery of 
 these discourses. In 1853, he joined the Presbyterian 
 Church of the United States, and became colleague of the 
 Venerable Albert Barnes, and afterwards pastor of Calvary 
 Presbyterian Church, which was an offshoot from Mr. 
 Barnes' congregation. When St. Paul's became vacant, 
 the echoes of his eloquence in the olden time were still 
 vivid enough to cause the congregation to turn their 
 thoughts to him, more especially as he had given up 
 his charge in Philadelphia, the position having become, 
 to an Englishman, uncongenial during the war between 
 North and South. He was elected Moderator of the 
 Synod of the Church of Scotland, in 1869, and won 
 golden opinions by his skill and ability as a presiding 
 officer. It was while he occupied the chair that the final 
 union movement was initiated by the letter addressed 
 to him and the Moderators of the several Presbyterian 
 Churches in the Dominion by the Rev. Dr. Ormiston. He 
 was also Moderator of the General Assembly of the Pres- 
 byterian Church in Canada, in 18*78, and displayed in the, 
 chair great promptness and tact in guiding the business of 
 the Court. 
 
 But in Montreal his great monument is St. Paul's Church
 
 758 • 
 
 and the maguificent congregation worshipping therein. 
 It was just at the critical moment the resolution was 
 come to, to remove from St Helen street to Dorchester 
 street. A delay of even a year or two wonld have left St. 
 Paul's behind in the race. That Dr. Jenkins should have 
 succeeded in securing the erection of the magnificent 
 edifice, in which the congregation now worships, at a cost 
 of nearly ^100,000, and that he should have seen it com- 
 pleted and out of debt, shows how strong the hold was 
 which he had upon the people's confidence and affection. 
 The old congregation was not only kept well together by 
 this movement, but the situation was one also to command 
 a constant growth ; until now it stands at the head of 
 the Presbyterian community of the country in powerful 
 resources. 
 
 The building is in the style known as the decorated 
 Grothic, modernized to suit the requirements of the Pres- 
 byterian form of worship, and its general appearance is 
 such as to do credit to the city, and to entitle it to rank 
 with the finest of the many noble edifices of which 
 Montreal can boast. 
 
 Dr. Jenkins having been repeatedly disabled by attacks 
 of bronchitis, and obliged to be absent in winter, which is 
 the great season for work in Montreal, deemed it the wisest 
 thing for his own health, and in the interests of the congre- 
 gation, to resign his pastorate, which he did 24th October, 
 1881, the people having devised liberal things on his behalf 
 in giving him a retiring allowance of $2,000 a year. 
 During his pastorate, Eev R. Laing, now of Halifax, Rev. 
 W. R. Cruikshank, of Montreal, and Rev. "W. T Herridge, 
 of Ottawa, acted as assistants. Having failed to secure the 
 man of their choice, in Canada, the congregation looked to 
 old Scotland for a clergyman, and were ambitious enough 
 to think of calling a gentleman from one of the first posi- 
 tions in the Scottish metropolis. And they succeeded, too,
 
 759 
 
 — making a noble departure in the matter of salary which 
 they offered, ,£1,500 sterling, — an amount somewhat 
 commensurate with the means of the people and the 
 responsibilities of the minister's position. 
 
 Rev. James Barclay, M.A., was born in Paisley, Scotland, 
 of the Barclays of Canal Bank, and received his early 
 education in the G-rammar School of his native town, and 
 in Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh. His professional 
 training was obtained in the University of Glasgow, in 
 which he graduated M.A., with a scholarship in 1865. 
 Licensed to preach in 18Y0, he supplied Dalbeattie for 
 three months, and was ordained minister of St. Michael's, 
 Dumfries, January, 18Y1. He was translated to Canonbie 
 in 18t4, and from there to Linlithgow in 18T6. In 1878, 
 he was called to be colleague of Dr. McGregor in St. 
 Cuthbert's, Edinburgh, where he was found by the St. 
 Paul's congregation. And both their courage and their 
 liberality have been amply justified by the result. Mr. 
 Barclay has proved himself a wise pastor, as well as an 
 able preacher, and is altogether a strong man, who can be 
 relied upon to maintain, in every presence, the amour 
 propre of his splendid congregation. 
 
 The income of the congregation for the centennial year, 
 1866, was 126,000. Of this sum $7,314 was in aid of the 
 general work of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The 
 people have with commendable liberality and zeal under- 
 taken the support of a missionary in Central India. 
 
 Kirk-session. — Rev. James Barclay, Moderator; T. A. 
 Gibson, M.A., William Ross, Alexander Maepherson, Jas. 
 Croil, Alexander Mitchell, Charles D. Proctor, William 
 Reid, James A. Cantlie, James Tasker, J. L. Morris, Prof. 
 J. Clarke Murray, LL.D., George M. Kiughorn, Philip S. 
 Ross, William Walker, John Taylor, Colin McArthur, 
 John Larmonth and Alexander McFee.
 
 160 
 
 Board of Trustees. — Andrew Allau, Chairman ; E. B. 
 Greeushields, Secretary ; Alexander Ewan, Treasurer ; Alex- 
 ander Mitchell, John C. Watson, John Hope, Sir Donald 
 A. Smith. 
 
 Erskine Church. 
 
 Of the ministry of Rev. Dr. Taylor, who founded Erskine 
 congregation, mention has been already made. In 1864, 
 the congregation, then worshipping in the old edifice in 
 Lagauchetiere Street, took an important step in calling 
 Rev. John M. Gribson to be colleague and successor to Dr. 
 Taylor. He was inducted, T6th December, 1864. The 
 affairs of the church had always been well managed, Dr. 
 Taylor having trained the people to consider the business 
 matters of the congregation their concern fully as much 
 as his. But their methods up to this time were the old- 
 time ones. The advent of Mr. Gibson was the beginning 
 of a new era in their history. He brought with him the 
 latest ideas in church organization, and as he had admir- 
 able administrative abilities, he got the most improved 
 plans in operation for promoting both the temporal and 
 spiritual interests of the community in which he moved. 
 One result of the fresh impulse given to the congregation's 
 life, by his association with Dr. Taylor, was the erection 
 of the present chaste, commodious, serviceable, and 
 well-equipped church, which was opened for public wor- 
 ship, on the 29th of April, 1866. Mr. Gibson, now Rev. Dr. 
 Gibson, of St. John's Wood Presbyterian Church, London, 
 England, resigned his position, 6th April, 1874, in order 
 to accept a call to one of the Presbyterian Churches of 
 Chicago. 
 
 Ho was succeeded by the Rev. James S. Black, in the 
 ofiice of colleague and successor to Dr. Taylor, who was 
 inducted, 8th October, 1874. Mr. Black was a native of
 
 Y61 
 
 Brechin, Scotland, and educated at Glasgow and Edin- 
 burgh Universities. Licensed in Edinburgh, in 1869, he 
 had settled as pastor of a Congregational church at Nashua, 
 New Hampshire. Having preached in Montreal during 
 the period of his American pastorate, he made such an 
 impression that he was called to fill Mr. Gribson's place. 
 When Dr. Taylor died in 1876, the entire work of the 
 congregation devolved on Mr. Black, and he continued to 
 discharge the duties of the position, until, Mrs. Black's 
 health demanding a change of climate, he resigned on the 
 22nd April, 1 884, and removed to Colorado Springs, where 
 he has since resided and officiated. 
 
 The Rev. Louis H. Jordan. B. D., the present pastor, 
 was inducted. May 7th, 1855. He was born in Halifax, 
 N. S., where he received his preliminary training. His 
 professional education was obtained in the University of 
 Edinburgh, and after travelling in Europe, he settled in 
 his native city, being called to St. Andrew's Church there, 
 where belaboured and proved himself an excellent pastor, 
 until called to his present charge. He maintains his repu- 
 tation here as an active worker, showing special skill in 
 organization. He is the editor of The Pastor's Diary and 
 Clerical Record. 
 
 Kirk-session. — Rev. Louis H. Jordan, M.A., B.D., 
 Moderator ; John Brodie, Clerk ; Warden King, James Grill, 
 William Robb, Charles W. Davis, R. A. Becket, James 
 Rodger, Rev. R. H. Warden, David Yuile, Rev. Prof. 
 Scrimger, M.A. 
 
 Board of Trustees. — David Brown, Sen., President; 
 Andrew Robertson, Secretary ; Warden King, Jonathan 
 Hodgson, John Hutchison. 
 
 Board of Management. — James R. Lowden, Presidetit ; 
 Alexander C. Leslie, Vice-President ; Frank Brundage, 
 Treasurer ; James Brown, Financial Treasurer ; Charles T. 
 Christie, Recording' Secretary; Dr. Charles Ault, William
 
 762 
 
 C. Jarvis, William Waugh, James Patou, Archibald 
 Mclutyre, John Millen, Peter Laing, Thomas E. Hodgson, 
 William Angus, James Williamson, William Yuile, John 
 M. Kirk. 
 
 Contributions to the schemes of the church, $4,267. 
 " for all purposes, $13,483. 
 
 Ceescent Street Church. 
 
 Reference has been already made to the origin of the Free 
 Church in Cote street, au(J to the fact that it was supplied 
 for seven years, from the time of its organization, by emi- 
 nent ministers from Scotland. The first settled pastor was 
 Rev. Donald Fraser, now Dr. Donald Fraser, of Marylebone 
 Presbyterian Church, London, who was inducted, August 
 8th, 1851. After a brilliant ministry, he resigned his 
 charge, February 3rd, 1859, to accept a call to Inverness, 
 Scotland. A vacancy of nearly two years occurred at this 
 time, which was brought to a conclusion by the settle- 
 ment of Rev. Donald H. MacYicar, January 30th, 1861. 
 Mr. MacVicar was called from Knox Church, G-uelph, 
 where, in a brief ministry, he had first shown his ability. 
 He fully sustained his reputation in this more prominent 
 sphere, although the demands upon the energies and 
 powers of so young a man were necessarily heavy. When 
 the Presbyterian College, Montreal, was established, he 
 was appointed its first professor, September 10th, 1868. 
 This new position afforded a still better arena for the exer- 
 cise of his splendid logical faculties — the concentration of 
 intellect, of which it admitted, leading to the rapid 
 growth of his powers and the advancement of his scholar- 
 ship; until as Principal MacVicar, D.D., he has become a 
 recognized power among the divines of the continent. But 
 his interest in his former congregation has never ceased. 
 He has been its friend at every crisis since ; as it was.
 
 Y63 
 
 largely through his influence, while the congregation was 
 under his temporary care, that the magnificent new 
 church on Crescent street, was erected. 
 
 The Rev. Robert Ferrier Burns, D. D., was inducted 
 into the charge of Cote Street Church, May 4th, 1870, 
 Descended from a noble family of preachers, the son of the 
 distinguished minister of St. G-eorge's Church, Paisley, 
 Scotland, convener of the colonial committee of the 
 Church of Scotland at the time when so many excellent 
 ministers were appointed to Canada — and afterwards the 
 vigorous champion of Free Church principles in Canada — 
 Dr. Burns was an heir to distinctions, which it was no easy 
 matter to support. But he has been equal to the task. 
 In ready wit and exuberant humour, and in the marvel- 
 lous, never-failing gifts of speech with which he is 
 endowed, he has been excelled by no Burns among them 
 all. He has published a very faithful and interesting 
 memoir of his father, and is now the Moderator of the 
 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. 
 During his pastorate in Cote Street, the congregation was 
 beginning to realize the necessity of removing the church 
 westwards to be near the bulk of the people ; but as sen- 
 timent was not quite ripe for action. Dr. Burns, rather 
 than chafe under the difficulties of the situation, accepted 
 a call to Fort Massey Church, Halifax, February 22nd, 
 18*75, where he has since laboured with much comfort 
 and success. 
 
 Crescent Street Church, erected at a cost of $118,000, is 
 in many respects, the noblest of all the edifices belonging 
 to the Presbyterians of Montreal, and was opened for 
 divine worship, March 10th, 1878. It is the only Presby- 
 terian Church in the city which may be said to be com- 
 plete in its equipments. It is happy in having no base- 
 ment ; its school-room, class-rooms and lecture-rooms are
 
 164 
 
 all above ground, in the rear of the church, aud all uuder 
 the same roof — adding to the size aud massireuess of the 
 structure. Its first pastor has been Rev. A.B. Mackay, 
 w^ho was inducted, May 16th 1879, on a second call being 
 addressed to him. He had declined the invitation which 
 he received the previous year. Mr. Mackay is a native of 
 Montrose, Scotland, and was educated in Edinburgh Uni- 
 versity and the English Presbyterian College, London. 
 His first charge was in Worcester, England, where he 
 was ordained, 16th August, 1868. Thence he was trans- 
 lated to Brighton. England, and from there he came to 
 Montreal. He is a brother to Dr. Mackay, of Hull, author 
 of " G-race and Truth," and other excellent practical works, 
 and is himself the author of several volumes, which have 
 been found very useful and been well received in both 
 Grreat Britain and America. Mr. Mackay is an earnest 
 and vigorous preacher, and upholds the evangelical stand- 
 ard which has ever been characteristic of the ministry of 
 the congregation. 
 
 KiRK-SESSiON. — Rev. A. B. Mackay, Moderator ; Archd. 
 McGoun and Hugh Cameron, Clerks ; James Ross, David 
 Morrice, John Stirling, Peter Nicholson, Hugh Watson, 
 David Cameron, W. C. Munderloh, John G-. Savage, F. W. 
 Kelley, A. Macdougall. 
 
 Deacons. — John Anderson, George Hyde, Jas. Slessor, 
 R. N. McCallum, David Robertson, Alex. Bremner, Daniel 
 Wilson, Duncan Cameron, D. T. Eraser, James McGoun, 
 Robert Logie, Chas. J. Fleet, Thos. Forde, Geo. D. Reid. 
 
 Trustees.— John Stirling, Archibald McGoun, David 
 Morrice, James Ross, P. Nicholson. 
 
 Contributions to the schemes of the church, |6,015. 
 for all purposes, $18,338.
 
 165 
 St. Matthew's Church. 
 
 The history of St. Matthew's congregation dates back to 
 the autumn of 185 1, when the Rev. W. Snodgrass, minister 
 of St. Paul's Church, began fortnightly services in the 
 ticket office of the Grand Trunk Railway at Point St. 
 Charles. These services were discontinued for a time, 
 owing to lack of pulpit supply. A Sabbath School, how- 
 ever, was established in the same building, which was the 
 nucleus of the present large and flourishing school. In 
 the year 1858, through the exertions of members of St. 
 Paul's Church, a parcel of ground was secured for a church 
 building. Its erection was, however, delayed for various 
 reasons until the autumn of 1859, when active operations 
 were resumed In January, 1860, the building was so far 
 advanced as to permit of its being opened for Sabbath 
 School work. The colonial committee of the Church of 
 Scotland was asked to secure and send out a missionary 
 to this field. In February, of the same year, the Rev. James 
 Stewart sailed from Liverpool, but was lost in the ill-fated 
 S. S. " Hungarian." On the 8th April, 1860, the church 
 was formally opened for public worship by the Rev. "W". 
 Snodgrass. In July following, the Rev. James Black was 
 appointed missionary to the field, and laboured with much 
 success until he accepted a call to Chatham, Que., Sept. 
 4th, 1861. 
 
 On 23rd Oct., 1861, the residents who had associated 
 themselves with the mission, were formally organized into 
 a congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in 
 connection with the Church of Scotland. On 24th Decem- 
 ber, 1861, the Rev. William Darroch, was ordained and 
 inducted as the first pastor of St. Matthew's Church. Mr. 
 Darroch laboured with great diligence and marked success 
 until the Master called him into rest, June 16th, 1865. 
 The Rev. Joshua Fraserwas next called and inducted 22nd
 
 166 
 
 Sept., 1865. Mr. Fraser continued until early in 1872, 
 when he was called to Whitby, Ontario. The Rev. Chas. 
 A. Doudiet succeeded to the pastorate, on 27th Sept., 1872. 
 In 1873, the church was enlarged to its present capacity 
 at a cost of nearly $5,000. In April. 1876, Mr. Doudiet 
 demitted his charge and was succeeded by the Rev. Simon 
 Somerville Stobbs, March 13th, 1877. In October of the 
 following year, Mr. Stobbs resigned, and was succeeded by 
 the Rev. "W. R. Cruikshank, the present incumbent, April 
 15th, 1879. 
 
 The congregation has grown steadily up to the present 
 time, and is now contemplating the erection of enlarged 
 premises. There are about 225 families in connection with 
 the church, the membership roll, embracing about 430. 
 The Sabbath School has, perhaps, more than kept pace 
 with the growth of the congregation. It has now 45 
 officers and teachers, and 400 children including the Bible 
 class. 
 
 The Session at the present time embraces the Moderator 
 and the elders, whose names and occupations are as 
 follows : — Capt. Wm. Ross, Gentleman ; Daniel Downie, 
 Foreman, G-. T. R. ; James Fenwick, Foreman, C. P. R. ; 
 W. A, Kneeland, Teacher ; John Cliff, Clerk ; Joseph 
 Anderson, Merchant ; Benjamin Kidd, Machinist ; Robert 
 Donaldson, Machinist ; Arthur Johnstone, Machinist ; 
 "William Lee, Machinist. 
 
 Calvin Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The history of this flourishing and important congre- 
 gation is full of interest. The "Board of City Missions" 
 of the Presbyterian Church in Montreal, in the year 1861, 
 considered the advisability of establishing a mission 
 station in the west end of the city, and in April, 1862, the 
 site on which the church now stands was purchased by
 
 767 
 
 the late Johin Redpath, for $1,600. In July, of the same 
 year, the building of the church was begun, and the front 
 part was finished in January, 1863, at a cost of $5,049.81, 
 and opened for public worship on February 5th, by the 
 Rev. Doctor MacVicar. The Rev. P. D. Muir was placed 
 in charge of the congregation by the Board of City Mis- 
 sions of the Canada Presbyterian Church. A Sabbath 
 School was also formed on the first day, and met in the 
 basement the following Sabbath, when the Sabbath 
 School formed by the Church of Scotland, a few years 
 before, and which met in Mr. Cantin's building, on St. 
 Joseph Street, where also religious services were held, 
 discontinued their services and joined in with the church 
 and Sabbath school of St. Joseph Street Church, which 
 name it then bore. The congregation of St. Joseph 
 Street Church grew so rapidly under the ministry of 
 Rev. P. D. Muir, that it was necessary to enlarge the 
 church, which was done, at a cost of $5699.46. In 
 January, 1865, the Board of City Missions offered, that 
 if the congregation wished to appoint their own pastor, 
 and become self-supporting, they would give grants 
 as follows : $900 for the first year ; $400 for the second 
 year ; and $200 per year, for the next three years. 
 Shortly after the church was opened, the question of 
 opening a Day School was considered by the committee, 
 and fully agreed to. The school was opened on the 4th 
 of May, 1863, and was under the control of the Session 
 until November of 1868, when the Protestant Board of 
 School Commissioners assumed it. In February, 1866, 
 chiefly owing to ill-health, the minister, Rev. P. D. Muir, 
 resigned his pastorate, and much to the regret of all who 
 knew him, gradually became weaker, until, in June of 
 the same year, he passed away to his eternal rest. Before 
 appointing another pastor, this church notified the Board 
 of City Missions, that they were prepared to become
 
 768 
 
 self-sustaining, and accordingly, on Aug. 6th, 1866, they 
 met as a congregation, and elected their own officers. 
 The congregation proceeded to give a call, and after 
 hearing several candidates, chose the Rev. Alex. Young, 
 of Howick, as pastor. During this year the Board of 
 City Missions otTered to remove S6,000 of the debt on the 
 property, provided that St. Joseph Street Church would 
 assume the balance, of $3,600, and pay it oif in three 
 years, in addition to sustaining a pastor. This being 
 agreed to, of the $6,000, Cote Street Church raised $3,000, 
 Erskine raised $1,800, and Knox Church $1,200. In 
 1870, the Board of City Missions, being informed of the 
 inability of the congregation to pay their share of the 
 debt, again contributed $2,000, which left only $1,600 for 
 the congregation to raise. The congregation grew steadily 
 during Mr. Young's pastorate. In December, 1872, the 
 Rev. Mr. Young resigned his charge of the congregation, 
 and on August 28th, 1873, the Rev. John Scrimger, M.A., 
 was inducted. Under Mr. Scrimger's earnest and able 
 ministry, the congregation made rapid and sure pro- 
 gress in every department. Mr. Scrimger was ap- 
 pointed Professor of Old and New Testament Exegesis 
 in the Presbyterian College, October, 1882. He was 
 succeeded by Rev. Thos. Cumming, of Stellarton, N. S., 
 who was inducted, March, 1883. Mr. Cumming, having 
 received a call from Truro, N. S., was translated to that 
 place, November, 1884, and the congregation was once 
 more without a pastor. A call to Rev. W. J. Smyth, 
 B. A., B. Sc, Ph. D., was moderated in, and he having 
 signified his acceptance, was inducted into the pastorate 
 on July 24th, 1885. Since then, the congregation has 
 continued to grow and prosper. Every department of 
 the church is in a most healthful condition. At the 
 end of 1886, there were 336 scholars on the roll of the 
 Sabbath School, and an average attendance of 201, and
 
 Y69 
 
 29 excellent teachers. As the name of the street on 
 which the church stands was changed from St. Joseph 
 to Notre Dame Street, it was deemed advisable to change 
 the name of the church. After several congregational 
 meetings it was decided to call it Calvin Presbyterian 
 Church, which was approved by the Presbytery on 
 January 11th, 1887. 
 
 The names of the members of Session at the close of 
 1886, were : Messrs. Hugh Sym, Forrest Locke, Alexander 
 Anderson, James Cleland, Alex. Bowers, Jas. Symington, 
 Alex. D. Lanskail, Gr. B. Hoy, David Stoba, and John 
 Gow. 
 
 St. Maek's Church. 
 
 The corner-stone of this edifice, corner of William and 
 Dalhousie streets, was laid by Rev. W. M. Black, the first 
 pastor, October 25th, 1869. It was opened for divine wor- 
 ship on the first Sabbath of January, 1870, and at the May 
 meeting of the Presbytery of Montreal, in connection with 
 the Church of Scotland, St. Mark's was recognized as a 
 congregation. 
 
 The church grew out of a mission Sunday School, held 
 for many years in a room off Wellington street, belonging 
 to the late Mrs. Aitken. In 1868, Mr. W. M. Black began 
 labouring in the district, and by his zeal, energy and in- 
 fluence, succeeded in getting the cause on a solid footing. 
 He secured the co-operation of active workers from both 
 St. Andrew's and St. Paul's Churches. The congregation 
 were under special obligations to Mr. Joseph Hickson, 
 Manager of the G-rand Trunk Railway, and to Mrs. Hick- 
 son, who, for some time, showed their interest in the 
 church by worshipping in it, instead of in their own 
 church, which was near at hand. The first session was 
 formed. May 21st, 1871, and was composed of Robert Kerr 
 Y y
 
 110 
 
 hardware merchant, uow of Laehine ; Robert Laing, B.A., 
 now Rev. R. Laing, minister of St. Matthew's, Halifax ; 
 and William Linton. 
 
 Mr. Black was inducted into the charge on March Ith, 
 1871 ; and, after devoting himself to its interests for several 
 years he accepted a presentation to the lovely Parish of 
 Anwoth, in Scotland, and his resignation was accepted by 
 the Presbytery, 11th November, 1875. 
 
 Rev. John Nichols, the present pastor, was inducted, 
 September 28th. 1876, and has succeeded in maintaining 
 his ground in the face of not a few discouragements. 
 Besides upholding the cause in the district, he has taken 
 an active part in general movements affecting the interests 
 of the city. Mr. Nichols was born at Berwick-ou-Tweed, 
 educated in Elmfield College, York, and Sunderland 
 Theological Institute, in connection with the Primitive 
 Methodist Church, by which he was ordained in 1869. 
 After labouring four years in England, he arrived in Canada 
 in 1874, and soon after being received by the Greneral 
 Assembly, in 1876, he was inducted into the pastorate of 
 St. Mark's. 
 
 The congregation numbered 163 communicants, at the 
 end of 1886. The receipts for all purposes were $1768. 
 
 The Kirk Session. — Rev. John Nichols, ISIoderator ; 
 M. M. Scleater, Clerk ; Wm. Linton, Wm. Clendinneng, A. 
 Lindsay, and H. Vallance, Jr. Board of Managers, W. C. 
 White, John A Milne, Joseph Reid, Wm. F. Coupland, 
 Robert Weir, Alex. G-reive, Alex. Lindsay, Wm. Sherlow, 
 and James Stewart. Auditors, Messrs. M. M. Scleater and 
 G. C. Barry. 
 
 Chalmers' Church. 
 
 Chalmers' Church had its origin in a mission Sabbath 
 School, established in 1861. The district was canvassed,
 
 Ill 
 
 and the school opened with an attendance of eighteen 
 scholars and five teachers. The Rev. D. H. Macvicar de- 
 livered the opening address ; the teachers present were 
 Mr. James Phymister, the originator of the movement, 
 Messrs. P. S. Ross and P. Nicholson, and Miss Stephens, 
 (afterwards Mrs. Cantlie). The school increased so rapidly, 
 as to necessitate more commodious quarters ; and to meet 
 this want, a suitable mission hall was erected, a few rods 
 higher up the street, by the liberality of George Rogers, 
 Esq., who charged a nominal interest on the cost of the 
 building as rent. The school was removed thither, in 
 January, 1862, but five mouths after its inception, with 
 eighty-seven scholars and eleven teachers. 
 
 Regular mission services were begun in the mission 
 hall, in May, 1863, the Rev. M. Donaldson preaching, 
 under direction of the Mission Board, on Sabbath even- 
 ings, until May, 1865 ; also, holding meetings for prayer, 
 and for the furtherance of temperance, during certain 
 evenings of the week. From this latter date until 1867, 
 only precarious supply was had, when an arrangement 
 was made whereby Rev. Dr. Hamilton conducted service 
 on Sabbath evenings. During 1868-69 only occasional sup- 
 ply was had, but the Sabbath School continued its good 
 work without cessation. Early in 1869, preliminary steps 
 were taken to organize a congregation in connection with 
 the Sabbath School, with the result that on the 24th 
 November, 18*70, eleven members representing seven 
 families were formed into a regular church, called " Mile 
 End," after the name of the Sabbath School. This name 
 was changed to " Chalmers," at a congregational meeting 
 held on 11th January, 1872, at which date there were 
 fifty-eight members and twenty-eight families. Rev. John 
 Jones, formerly of Cote des Neiges and Brockville, being 
 called, pushed forward the building of the church with 
 great energy. In December, 1870, a committee was
 
 112 
 
 appointed, consisting of Joseph MacKay, A. Fowler, W. 
 King, G-. Eogers, Laird Paton, E. H. Copland, W. M. Knox, 
 R. C. Wilson, P. S. Ross, M. Thomson, and A. C. Clark, to 
 select a suitable site for a church, to devise ways and means 
 for its erection, as well as to procure a plan. The church 
 was dedicated to the service of G-od, on the 15th June, 
 1873, the Revs. Dr. Duryea, of Brooklyn, U. S., Dr. Eadie, 
 of Grlasgow, John Jones, who was settled as pastor of the 
 church on the 29th February, 1871, and J. G-ibson (now 
 Dr. Gibson, of London, G. B.) taking part in the opening 
 services. The church and site cost |25,000, which sum, 
 through the liberality of many of its friends, along with 
 the commendable zeal of the members of the church, has 
 been almost wholly liquidated. The prosperity of the 
 congregation and Sabbath School has been very gratify- 
 ing, though somewhat interfered with by the short terms 
 of its pastorates. The Rev. John Jones, M. A., resigned in 
 July, 1874, after a pastorate of nearly two years and a 
 half. He was succeeded by the Rev. "Wm. Mitchell, B.A., 
 who was inducted, after more than a year's vacancy, on 
 the 23rd September, 1875, in the pastorate of the church* 
 He resigned the following year, and was, in turn, suc- 
 ceeded by the Rev. Peter Wright, inducted on the 13th 
 September, 1877. He resigned in 1880, when the congre- 
 gation had another vacancy of more than a year, until the 
 17th November, 1881, when the Rev. Colborne Heine, 
 B. A., the present pastor, was ordained and inducted. In 
 In 1886 there w^ere 416 scholars on the roll of the Sabbath 
 School, and they contributed $712 to missions. 
 
 The congregation numbered some 80 familes and 140 
 communicants at the beginning of the present pastorate, 
 and though some 71 names have been withdrawn, besides 
 many others which have been dropped from the roll, and 
 some who have died, the roll now numbers about 250 in 
 good standing, while the families number some 150. The
 
 IIS 
 
 Sabbath. School and congregation have grown so large, 
 that at the last annual meeting of the congregation, steps 
 were taken to increase the accommodation for the Sabbath 
 School and the church. 
 
 The Session is composed of the following : — John 
 Fletcher, Lt.-Col. (Militia), C.M.a., Malcolm Thomson, 
 Manager of Edwardsburgh Starch Company, Kenneth 
 McLeod, of McLeod & Shotton, trunk manufacturers, 
 James Stuart, storeman, Robert Miller, clerk, J. H. Scott, 
 book-keeper, James "Wilson, civil engineer. 
 
 The names of the managers for the year 1886 were : — 
 Robert Mc'Ewen, President ; H. P. Niven, Vice-President; 
 Robert Miller, Secretary/ ; R. J. H. Douglas, Treasurer ; 
 "W. J. Robinson, James "Wilson, James Stuart, Fr. Braid- 
 wood, Stew. Muirhead, "W. H. Richard, A. Scott, James 
 Muir, "Wm. Paterson, J. H. Ross, J. Kennedy. 
 
 There are several societies in connection with the 
 church, e.g., The Christian Work Association, whose aim 
 is to further social kindliness — the Juvenile Missionary 
 Association, whose work it is to gather the missionary 
 offerings of the people — the Sabbath School Association, 
 composed of the teachers and officers of the Sabbath 
 School — the Young People's Association, which seeks to 
 interest and instruct the younger portion of the congrega- 
 tion — and the Ladies' Aid Society, through whose self- 
 sacrificing efforts since its formation in April, 187Y, no 
 less than $2636.82 has been raised on behalf of the work 
 of the church. The congregation is thoroughly organized 
 and active, and is in a hopeful and prosperous condition. 
 
 The Rev. George Colborne Heine was born in New 
 Brunswick, and received his literary training at Frederic- 
 ton, but took his Divinity Course in Princeton, New 
 Jersey. He was assistant to Rev. Dr. Cook, of St. Andrew's 
 Church, Quebec, for more than two years, and afterwards 
 supplied St. Andrew's, Ottawa, for some months. He
 
 1H 
 
 then visited G-reat Britain and the Continent for a year, 
 and on his return, accepted the call to Chalmers' Church. 
 Contributions to the schemes of the church, $650. 
 for all objects, $4,587. 
 
 Stanley Street Church. 
 
 The congregation worshipping in this church consisted 
 originally of 66 members, aud 13 adherents of Erskine 
 Church, who seceded, when that congregation resolved to 
 use instrumental music as an aid to worship. They were 
 recognized by the Presbytery of Montreal of the Canada 
 Presbyterian Church, and organized 26th May, 18 Y4. They 
 first met for religious service in the St. George's Church 
 School-house ; bvit as the erection of the new church was 
 pressed forward with energy, they were able to worship 
 in the basement, December 2Yth, 1874, on which day it 
 was formally opened, Rev. Dr. Burns preaching in the 
 morning, and Rev Principal MacVicar in the evening. 
 Rev. E. F. Torrance, (now of Peterboro') officiated for 
 several months with much acceptance, but the first pastor 
 was Rev. J. C. Baxter, M. A., formerly of Dundee, (now Dr. 
 Baxter of Kirkcaldy, Scotland) who was inducted. May 7th, 
 1875. During the same month, the church, having been 
 completed at a cost of $39,000, was formally opened for 
 Divine service. Dr. Baxter resigned the charge in August, 
 1878. The Rev. James McCaul, B.A., formerly of Three 
 Rivers, was called, and inducted February 18th, 1879. The 
 church lay under the crushing weight of a debt of $25,000 
 at this time ; but Mr. McCaul, ably assisted by Colonel 
 Stevenson, George Rogers, the late Alexander Rose, and 
 others, addressed himself to the task of lifting the burden 
 off the congregation, which he had very nearly accom- 
 plished, when he resigned the pastorate, March 30th, 1886, 
 to accept an appointment to Great Britain and Ireland, in
 
 115 
 
 tlie interests of French Evangelization. He was succeeded 
 30tli September, 1886, by the present pastor. Rev. Finlay 
 M. Dewey, a native of this province, who received his 
 literary education at McGrill College, but studied Theology 
 at Morrin College. He was pastor of Eichmoud, Eastern 
 Townships, for nine years, where he gave full proof 
 of his ministry ; and he has given a fresh impulse to the 
 life of this spirited congregation by the earnestness and 
 warmth of his teaching. The elders are George Rogers, 
 of Rogers and King ; James Ross, merchant ; Peter McLeod, 
 missionary ; W. D. Duncan, clerk ; D. Currie, and William 
 Drysdale, bookseller. The Sabbath School had 150 scholars 
 during the centennial year. 
 
 Contributed to the schemes of the church, $135. 
 " for all objects, $3,552. 
 
 Taylor Church. 
 
 This congregation, in its present form, dates nominally 
 from the 23rd day of July, 1876, when Rev. Dr. Taylor, by 
 appointment of Presbytery, organized it in Hudon Hall. 
 "Work had been previously carried on, however, on two 
 lines, which then converged — by the Canada Presbyterian 
 Church, and by the Presbyterian Church of Canada in con- 
 nection with the Church of Scotland. The former had long 
 held a Sabbath school in the Quebec suburbs : the latter 
 established both a school and a mission preaching station, 
 in the old Sir John Johnson Mansion in Craig street, the 
 property of J. T. Molsou, not far from Papineau Square, in 
 1868. This station was supplied by Rev. Robert Laing, 
 now of Halifax, and others, as the " East End Mission," 
 under the direction of the Presbytery's Home Mission 
 committee, until it was taken over by St. Andrew's Church, 
 as St. Paul's Church assumed the Forfar Street Mission. It 
 had previously been removed to Salem Church, Panet
 
 •7*76 
 
 Street. To this mission charge, Rev. John L. Stuart was 
 ordained by the Presbytery of Montreal, after the Union, 
 22nd July, 1875, and he continued to supply it till 
 1st of May, 18Y6. By this time, St. Andrew's Church 
 had voted itself out of the Union, and, as Mr. Stuart 
 w^ished to remain in the united church, he tendered his 
 resignation. St. Andrew's Church bought the building, 
 over the heads of the Presbytery of Montreal of the 
 Presbyterian Church in Canada, and retained posses- 
 sion of it, which made it necessary that the congrega- 
 tion should seek accommodation elsewhere. Hudon Hall, 
 St. Catherine Street, was secured, and to it the congre- 
 gation removed, and with it combined the Sabbath 
 School work formerly carried on under the auspices 
 of the Canada Presbyterian Church. The Eev. John 
 Jones, who had done such good service in establishing 
 Chalmers' church on a solid footing, was induced to 
 take hold of the mission in the summer of 18*76, and by 
 his energy and perseverence he succeeded at last in getting 
 the present church erected on Champlaiu Street. On loth 
 January, 18*78, Rev. A. C. Morton was ordained as pastor 
 of the charge, but his ministry was of brief duration. 
 Failing health compelled him to surrender it, and Mr. 
 Jones was again asked to lend a helping hand. The next 
 pastor was Rev. John J. Casey, who vy^as called from 
 Elgin and Athelstane, and inducted March 16th, 1882. 
 In the discharge of his duties, he contracted small-pox, 
 from which he died, June 10th, 1884. Meantime there 
 was growing up a very large and promising Sabbath 
 School, under the superintendence of Mr. James Brown, 
 of Knox Church, and an energetic staff of teachers — 
 which, as well as the congregation, received special assist- 
 ance from Knox congregation. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Bennett, the present pastor, having been 
 unanimously called from a charge in Ontario, was inducted,
 
 m 
 
 1st December, 1885. "When the congregation started out 
 anew in Hudon Hall, there were but 31 communicants in 
 it — at the end of 1886 the membership numbered 150. The 
 outlook of the Church is of the brightest kind, considering 
 the rapid growth of the part of the city in which it is 
 situated. 
 
 Contributions to the schemes of the church, $80. 
 for all objects, |1,318. 
 
 Melville congregation, at Cote St. Antoine, was not 
 fairly on its feet at the date of the centennial, but, during 
 the year 1886, its organization was completed. It con- 
 tributed $99 to the schemes of the church, and raised 
 #6,314 for all purposes. 
 
 Not the least interesting of the Presbyterian congrega- 
 tions in Montreal, in the centennial year, were the two 
 French ones — St. John's and Saviour's, — although they 
 cannot be said to have had any specially intimate connec- 
 tion with the Scotch Church, St. Gabriel Street. They are 
 rather the fruit of the evangelical zeal of the whole 
 Presbyterian Church in Canada. Jesus taught that the 
 natural effect of the presence of Grospel truth among men 
 is to extend itself, even as leaven communicates its own 
 qualities to the measures of meal in which it is buried. 
 And so, our people desire to give the "Word, which has 
 cheered and blessed themselves, to their neighbours who 
 possess it not. We have seen how the English statesmen, 
 at the end of last century, thought to make the French 
 Canadians Protestant, in order to make them loyal to the 
 British Crown, and how civil pressure was brought to 
 bear upon them to this end. But moral and spiritual 
 results can never be achieved by political agencies, 
 especially by violence. This fact came at last to be
 
 IIS 
 
 recognized in connection with the French colonists. Our 
 church has taken up the work in the spirit of kindness, 
 and for the love we bear the French people. We would 
 have them feel and believe this : their suspicion is that 
 we are dishonouring their nationality by our evangelistic 
 movements, and that it is because we deem them an 
 inferior people that we are sending missionaries among 
 them. The very opposite is the case. It is because they 
 belong to the noble Gallic race — a people perhaps the 
 most capable in Christendom, — that we could wish that 
 nothing were wanting to their perfection. We would 
 have them what Coligni was, — what Margaret and Henry 
 of Navarre were, — we would see produced noble men 
 and women of the type that adorned France in the period 
 of its greatest glory, — and we offer them the stimulating, 
 beautifying Gospel of Jesus Christ to put a finish on 
 their already graceful spirit. It was the writer's privilege, 
 in 18*71, to visit the United Kingdom to set the claims of 
 our French Canadian fellow-citizens before Christian 
 brethren, with a view to aiding this worthy work in 
 which our church has embarked ; and this is the only 
 special point of contact between the old St. Gabriel Street 
 Church and the French congregations in the city. 
 
 St. John's Church. 
 
 This church originated with the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland, 
 three years before the disruption. On 2ud September, 
 1841, Mr. E. Lapeltrie, who had been sent to Canada by 
 the London Missionary Society, was ordained by Rev. 
 P. C. Campbell, afterwards Principal of Aberdeen Uni- 
 versity. The congregation consisted at first of only twelve 
 members. Mr. Lapeltrie returning to France, owing to 
 ill-health, in 1850, Rev. L. B^ridon succeeded him, who
 
 119 
 
 resigned in 1853. For the next six years there was no 
 pastor, but faithful elders and others held regular service 
 until 1859, when Mr. Baridon resumed the pastorate, 
 although, from bodily infirmity he was obliged to resign 
 it in 1861. He w'as succeeded that same year by E,ev. 
 J. E. Tanner, a minister of the Eeformed Church of Switz- 
 erland. It was during his incumbency that the church, 
 corner of Dorchester Street and Bronsdon's Lane, was 
 built. It was opened for public worship by the late 
 Principal Leitch, of Queen's University, during the meet- 
 ing of Synod in 1863. In 1867, a French pastor, Eev. 
 Mr. Groepp, was placed in charge, but remained only a 
 year. On August 23rd, 1869, Mr. Charles A. Doudiet, 
 having completed his theological studies in Queen's Uni- 
 versity, was ordained and inducted to the pastorate. The 
 congregation then assumed the name of St. John's Church, 
 and was placed on the Presbytery roll. Mr. Doudiet was 
 translated to St. Matthew's Church, 22nd September, 1872, 
 but was recalled and re-inducted in 1877 — a great im- 
 pulse meantime having been given to work amongst the 
 French Canadians by the purchase of Russell Hall, 
 during the ministry of his successor, Rca'. Charles E. 
 Tanner, son of a former pastor, who was inducted into 
 the charge in 1874. During this period also the famous 
 converted priest, Rev. Charles Chiniquy, visited the city 
 and revived an interest in the work of French Evangel- 
 ization, and brought many into St. John's Church. 
 
 Mr. Doudiet was born at Greneva, Switzerland, and got 
 his literary training at the G-rande-Ligne Baptist College. 
 He is a distinguished preacher, his services in English as 
 well as French being much sought after ; and his min- 
 istry has greatly contributed to strengthen the cause of 
 French Protestantism in the city. 
 
 Contributions for all purposes, $460.
 
 780 
 Saviour's Church. 
 
 This edifice on Canning Street was built by the Board 
 of French Evangelization in 1877, for Rev. Charles 
 Chiniquy, and dedicated, 14th January, 1878. The Rev. 
 Principal MacVicar presided, and the late Rev. Dr. Robb, 
 of Cooke's Church, Toronto, preached the sermon. In 
 May, 1879, Mr. Chiniquy resigned the charge of the mis- 
 sion to go to Australia. The Rev. B. Ouriere succeeded 
 him, and continued in charge till the end of May, 1880, 
 when he resigned to return to France. The present pastor. 
 Rev. Alfred B. Cruchet, was translated from New Grlasgow, 
 1st November, 1880. At that time the number of commun- 
 icants was twenty-seven, and of families, twenty-six. 
 Since then the congregation has entirely changed. Emi- 
 gration and prosecution have drawn away, from time to 
 time, those who have come under the power of the truth 
 in connection with this church, as well with all the other 
 French Protestant congregations in this Province, so that 
 it does not increase in proportion to the efforts put forth 
 and the results accomplished, as rapidly as English speak- 
 ing churches usually do. 
 
 Mr. Cruchet was born in this Province and received 
 his preparatory education at Pointe-aux-Trembles, and 
 entered the Presbyterian College, Montreal, in 1871. On 
 completing his course, he was ordained and inducted to the 
 pastoral charge of New Grlasgow, Quebec, August 29th, 
 1877, where he laboured faithfully until his removal to 
 Montreal. 
 
 This brief account of the present condition of Presby- 
 terianism in Montreal, may be regarded as a fair showing 
 of work done in a century. Truly, the little one of the 
 12th March, 1786, has become a thousand.
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 St. Gabriel Church after the Centennial Services — The New St. 
 Gabriel's. 
 
 ST. GABRIEL STREET CHURCH, MONTREAL. 
 
 1792. 
 
 Old house of stone ! wherein men meet, to pray, 
 In that same faith their fathers knew before ; 
 
 And, art thou doomed, alas ! to pass away, 
 Destroyed in all save memory, evermore ? 
 
 With fond regard I view tliine old stone walls. 
 
 The simple stone-cut story of thy birth ; 
 More dear to me than high cathedral walls. 
 
 As near to God, i)erhaps, though less in worth. 
 
 For He respects the spirit of mankind. 
 
 Nor cares for forms, or pomps of divers creeds ; ' 
 
 And in the rearing of thy stones, I find 
 
 A part provision for the spirit's needs. 
 
 The other part hath been supplied by men, 
 Whose names, for piety and Christian grace. 
 
 Have passed down, one by one, from that day when 
 The mark of birth was wore upon thy face. 
 
 Old house of stone ! men prophesy thy doom, 
 They say thine honoured walls must be pulled down, 
 
 That other new improvements maj' have room, — 
 To meet the growing business of the town. 
 
 Shall this be so, and we stand idly by. 
 
 To see the relic of our parents' skill. 
 Razed to the earth, without a manly cry 
 
 For mercy, 'gainst an act of vandal ill ? 
 
 Brothers, that worship God in every creed, 
 Lend us your voice and let our wish be known. 
 
 Help us to stay a sacrilegious deed, 
 And save from ruin His old house of stone. 
 June 4th, 1882. Evander.
 
 782 
 
 The poet's protest could uot save the old edifice : the 
 exigencies of the congregation and the public requirements 
 demanded that it should be sacrificed. In the month of 
 October, 1885, the late Wm. Darling had obtained from Gr. 
 B. Burland a written offer of the Wesley Congregational 
 Church, the acceptance of which he deemed the wisest 
 thing the St. G-abriel's congregation could do, provided 
 they could dispose of their own edifice to advantage. No 
 competent offer being made for the latter, however, no 
 progress was made in the way of negotiating with Mr. 
 Burland until July, 1886, when he agreed to take over the 
 St. Grabriel Street Church for the sum of $15,000 in part 
 payment of his church, should we purchase it, if at the 
 end of six months from the time of concluding the trans- 
 action with him, we were unable to dispose of our pro- 
 perty at a higher figure. The congregation unanimously 
 agreed to these terms at a meeting held July 15th, 1886 ; 
 and evening services were commenced in the new church 
 on August 22nd, following. Forenoon services were con- 
 tinued in the old edifice until September 18th, 1886. In 
 the morning of that day, E,ev. C. A. Doudiet, of St. John's 
 Church, officiated, and immediately afterwards, the Lord's 
 Supper was dispensed for the last time. Uunfortunately 
 the day was very wet, which hindered many from attend- 
 ing who desired to be present. The pastor delivered a 
 farewell discourse in the evening, from the Montreal 
 Herald's report of which the following passages were 
 taken : — 
 
 Taking leave of the edifice where this congregation liad worshipped so 
 long, and which was endeared to them by many tender associations, could 
 not fail being impressive. ^Many, i)articularly the elder members, were 
 deei)ly touched. The thought that it was the last time they would ever 
 worsliip there seemed to them to be a very sad one, and they bade fare- 
 well to the old church with evident regret. The last sermon was listened 
 to with devout attention. The Text was — Ps. cii. 12-13. — " But thou, O 
 Lord, shalt abide forever ; and thy memorial unto all generations. Thou
 
 ^83 
 
 shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion : for it is time to have pity upon 
 her, yea, the set time is come. For thy servants take pleasure in her 
 stones, and have pity upon her dust." 
 
 The abandonment of this house as a place of worship is a token of the 
 changeableness inherent in all man's works- In its day it was a building 
 in which pride was taken. It was the centre of the best religious influence 
 to be found in the community. The foremost citizens regarded it with 
 satisfaction as their church ; it stood a favorable comparison with any 
 edifice of which Montreal could then boast- And in the natural course of 
 events, the next thing we shall hear of it probably will be that it is to be 
 pulled down to make way for a more modern structure, or that it will be 
 utilized in some way for the public advantage and convenience. The con- 
 text intimates that nothing better need be expected of anything built by 
 man's hands. To God alone, and to what is divine, does the idea of perma- 
 nence attach. It was the Psalmist's refuge in the time of weakness and 
 trouble, to meditate upon God's eternal power. When all human things 
 were shifting, like sand beneath the feet, he threw himself upon the divine 
 arm for help. Feeling his days declining like a shadow, and his vigor 
 withering like grass, he planted his feet upon the rock of divine un- 
 changeableess : " Thou, Lord, shalt abide for ever." And as he reflected 
 upon his own need, and was braced up by the confidence inspired by the 
 fact that the Lord reigns, for the clause "thou shalt abide for ever," might 
 also be translated, as it is in the margin, " Thou sittest as king," so he 
 thought of the desolate condition of God's house, which was at that time 
 in ruins, and hoped that the same Lord that was mighty to help the indivi- 
 dual believer in distress, would also come to the rescue of the ruined 
 Temple on the slope of Mount Zion. " Thou ehalt arise and have mercy 
 upon Zion ; for it is time to have pity upon her, yes, the set time is come." 
 
 It is always mournful to contenijjlate a great person in his decay; it is 
 little less melancholy to see a great institution in ruins. Solomon's 
 Temple, while it yet stood, was the pride of every inhabitant of Judea, 
 as well as of the citizens of Jerusalem ; the disappointment and distress 
 of patriotic and devout Jews was correspondingly ^reat when it was over- 
 thrown by the invading hosts of Babylon. The exiled people wept when 
 they remembered Zion. And when they were restored to their own 
 country, their first concern under Ezra and Nehemiah was to rebuild the 
 Lord's House. As they beheld the grand and curious blocks of stone, with 
 which the temple had been erected, lying in confusion around, half buried 
 in dust and rubbish, their bosoms heaved at the sight. Those stones were 
 dear to their hearts ; as they looked upon the dust upon which the ruins 
 lay half imbedded, they had a feeling akin to pity. Every particle of that 
 dust was associated in their minds with the names of David and Solomon, 
 the monarchs whose reign reflected the greatest lustre upon the nation, as 
 well as with several generations of worshippers who had ascended the hill
 
 784 
 
 of Zion to offer homage to Jehovah, the God of Israel. It was an affecting 
 sight, that Temple in ruins in which their fathers had sought the Lord ! 
 
 Brethren, we worship for the last time to-niglit in this quaint old build- 
 ing. It is not in ruins, thank God ; it was never brighter or more com- 
 fortable than it has been for the last half dozen years. Yet it may be said 
 to have been gradually getting less attractive and comfortable, us well as 
 less imposing in comparison with the larger and better equipped churches 
 erected all over the city. In this sense alone can it be said to be in a state 
 of decadence. It has served three or four generations of worshippers, and 
 having done its work, it, too, will soon be numbered with the things of 
 the past. Would that before it finally disappears, it could be endowed 
 with speech to tell forth its secrets for tha instruction of mankind ! What 
 a tale the old walls might unfold. Could they but give back the echo, not 
 of the words of the preachers, who have spoken from this lofty pulpit, 
 alone ; but also the thoughts and emotions of the occupants of the pews — 
 the feelings which came to the birth while they were listening to those 
 that addressed them in God's name — what an extensive and varied vol- 
 ume would issue. Each stone of the venerable edifice we fancy to be the 
 depository of some secret thought or desire communicated to it; but it is 
 vain to try and extort from the stone and lime the tales that may be 
 stored up in them. We take leave of this historic spot with heavy hearts, 
 although convinced that an attempt to continue for any considerable 
 period longer the maintenance of a self-sustaining congregation here must 
 have ended iu failure and disappointment. It would be painful to all to 
 find a cause in this venerable church dwindling away, even as it is dis- 
 tressing to witness the gradual but sure decline of an aged relative whom 
 we love and esteem. 
 
 Yet, the last parting word is necessarily a sad one. This building is 
 associated with the names of eight ministers who have preceded me — 
 Messrs. Young, Somerville and Esson, Drs. Black and Leislnnan, Mr. Rin- 
 toul, and Drs. Inglis and Kemp ; but my term of service has exceeded tliat 
 of any of them, except Mr. Esson's, covering nearly one-fourth of the period 
 since the church was erected. I came here a comparatively young man, 
 and have given the best of my days to establishing and maintaining a con- 
 gregation in this edifice. There were about forty families connected with 
 the church when I was called, embracing about the same number of com- 
 municants. The work which I had to undertake was what, in military 
 phrase, would be called going into the breach. There was the remnant of 
 a former congregation, and they, with a few individuals from other 
 churches, constituted the little l)and, at the head of which I was placed 
 to lead them on in fighting the Lord's battle, in tliis quarter of the city. It 
 was a great honour to be entrusted witli rallying the scattered forces of tha 
 Presbyterian communion in tlie East end of Montreal. Tlie post of diffi- 
 culty is the post of distinction in the Lord's army, as well as in that of Her
 
 785 
 
 Majesty the Queen. I do not regret that I have had to spend and be spent 
 in this cause for twenty years. A blessinj^ lias been upon my ministry. This 
 I Ivnow: God has given me multitudes of families as well as individuals 
 in Montreal whom I have been privileged to bring to Jesus ; and not a few 
 of these had been very careless, if not positively irreligious, before com- 
 ing under my ministerial influence. I have had the honour of doing a 
 large amount of city mission work, and I thank God for the many He has 
 given me in return for such action and thought and effort as I have been 
 able to put forth. He gave me a post of difficulty, putting me in the high 
 places of the field, and to-day I bless his name that He counted me worthy 
 of tills distinction. 
 
 And not only has the Home Mission work of the Church been largely and 
 successfully promoted from this centre during the last twenty years, but 
 it has been our good fortune to be a training school, as it were, for the 
 churches in the southwest part of the city. If all the families that gradu- 
 ated from here into the other congregations, during my ministry alone, 
 were gathered together, they would make quite a little army. Indeed, it 
 has been the fortune of this church to be a feeder to all the Protestant 
 churches of the city throughout the greater part of its history. Not to 
 speak of St. Andrew's Church, St. Paul's Church, the American Church, 
 Crescent Street Church, and more recently, Knox Church, which drew off 
 large bodies from this building, at a great crisis in the history of Presby- 
 terianism, — in the case of Knox Church, the great bulk of the congregation 
 leaving these walls, — a very considerable proportion of the members of 
 Christ Church, in former days, as well as of several excellent families that 
 have been prominent in St. James Street Methodist Church and in Zion 
 Church, were formerly in communion with the congregation worshipping 
 here. The building may be said, therefore, to have been a training school 
 for the Church Catholic in this city. And this is one reason why it is re- 
 garded with great respect by every denomination in Montreal. They have 
 all owed something to it, and have had reason to be grateful for its existence. 
 As I have already said, this kind of work is the most honorable in which 
 an ambassador of Christ can engage. But I can testify that it requires a high 
 degree of faith and self-abnegation to continue in it. As a congregation, 
 Ave have learned patience from the things we have suffered in this regard, 
 and now we think we have done our part, and that we are entitled to seek 
 to be placed in a situation in which greater permanence may be secured. 
 We may be pardoned if we desire henceforth to consolidate our forces 
 more firmly and to enjoy the fruits of former toil and effort. Having 
 performed our share of work in the high places of the field, it may be 
 permitted to us now to occupy ourselves in strengthening the garrison. 
 
 During my ministry in tiiis church, I have admitted upwards of 500 
 persons into the fold of the visible Church by baptism ; I have officiated 
 at the burial of upwards of three hundred ; I have joined about six hun- 
 Z Z
 
 786 
 
 (Ired persons in the bonds of wedlock, and I have received into the fellow- 
 ship of the church well nisfh a thousand souls. x»Iy pastorate has been 
 a laborious one, but it has been a comparatively happy one ; for we have 
 been favored with a large measure of peace, and on the whole we have 
 been much prospered. Taking these things into account, yon can all nn- 
 derstantl that it is no small trial to take leave of this venerable building 
 around which my thoughts and anxieties have constantly clustered for a 
 score of years. For though I have, for a long time urged the necessity of 
 removing from this locality, where wind and tide may be said to have 
 been against us for a dozen years past, to some quarter where I should be 
 in a position to compete with my brethren in the ministry on equal terms, 
 now that the word farewell has to be said, I find myself almost choking 
 with emotion as I attempt to utter it. And there are very many, I doubt 
 not, both in Montreal and in the most distant parts of the country, 
 through whose hearts a tender thrill of regretful emotion will pa^s when 
 they learn that the voice of praise and prayer and preaching, is no longer 
 heard in St. Gabriel Street Church. I have reason to know of many who 
 take pleasure in the stones of this edifice, and to whom its very dust is 
 dear. It may be that those whose connection with it has ceased within a 
 year or two realize no consciousness of tender memories that gather 
 around these walls. It is with this old church as it is with the old home 
 of our childhood. There is a pleasure in the youth's leaving his father's 
 house, there is excitement for a time in the novelty of living among 
 strangers in new places. But as years pass away, a yearning towards 
 the old home comes at the heart, and the longer the years of absence from 
 it, the deeper this yearning becomes. Just so, those whose latest connec- 
 tion with this building dates farthest back, are more fondly drawn towards 
 it, and I have no doubt that in the course of years, we shall all share in 
 this feeling of respectful interest and attachment, if so be that these vener- 
 able walls shall continue to stand. 
 
 This church has not been free from faults, as what earthly organization 
 is. It has had its days of darkness. It may be, indeed, fairly described as 
 the church militant, so many trials has it come through ; but He who 
 was with the church in the wilderness, never wholly forsook our Zion, and 
 the motto has been verified ; nee tamen covsumcbatur. This church has 
 been a faithful witness for the truth in this city, taking its whole history 
 into account. Not only have the great doctrines of Grace received the 
 prominence given them in the Christian Scriptures, but there has l)een a 
 " right dividing " of the " Word of truth," a leaving behind sometimes of 
 the " principles of the doctrine of Christ," in order to leading believers 
 " on to perfection." The course of events in the century of its history has 
 been a fair sample of all the centuries — perhaps not much better than the 
 general developments through ecclesiastical history, for the previous 
 eighteea centuries, but certainly not worse. This church has had its
 
 1S1 
 
 reverses and trials, as well as periods of prosperity and distinction. 
 Only a single minister died during his pastorate of this church, namely, 
 Mr. Rintoul; for although Mr. Somerville was still nominally pastor, at 
 the date of his departure in 1837, he had retired from active work 
 fifteen years before. The fact I have mentioned has deeply affected 
 the course of events in this church. On the whole, the pastorates M-ere 
 too brief to ensure prosperity. None of the ministers, it may be men- 
 tioned, held an honorary degree during their service of the church — to 
 be pastors of the oldest Protestant Church in the Province, was deemed 
 distinction enough. Then, we have a good illustration in the past 
 history of this congregation of the vanity of the thought of anchor- 
 ing a congregation in the depths of any particular phase of religious 
 thought or life. Ministers may emphasize one side of truth during their 
 term of service, and there may be elders and office-bearers whose intlu- 
 ence may be dominant for a season; but there is no guarantee that it 
 shall be permanent. It is often observed that when a vacancy occurs in 
 a congregation, the choice of the people, as a rule, falls upon a minister 
 who presents points of contrast to the pastor immediately preceding. 
 That is to say, they select him for the qualities that strike them, by reason 
 of their freshness and noveltj', because offering a contrast to those with 
 which they had been familiar in their former spiritual guide. Thus it is 
 that the theological pendulum is kept swinging. But it will be found 
 that there is a fundamental, solid, family likeness in the entire Presbyte- 
 rian community, to which there is a disposition to revert, as the true type 
 of character produced by it. The church has been served by a great 
 variety of ministers : no two of them have been of similar mould ; but it 
 will be found on the great day, I doubt not, that they were all helping on 
 the great designs of the Head of the church — that period when " Jesus 
 shall reign where'er the sun does his successive journeys run" — " the great, 
 far-off, divine event to which the whole creation moves." On the whole, 
 it has been owned of the Lord, as a centre of light and Christian activity. 
 At one period, the collegiate pastors of St. Gabriel Street Church took their 
 turn in supplying ordinances to Lachine, Laprairie, the Chateauguay 
 region, and the districts of St. Andrews, Lachute, Grenville, New Glasgow 
 and Rawdon, so that for the first fifty years of its existence, it undertook 
 a large amount of home mission work, as for the last twenty years it has 
 been privileged to accomplish a good share of city mission work. 
 
 It has embraced in the list of its office-bearers and members, men of 
 every degree in the social scale. In this respect, it has fairly illustrated 
 the spirit of the Church of Scotland, in the sessions of which the peer and 
 the peasant may bo found meeting on an equality. I may go farther and 
 say it has fairly interpreted in this regard a higher spirit still than that of 
 the Church of Scotland, namely, the spirit of the Master Himself To 
 whom did He give the destinies of His infant Church but to tishermeo
 
 7»« 
 
 and tax-gatherers ? and with these the learned Paul was afterwards asso- 
 ciated. And so in the Kirk session of this cliurdi, from its first establish- 
 ment onwards, we tind craftsmen, traders, merchants and members of the 
 learned professions joined together. 
 
 There is, indeed, food for profitable reflection afforded in the history of 
 this congregation as to the relations between what may be termed labor 
 and that energy of mind and strength of character that are conditions of 
 prosperity and success. There is scarcely a single exception to tha rule that 
 members of the families of tradesmen, and what are usually named the 
 working classes, have alone become distinguished citizens, and hollaed to 
 make Montreal the great commercial centre it is to-day. The ideal of 
 life they had before them, the maxims in which they were nurtured, the 
 habits of economy and thrift in which they were trained, all being whole- 
 some, contributed to make them successful in their undertakings, and fit 
 them to be the architects of their own fortunes. It would seem, on the 
 other hand, that they who are born to plenty, and especially those who 
 are trained foolishly by their families, in the belief that they are better 
 than their neighbors, because they are not under the necessity of earning 
 a subsistence by labor, are doomed to decay. Those who take the fore- 
 most place at the bar, on the bench, in the forum, or in the marts of com- 
 merce, are not they who have been nursed in the lap of indolence, and fed 
 with silver spoons, but those who were taught self-denial and practised it 
 on their own part, and were trained in a regard for truth, honor and 
 virtue. So that if any one wishes to enfeeble his children, and unfit them 
 for running successfully the race of life, he will inoculate their minds 
 with the notion that they are hotter than the common order of mortals, 
 because born to inherit the wealth which his energy was able to accumu- 
 late, and accustomed to luxury in living and dress. The children of the 
 wealthy of former generations have passed into obscurity, while the 
 descendants of the shoemakers and carpenters and blacksmiths of sixty 
 years ago are now the foremost amongst our citizens. It is not the rank, 
 I need not say, that makes the man. We cannot estimate the human 
 family in classes. There are mean and selfish persons among both ricli 
 and poor ; every man is to be valued according to his own personal worth, 
 and not because of his birth or surroundings. Those who were formerly 
 up are now down, having exchanged places with those fellows whom they 
 were perhaps taught to despise as vulgar. And it will be the turn of their 
 families, it is to be hoped, by and by, after they have had some contact 
 with mother earth, which is a groat purifier, and have learned humility — 
 as Nobucliadnezzar learned it, by sharing in the fare of oxen in the open 
 field, — again to display the energy of character that is begotten by honest 
 labour, and so return to the top of the social ladder. The late Hon. James 
 Leslie once deposed before the courts tiiat the distinction of the 
 congregation worshipping hero, in the first quarter of the centurj'.
 
 789 
 
 was that it embraced almost all the Presbyterians in the city at that 
 time who had any social pretensions, while what is now St. Andrew's 
 Church was composed chiefly of artisans; who were also dissenters from 
 the Church of Scotland. If that was the state of matters then, and the 
 people were allowed to plume themselves upon their superiority, what 
 else was to be expected than a social revolution and an exchange of places 
 with those who were not enfeebled by any unfounded views of life ? True 
 it is that " a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things 
 which he possesseth." I am thankful to say that my experience in this 
 church has been most delightful in regard to this point. We have had a 
 sprinkling with us of every class in the community, which is the ideal 
 state of things ; but our rich people have been as humble in mind as the 
 poorest among us; and the learned have assumed no airs of superiorit}' 
 
 over the unlettered. There has been no despising of God's little ones 
 
 no paying court to those who came into the assemljly wearing gold rings 
 and costly apparel. And it has been a constant joy to me to see the steady 
 advance along nearly the whole line made in all that is best in mental 
 and spiritual growth, as well as in material possessions ; and I confidentlv 
 count upon many of the future distinguished men and women of Montreal 
 going forth out of our thrifty and well regulated households." 
 
 After sketching the leading male members of the con- 
 gregation during his twenty years' ministry, of whom a 
 longer notice is given in Chapter XXX of this book, he 
 went on to say : — 
 
 " I wish I could speak of the faithful women of age and character and 
 •worth who have been connected with us during those twenty years. But 
 time does not allow. Not to speak of those yet with us, I will just name 
 Mrs. Lemoine, Mrs. John Fisher, Mrs. Laing, Mrs. Minshall, Mrs. John 
 Ross, Mrs. Walker, Mrs- Landell, Mrs. Currie and Mrs. Shepherd, all of 
 whom were persons of note in one way or other, and rendered service to 
 this church and congregation. 
 
 On the whole, even in its least palmy days, the old church has had a 
 record of which no one need be ashamed, and any one may bo pardoned 
 who has deemed it a distinction to be a worshipper in this flne old his- 
 toric edifice. 
 
 But now we are about to take farewell of it, and let me address a few 
 words in parting to the congregation. Let me remind you of the respon- 
 sibility that attaches to the hearinjg of the Word and to the reception of 
 the sacraments. At the last day it will come against you in the judgment 
 if you have not made a diligent and proper use of the means of grace 
 which you have enjoyed within these walls. Let memory and conscience 
 be busy to-night. And now that we go away, we shall hope to find you
 
 790 
 
 all "worshipping with us in our new church. As Moses said to Pharoah, 
 " there shall not an hoof he left behind," so we would fain helieve that you 
 will all accompany us to our new ecclesiastical home. I am aware that 
 it will bo less convenient for several of the families of the congregation 
 than tlie present situation; but others have long sutiered inconvenience 
 in coming here, and it may now be claimed that it is their turn to be ac- 
 commodated. It is a serious thing, as you all no doubt realize, to break 
 one's connection with a church ; and it can be justified only when a per- 
 son or family can be more useful in another church— when they are 
 certain to be more sinritually profited — and when the question of health 
 and convenience, not only now, but in future, asserts itself. On these 
 grounds, I should say, one might reasonably contemplate exchanging one 
 pastorate for another: but I would have them scrutinize their motives in 
 so doing very narrowly. If there should creej) into the solution of the 
 question social considerations, for instance, the person who is influenced 
 by them in the face of the strong claims of duty, which are indicated by 
 the lines within which Providence has placed us, must suffer moral and 
 spiritual deterioration, by obeying the lower motives as against the 
 demands of those that are higher. But I hope better things of you, 
 brethren, although I thus speak. 
 
 Old St. Gabriel's ! many an anxious thought has been spent on thee 
 during nearly a century, and not the fewest of them in the last score of 
 years ; but there has been much happiness and joy mingling with the 
 cares and trials. Thy venerable presence, and thy history, rich in inci- 
 dent, have always lent a charm to the labours manifold that have been 
 performed within thy walls. 
 
 Old St. Gabriel's, farewell !" 
 
 The conditional sale to Mr. Burland, of the old church, 
 although the amount guaranteed for it was very small, at 
 least enabled the congregation to go on and complete the 
 purchase of the new church, and start on a fresh career. 
 But through the good offices of Hon. James McShane, 
 when he became a member of the Provincial cabinet, and 
 the energy displayed by Hon. Mr. Mercier, the premier, 
 the trustees were able to dispose of the property, at a slight 
 advance upon the sum which Mr. Burland was willing to 
 allow for it, — namely, $3 per square foot — or a total of 
 $17,790. For this sum, the old church passed into the hands 
 of the Quebec Grovernment, on the 25th of March, 1887. 
 The intention of the authorities is to demolish it, and use
 
 THE ST. (lAllRlEL CHURCH, ST. CATHERINE STREET.
 
 •791 
 
 the site for an addition to the Court House. The trustees 
 reserved the bell, the corner-stone, the pulpit, and the 
 tablet on front, bearing the title of the church and the date 
 of its erection. These, except the pulpit, they intend to 
 make use of in constructing the proposed centennial tower 
 of the new St. Grabriel's. 
 
 The New St. G-abriel's. 
 
 The first series of the opening services of the New St. 
 Gabriel Church were held on the 26th September, 1886. 
 The preliminary devotional exercises were conducted by 
 the pastor, Rev. Robert Campbell, M.A., who offered the 
 prayer of dedication. The sermon was delivered by the 
 Rev. Daniel James MacDonnell, M.A., B.D., the minister of 
 St. Andrew's Church, Toronto, who chose for his text, 
 Phil. iii. 13-14. 
 
 In the afternoon, at 3. p.m., there was a special service 
 for the young, conducted by the Rev. Principal MacVicar, 
 D.D., LL.D. 
 
 The Very Reverend Principal Grant, D.D., of Queen's 
 University, Kingston, officiated at 7 p.m., and discoursed 
 from Mark xiv. 6. 
 
 On the evening of Monday, September 27th, a social 
 re-union took place, at which the congregation had the 
 pleasure of entertaining their friends from other churches. 
 The pastor occupied the chair, and addresses were delivered 
 by Rev. A. B. Mackay, of Crescent Street Church, Rev. Mr. 
 Hanna, of the First Baptist Church, and Rev. John Philp, 
 of the St. James Street Methodist Church. The intervals 
 were agreeably filled by solos and anthems from the 
 choir, led by Mr. James R. Bain, and by voluntaries on the 
 organ. During the evening, Mr. R. D. Mathieson, Presi- 
 dent of the Young People's Association, presented the
 
 792 , 
 
 pastor with a magnificent pulpit Bible, having the old 
 and new versions of the Scriptures in parallel columns. 
 Mr. Darling, on behalf of the ladies of the congregation, 
 announced that they had hoped to be able on that evening 
 to present also a pulpit robe, which had been ordered from 
 Middlemass', Edinburgh, but it had not yet arrived. 
 Refreshments were served in the Lecture room, by the 
 ladies of the congregation. 
 
 On Sabbath, October 3rd, the opening services were 
 continued, Eev. James Barclay, M. A., of St. Paul's Church, 
 preaching at 11 a.m., from John iv. 24 ; and the pastor at 
 7 p.m., from John xxi. 15-17. 
 
 Kirk Session. 
 
 Robert Brodie, ordained November 19th, 1871, was born 
 on the banks of the Chateauguay E-iver, in this Province. 
 He inherited the estate of Kilbiruie, Ayrshire, Scotland, 
 and therefore is known as the " Laird," although the pro- 
 perty has passed out of his hands. He was the founder of 
 the iirm " Harvie and Brodie," flour merchants. He 
 resides at Coteau St. Pierre. 
 
 William Darling, ordained 21st June, 1878, is the eldest 
 son of "William Darling, already spoken of, hardware mer- 
 chant, and was born in Montreal. He is now tl^e head of 
 the firm which still carries on business under the old style, 
 "Wm. Darling & Co." 
 
 Daniel Drummond, ordained also, 21st June, 1878, is a 
 well-known farmer, of Petite Cote. He was born near 
 Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, but came to Canada with his 
 parents when only a boy. He was at one time a member 
 of St. Andrew's Church. 
 
 Thomas G-raham, ordained at the same time as William 
 Darling, Daniel Drummond, and Gilbert A. Fletcher, 21st. 
 June, 1878, is a native of the city, and has been connected
 
 793 
 
 with St. G-abriel Street Church all his life. He has a 
 crockery store on St. Lawrence Main Street. Besides dis- 
 charging the functions of an elder, he has been for many- 
 years a trustee, and has performed the arduous duties of 
 the treasurership of the congregation since 1880. 
 
 Matthew Hodge, ordained 20th May, 1883, is a native of 
 Quebec city. He came to reside in Montreal in 1870. He 
 is a grocer in St. Lawrence Main Street ; and was for some 
 years a trustee, but resigned the office after becoming an 
 elder. 
 
 James H. Michaud, ordained 21st February, 18*75, is a 
 native of Carleton, Bonaventure County, Quebec. He got 
 his business training in the office of Arthur Ritchie and 
 Co., Dalhousie, N.B., and Liverpool, England, and married 
 Mr. Ritchie's niece. He removed to Quebec, in 1853, where 
 he was in business until he removed to Montreal in 1870. 
 He is now a member of the firm of Frank Bond & Co., 
 brokers. He has been session clerk since the death of Mr. 
 Tait, in 1877. 
 
 James Robertson, lead and saw manufacturer, ordained 
 20th May, 1883, has already been spoken of as]a deacon in 
 St. Gabriel Street. 
 
 John A. Stuart, ordained November 19th, 1871, was 
 born in the parish of Ray, County Donegal, Ireland, and 
 came to Montreal in 1868. For fourteen years he was 
 storeman for William Darling & Co., and latterly has been 
 in the employ of W. Clendinneng & Co. He has been 
 assistant superintendent of the Sabbath school for many 
 years. 
 
 Board of Trustees. 
 
 William Arnott, first elected a trustee in 1878, was born 
 near Lachute in this province, is a gardener and proprie- 
 tor in Parthenais Street. He was baptized in the St.
 
 *794 
 
 Gabriel Street Church. He has resided in the city since 
 1852. 
 
 Charles Barker, elected a trustee, 4th July, 1883, is a 
 native of Weston-on-Trent, Derbyshire, England, where 
 he was boru 10th March, 1820. He served 22 years in 
 the British army, and was battery sergeant-major in the 
 Royal Artillery. He came to Canada in 1865, having left 
 the army in 1860. He is now in the Inland Revenue 
 Department. 
 
 Charles Byrd, elected a trustee at the annual meeting 
 in February, 1885, was born at Lachute, in this province, 
 and came to Montreal in 1866. He is chief clerk in the 
 office of "W". C. Munderloh & Co., steamship agents. 
 
 David Cunningham, elected a trustee in 1877, was born 
 in the parish of Colinton, county of Edinburgh, Scotland, 
 and came to reside in Montreal, in 1848. He is the 
 Inspector of gas meters. 
 
 John M. Farquhar, book-keeper, chosen a trustee after 
 Mr. Darling's death, January 6th, 1886, is a native of 
 Paisley, Scotland, where his father resided at the time as 
 accountant in the Bank of Scotland. His great-grandfather, 
 Mr. Steele, was minister of the "West Parish, G-reenock, a 
 brother of Sheriff Steele. Mr. Farquhar came with his 
 father's family to Montreal in 1857. 
 
 Thomas G-raham, the Treasurer of the congregation, 
 elected a Trustee in 1878, has already been mentioned in 
 the list of elders. 
 
 Archibald McNaughton, merchant, descended from an 
 old family in Glenlyon, Scotland, was born at Callendar, 
 Scotland, but was brought up near St. Eustache in this 
 Province. He was chosen trustee on the resignation of 
 Mr. Ewing in 1876. 
 
 "William Patton, Chief of the Fire Brigade, has already 
 been spoken of as one of the original twelve trustees. 
 
 "William Reed, customs broker, was elected a trustee
 
 t95 
 
 in 1871, and has filled, with great ability and acceptance, 
 the office of Secretary to the Board since 1872. Mr. K-eed 
 was born at Kilmarnock, Scotland, August 18th, 1826, 
 and arrived in Montreal on the same day of the month in 
 1846. 
 
 James Robertson, the Chairman of the Board, has been 
 already mentioned. 
 
 David Sleeth, wood merchant, was chosen a Trustee at 
 the annual meeting of the congregation in 1868, in room 
 of Walter M. Peddie, resigned. Mr. Sleeth was born at 
 Ullykapply, County Fermanagh, Ireland, and came to 
 Canada in 1847. 
 
 Archibald Watt, clerk, who was elected a Trustee, on 
 the resignation of Mr. Haldimand, in 1886, is a native of 
 Aberdeen, Scotland, and came to Canada in 1870. 
 
 These are the twelve men whose signature is appended 
 to the documents by which the history of the old St. 
 Gabriel Church was closed, and that of the new St. 
 Gabriel's was opened. 
 
 The following are the other organizations of the con- 
 gregation, together with their office-bearers : — 
 
 Auditors. — William Foulis and R. McCulloch. 
 Organist. — Henry E. Day. 
 Choir Master. — James R. Bain. 
 
 THE SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASS. 
 
 Superintendent. — Rev. R. Campbell, M.A., D.D. 
 
 Assistant Superintendent. — Mr. J. A. Stuart. 
 
 Secretary-Treasurer. — Mr. Archibald McAllister. 
 
 Assistant Secretary. — Mr. Thomas Blair. 
 
 Librarian. — Mr. William BickerstafT. 
 
 Assista7Us. — Mr. Wm. Beckingham and Mr. George Lawson. 
 
 Representative to S. S. Association. — Mr. P. M. MacTavish.
 
 796 
 
 Teachera. — Bible Class — Rev. Robert Campbell, D.D. 
 Infant Cl.\ss — Miss IMarion Taylor. 
 Intermediate Clas.ses. — Mrs. Campbell, Misses Bropliy, M. Darling, A.M. 
 Kyle, McAllister, M. McISIillan, Norman, Prevost, Robertson, and Messrs. 
 Hunter, Lampard, ]\IcGillivray, MacTavish and Stuart. 
 
 MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION. 
 Office-Beakers and Executive Committeb. 
 
 President. — Rev. R. Campbell, D.D. 
 
 Vice-Presidents. — James Robertson and Wiliam Patten. 
 
 Treasurer. — Matthew Hodge. 
 
 Secretary. — Wm. Peddie. 
 
 Auditors. — P. M. MacTavish and A, Watt. 
 
 Committee. — Messrs. W. Bickerstafl', J. Blair, J. Cunningham, 
 W. Darling, J. ]\I. Farquhar, W. Foulis, J.Hood, 
 Andrew McAllister, Jan., R. McCuUoch, A. 
 McNaughton, W. C. Patton, and J. A. Stuart. 
 
 Collectors. 
 
 District No. 1. Mrs. Arnott and Mrs. Wells. 
 
 " " 2. Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Lognon. 
 
 " " 3. Mrs. Foulis and Misss Brophy. 
 
 " " 4. Mrs. J. Taylor and Mrs. Bain. 
 
 " " 5. Mrs. R. McCulloch and Miss McAllister. 
 
 " " 6. JNIessrs. Bain and Byrd. 
 
 " " 7. Misses Elizabeth Drummond and Mary Irving. 
 
 LADIES' AID SOCIETY. 
 
 * 
 
 President. — Mrs. Campbell. 
 
 Vice-Presidents. — Mrs. W. Darling, Seiir., Mrs. James Robertson. 
 
 Secretary-Treasurer. — Miss M. Patton. 
 
 YOUNG PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Honorary President. — Rev. Robert Campbell, D.D. 
 
 President. — Archibald Watt. 
 
 \st Vice-President. — Robert Stewart. 
 
 2nd Vice-President- — Marion Taylor. 
 
 Treasurer. — John M. Farquhar. 
 
 Secretary.— ThomsiS H. Blair. 
 
 Assistant Secretary. — Maggie Darling.
 
 191 
 
 Executive Committee. 
 
 John MacTavish, Chairman. 
 Archibald McAllister. M. Darling. M.Taylor. 
 
 Visiting Committee. 
 
 p. M. MacTavish, Chairman. 
 
 Miss Flora Taylor. Miss Nellie Campbell. 
 
 Miss M. Norman. Miss A. Kyle. 
 
 Miss McAllister. Miss Hammond. 
 
 Miss A. Lognon. Miss E. Lawson. 
 
 Mr. Wm. Clelland. Mr. Geo. Norman. 
 
 Mr. Archd. McAllister. Mr. Geo. Lawson. 
 
 Social Committee. 
 
 Mr. J. R. Bain, Chairman. 
 Mr. Thos. H. Blair. Mr- Richard Lynch. 
 Mr. Geo. Norman. Mr. Andrew McAllister. 
 
 Mr. Wm. Clelland, Jr. Mr. J. R. Hunter. 
 
 Temperance Committee. 
 
 Miss Brophy, Convener. 
 Miss Patton. Mr. F. Graham. 
 
 Miss M. Darling. Mr. James A. Stuart. 
 
 Mr. Archd. McAlMster. 
 
 Finance Committee. 
 
 Mr. J. M. Farquhar, Chairman. 
 Mr. John Foulis. Miss M. Darling. 
 
 Mr. Jno. Richardson. Miss F. Taylor. 
 Mr. Robt. Stewart. Miss Norman. 
 
 ]Mr. P. M. MacTavish. 
 
 Music Committee. 
 
 Mr. Andrew McAllister, Chairman. 
 Miss Patton. Miss Stanfield. 
 
 Miss Ferguson. Miss May Robinson. 
 
 Miss Hammond. Mr. Jno. Loughead. 
 
 Publication Committee. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Campbell, Chairman. 
 Miss M. Taylor. Miss Katie Campbell. 
 
 Mr. Andw. McAllister. Mr. J .R. Bain. 
 Mr. R. D. Mathieson. Mr. Geo. Lawson.
 
 *798 
 
 ST. GABRIEL CHURCH TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Honoranj Prei^ident. — Rev. R. Campbell, ^I. A., D.D. 
 
 President. — Mr. Archibald McAllister. 
 
 Mce-Preddent- — Miss Brophy. 
 
 Secretary- — Mr. John L. Fonlis. 
 
 Assistant Sccretar;i. — Miss M. Patton. 
 
 Treasurer. — Mr. J. R. Bain. 
 
 EXECCTIVB CoMItllTTEE. 
 
 Misses E. McQneen. Messrs. J- A. Stuart. 
 
 Robertson. Frank Graham. 
 
 M. Darling. W. Irwin. 
 
 Stanfield. Andrew McAllister, Jr. 
 
 F.. Taylor. A. Watt. 
 
 Henry. W. Clelland. 
 
 The site of the church, though not on a corner, is a 
 favourable one, on the south side of St. Catherine Street, a 
 little east of Phillips' Square, and opposite the splendid 
 new Methodist Chvirch. The body of the edifice is of red 
 brick, but the front is of Montreal stone, and is very fine. 
 There are three doorways, — the main one in the centre, 
 being deeply recessed with moulded joints, detached 
 columns with bases and foliated capitals, and moulded 
 arches. It is thirteen feet in width and twenty-four feet 
 high, with a flight of stone steps to give easy ascent to 
 the main hall. The doors on either side give access to 
 the basement, with circular staircases to the main hall 
 and to the galleries. 
 
 Below the ornamental apex of the main gable is a large 
 rose window, the tracery of which is wrought in a style 
 of rare ornamentation. Between this window and each 
 of the octagonal towers, there is a rose window seven feet 
 in diameter, filled with ornamental tracery. 
 
 The plan of the church is cruciform, with short nave. 
 The choir and transepts meet in a circular centre of fifty- 
 four feet in diameter, having twelve clustered columns, 
 moulded bases, enriched and foliated capitals to support
 
 799 
 
 the arches and dome, which is fifty-five feet above the 
 floor-level, The ceiling light, twenty-five feet in diameter, 
 is filled with cut and coloured glass, with lantern above, 
 to give light to the centre of the church. The galleries 
 are placed across the nave and the transepts. The choir 
 and organ occupy the platform in rear of the pulpit, six 
 feet above the floor-level, reached by steps from the choir 
 vestry. The minister's platform is three feet above the 
 floor, with steps ascending on either side, the desk in the 
 centre being of a rich design. The seats of the church are 
 all carved and radiate from the centre. The organ, built by 
 Warren, at a cost of $5,000, is one of the finest in the city. 
 
 The architect was Mr. John James Browne, who 
 designed and superintended the work in a manner to 
 add to his already high reputation. 
 
 The church was built for Rev. James Roy, M.A., who 
 seceded from the Methodist Church in 1877, and set up 
 an independent "Wesleyan congregation. The movement 
 not succeeding according to expectations, Mr. Roy left the 
 city, and the congregation broke up, the property falling 
 into the hands of Mr. Gr. B Burland, who had advanced 
 the money to build it, taking a mortgage upon it. The 
 foundation stone was laid by Mr. Burland, 18th July, 1878, 
 and the church was opened for divine worship, May 25th, 
 1879. 
 
 Without the tower, the edifice has not an imposing 
 exterior, but its interior is a gem. The coup cVcbU 
 from the pulpit, or choir gallery, or indeed from any 
 point under the dome, is a very pretty picture. Mr. 
 Browne, the architect, has achieved a great success in 
 the lighting of the building, chiefly from the dome. 
 The light falls softly on the worshippers, and is evenly 
 distributed throughout the edifice. The wood- work is 
 not expensive or showy, but is very chaste, and the 
 entire furnishing is in exquisite taste. The acoustic
 
 800 
 
 properties of the church are also perfect — a speaker 
 with an ordinary voice being well heard without any 
 effort on his part or on the part of his audience. The 
 groining of the dome offers lines of great beauty — the 
 frame- work of the organ is also of elegant workmanship, 
 and blends harmoniously with the rest of the building — 
 and altogether the interior is an architectural poem. 
 
 The purchase of this edifice changed the face of things 
 connected with the St. Gabriel Church very suddenly. 
 The notion cherished in the congregation had been to sig- 
 nalize the centennial year by an effort to erect a new 
 church, on some spot east of Bleury street, well up 
 towards Sherbrooke Street. This idea of having a centen- 
 nial church built to the liking of the congregation, was 
 abandoned with reluctance. But the advantages of having 
 an edifice already finished, the utmost cost of which was 
 known, fairly well situated for the people of the congre- 
 gation, without anxieties and labours entailed in the erec- 
 tion of a new church, were so great, that when the jfinal 
 offer of Mr. Burland was made, there was a ready dis- 
 position shown by the cougregation to accept it. The 
 problem of the church's future was thus solved by a 
 stroke. The difficulties of the congregation vanished in 
 a day. Fresh prosperity was at once guaranteed ; and the 
 results, so far, have justified the highest hopes formed 
 twelve months ago. The new church has proved far more 
 satisfactory than any of those expected who had to do 
 with its purchase. 
 
 The accompanying engraving of the church, it will be 
 seen, has a tower on it, which has yet to be built. When 
 erected, it will add very much to the external appearance 
 of the edifice ; and the congregation hope to see this desir- 
 able improvement made before long. The church, as it 
 stands, is burdened with a considerable debt, however, 
 which they wish to see cleared off, before they attempt
 
 801 
 
 anything further. Not being financially very strong, they 
 have to proceed with caution in their undertakings. At 
 the same time, they desire to have an edifice worthy of 
 Presbyterianism in Montreal ; and as they have the 
 honour of bearing all that was transferable of the name 
 of the old church in St. Gabriel street, and are joint heirs, 
 with many others, of the memories of that venerable 
 edifice, they trust that they shall haA^e the cordial sym- 
 pathy and support of the other congregations, in their 
 efforts to free it of debt, and to erect the tower. Their 
 endeavour will be to carry on the work of Christ in the 
 spirit of the best traditions of the St. Gabriel Street 
 Church, and to strengthen the Presbyterian cause in the 
 central part of the city. As the centenary has not other- 
 wise been signalized by any permanent memorial, it has 
 occurred to the authorities of the church to propose that 
 the new tower should be called " The Centennial Tower," 
 and that the members of the Presbyterian church gener- 
 ally should be asked to contribute to it. At all events, it 
 is believed that many of the descendants of former wor- 
 shippers in St. Gabriel Street Church, even though they 
 may now belong to other communions, will be glad of an 
 opportunity of joining in some such commemorative effort. 
 Any of the readers of this page, disposed to help in this 
 work, who will send a contribution for this object to the 
 writer, shall have his or her name inscribed on the list of 
 the benefactors of the St. Gabriel Church, 
 
 AAA
 
 INDEX OF PEESONS MENTIONED IN THIS V0LUM:E. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Adams, Samuel 129 
 
 Aird, Robert 343 
 
 Aird, John .. 605 
 
 Allan, Sir Hugh 385 
 
 Allit.on, Alexander. 240 
 
 Allison, John 240 
 
 Amherst, (ieneral 9 
 
 Anderson, Robert 565 
 
 Anderson, Rev. Canon 729 
 
 Armour, Robert 265 
 
 Armour, Hugh 267 
 
 Armour, Shaw 267 
 
 Arnoldi, Charles 137, 268 
 
 Arnott, William 793 
 
 Arthur, H.R.H. Prince 639 
 
 Auldjo, Alexander 99 
 
 Auldjo.John 99 
 
 Bagg, Abner 252 
 
 Bagg, Phineas 252 
 
 Barclay, Rev. James, M.A 759 
 
 Baridon, Rev. L 778 
 
 Barker, Charles 793 
 
 Batchelor, Mrs. Alex 605 
 
 Baxter, Rev. J. C, D.D 714 
 
 Bayne, Rev- John, D.D 460, 576, 615-721 
 
 Beaugrand, iMayor 700 
 
 Belair, Stephen 138 
 
 Bell, Rev. William 721 
 
 Bennett, Rev. Thos 776 
 
 Bertram, Alex 605 
 
 Bethune, Rev. John 21 
 
 Bethune, Angus 33 
 
 Bethune, Norman 33, 368 
 
 Bethune, Very Reverend Dean 36 
 
 Bethune, Right Keverend Bishop 37 
 
 Bethune, Dr. Norman 38 
 
 Bethune, Rev William 513 
 
 Bickerstaff, David 605 
 
 Bigelow, Joseph 252 
 
 Birss, James 138 
 
 Black, Rev. Edward, D.D 334 
 
 Black, Rev. William M 365, 769 
 
 Black, Rev. Jas. S 760 
 
 Black, Rev. .Fames 705 
 
 Blackwood, John 142 
 
 Blackwood, Thomas 244 
 
 Blackwood, William 269 
 
 ]5lackwood, John 497 
 
 Blake. Dr 129 
 
 ]5onar, Rev. .John 516 
 
 Bonnr, Rev. Jas. B 754 
 
 Booth , Edward <)05 
 
 Bowman, Charles 376 
 
 Breckcnridgc, Thos 145 
 
 Brodie, Hugh 269 
 
 Brodie, Robert 792 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Brooks, Richard 124 
 
 Brown, Elijah 252 
 
 Brown, James 270 
 
 Brown, John 369 
 
 Brown, Hon. George 651 
 
 Brown, James ■ ■ . . 568 
 
 Brown, William 571 
 
 Browne, J. J 799 
 
 Bruce, John 378 
 
 Brymner, Douglas 616, 632 
 
 Burland.G. B 799,800 
 
 Burnet, Rev. . I. S 31 
 
 Burnet, Mrs. Samuel 605 
 
 Burns, Rev. Robert, D.D -537 
 
 Burns, Rev. W. C 517 
 
 Burns, Rev. R. F., D.D 763 
 
 Busby, Thos 120 
 
 Byrd, Charles 794 
 
 Caldwell, Dr. Wm 427 
 
 Campbell, Jas. Ellice 268 
 
 Campbell.Rev. Robert, D.D 612 
 
 Campbell, Rev. Alexander, B.A 638 
 
 Campbell, Very Rev. Principal,D.D.,721,778 
 
 Campbell, Rev. Prof., MA.... , . ... 70O 
 
 Carsuel, James 368 
 
 Casey, Rev. Joseph J 776 
 
 Catanach,,Iohn. 219 
 
 Chapman. Joseph 252 
 
 Charles, Lewis 26S 
 
 Charlton, James 252 
 
 Chiniquy, Rev. Charles 780 
 
 Chisholm, Oapt. Alex 145 
 
 Christie, William 137 
 
 Clarke, Simon 125 
 
 Clarke. John 125 
 
 Connolly, John 263 
 
 Cook, Rev. John, D.D 459,658 
 
 Cormack,W.C 486 
 
 Court, James 449 
 
 Cowie, James 119 
 
 Cramp, Rev. Dr 517 
 
 Crombie, Rev. John 551 
 
 Cross, Hon. Justice 584, 591, 597 
 
 Cruchet, Kev. A. B 780 
 
 Cruikshank, (ieorge 569, 605 
 
 Cruikshank, Rev. W. R 766 
 
 Cuniiuiiig, Rev. Thomas . 768 
 
 Cuniiinsham, David 794 
 
 Cuthbert, Hon. J 62 
 
 Dalgliesh, Robert 487 
 
 Dalhousie, Earl of 306 
 
 Darling, William.... 673 
 
 Darling, AVin., Jr 792 
 
 Darroch. Rev. Wm 765 
 
 Davidson, Alex 241
 
 804 
 
 PAGK 
 
 D.ivie. Robert S2t 
 
 Dawson, Sir William >'?93 
 
 Deihl,.I..T 12S 
 
 DeliisIe.Rev. D.C 2(« 
 
 Dcraont, Win • 138 
 
 Dewov, Rev. F. M 715 
 
 Dcwitt.Jabez 2o4 
 
 Dewitt, Jacob ..• 254 
 
 Dobie, Richard 117 
 
 Dobie, Rev. Robert 690 
 
 L)ods. Peter 567 
 
 Donaldson, Rev. Mr 711 
 
 Doudiot. Rev. C. A 779, 782 
 
 Dougrall. .John 443 
 
 Douglass. Rev. Geo., LL.D. 329 
 
 Dowie, Kenneth 3A'2 
 
 Drummoud, Sir Gordon 39,306 
 
 Drummond, Daniel 791! 
 
 Duncan, James 6o5, 629 
 
 Dunlop, James . 96 
 
 Easton, Rev. Robert 176 
 
 Eilegood, Rev. Jacob 72'.) 
 
 Empey , John 79 
 
 England, William-. •• 75 
 
 Esdiiile, Robert. 495 
 
 Esson, Rev. Henry. 276 
 
 Esten, Vice-Chancellor ... 6()9 
 
 Evans, Archdeacon 72*» 
 
 Ewing, William 633 
 
 Falconer, Chas 137 
 
 Farquhar.J. M 794 
 
 Ferguson, -Mrs. John — 142 
 
 Ferguson, David 3«0 
 
 Ferguson. Arch'd 396 
 
 Ferguson, Alex 504 
 
 Ferguson , Wm 605 
 
 Ferrie, Hon. Adam.---- -- 474 
 
 Ferrier. Hon. James- 326 
 
 Fingland. Thos 252 
 
 Finlay, .James 110 
 
 Finlaysoii, .John l':;4 
 
 Fisher, Duncan 72 
 
 Fisher, Duncan, Jr 75 
 
 Fisher, Alex 77 
 
 Fisher, John 126 
 
 Fisher, Finlay 2;J8 
 
 Ficher, Daniel 50» 
 
 Fisher, John. Jr 506 
 
 Fleck. Rev. Jas 684, 701 
 
 Fleming, John 267 
 
 Fletcher, Nicol 146 
 
 Fletcher, Arch'd 439 
 
 Fletcher, Lieut.-Col. John 410 
 
 Fletcher, George 605 
 
 Fletcher, Gilbert A 792 
 
 Folger, Laban 252 
 
 Forbes, Wm ---- 118 
 
 Forest, Robert. 573 
 
 Forrest, Rev. Robert 175 
 
 Forsyth, Hon. John 86 
 
 Forsyth, Thos 86 
 
 Fr^-chette, Louis 1 
 
 "Frit" 68 
 
 Fraser, Simon 106 
 
 Fraser, AIc.k . Ill 
 
 Fra.«er, Rev. Donald, D.D 296, 479, 7('2 
 
 Fraser, James 605 
 
 Frn^er, Kev. Joshua 765 
 
 Frothingham, J 300 
 
 Gabler, Theodore - 605 
 
 l'.\GE 
 
 Gale. Rev. Alex 4,57,720 
 
 (Tarden, George 318 
 
 (rardner, Robert 563 
 
 Gates, Hon. Horatio 255 
 
 (Jibb, Benaiah 113 
 
 (xibson. Rev. Hamilton.. 661 
 
 (;ibson,Rev.J. ai.,D.D 7«0 
 
 Gille.'ipHf, George 264 
 
 (xillespie, Robert 2tio 
 
 Gilmore, William 137 
 
 (Tirdwood, Rev. J 517 
 
 Glagou. J. (t 137 
 
 Glass, Alex --.. 376 
 
 Goepp, Kev. M 719 
 
 Gonnerman, F 250 
 
 Gorrie, Daniel .500 
 
 Graham , Thomas 794 
 
 Grahame, Wm 236 
 
 Grant, Cuthbert 107 
 
 tyrant, John 230 
 
 (irant, J.G 431 
 
 Grant, Principal, D.D 685,686,791 
 
 Gray, John ---- 128 
 
 Gray, Jonathan A 128 
 
 Gray, Rezaliel 252 
 
 (iray,(jeorge 3"»0 
 
 (iray. Rev. John, D.D 625 
 
 Grcenshields, Mrs. John 364 
 
 Greenshiel(ls,E.B 365 
 
 (treenshiclds, Samuel :. 365 
 
 Gregory, John 97 
 
 Gugy , Hon. L 381 
 
 Hag ir, Jonathan 252 
 
 Hagerman, Hon. C. A-. 16 
 
 Haldim.md, W. L 605,624 
 
 H.all,John 138 
 
 Hall, .Joseph .-. 234,252 
 
 Hall, Jacob.. 234,252 
 
 Hall, Benjamin 252 
 
 Hall.Nahum 253 
 
 Hallowell, Wm. 249 
 
 H;unilt«n, Rev. Dr 711 
 
 Hamilton, Dr... . 348 
 
 Iland.vside, David 499 
 
 Hanna, Alex 77 
 
 Harris, Thomas 253 
 
 Hart, .Jonathan.. 253 
 
 Hart. Col. W. A 311 
 
 Hedge, Samuel 253 
 
 Heine, Hev. G. C 772 
 
 Henderson, James 147 
 
 Henry, Rev. (ieo - - 22 
 
 Henry, Robert 24 
 
 Henry, Alex 84 
 
 Heushaw, .loshua 283 
 
 Herridge, Rev. \V. T 698 
 
 Hertel, Madame 65 
 
 Hibbard, Horace 253 
 
 Hick, Rev. J 74,285 
 
 Hickson, Joseph- -- 769 
 
 Hill, Rev. Thos 326 
 
 Hill, Kev-.J. Edgar 698,751 
 
 Hincks, Hon. Francis. 651 
 
 Hodge, Matthew 7*3 
 
 Hood, Wm 634 
 
 Houston, Mrs. A 606 
 
 Howa rd, Joseph 129 
 
 Hume, Archibald 373 
 
 Hunter, W illiam 77 
 
 Hunter, John 127 
 
 Hunter. Francis 429 
 
 Hunter, Francis, Jr 430
 
 805 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Hutchison. Wm . . . • • 489 
 
 Hutchison, Matthew 569 
 
 Inglis, Rev. David, D.D., LL D -WS 
 
 Irvine, Rev. R., D.D. 744 
 
 Irving, George 572 
 
 Irwin. William 605 
 
 Jamieson, John 429 
 
 Jenkin.s, Rev. .!., D.D.,LL.D. . .603, 611, 7.56 
 
 *' Jenny, the Red bird of the Indians." 56 
 
 John-son, Sir William 89 
 
 Johnson, Sir .John 88 
 
 Johnstone, George 435 
 
 Jones, Nathaniel 252 
 
 Jones, Rev. John 771 
 
 Jordan.Rev. L. H 699.761 
 
 Juan de La Puebla 60 
 
 Kelly, Wm 605 
 
 Kemp. Rev. A. F.,LL.D 552 
 
 Kerr, Wm 37S 
 
 Kerr. Robert 769 
 
 King, Warden 524 
 
 Kirkc, Sir David 6 
 
 Kyle, James • • • ■ 234 
 
 Laing, James 240 
 
 Laing, Rev. Robt., B.A 710,715,7.58 
 
 Lang, Rev. Gavin. . 750 
 
 Lapeltrie, Rev. E 778 
 
 Laverock . ^Vm 502 
 
 Law, .James h02 
 
 Leishman.Rev. W.,LL.D 519 
 
 Leslie. Hon. James 421,605 
 
 i.eys, Wm 379 
 
 Lighthall, W. F 572 
 
 Li Hie, James 625 
 
 Lilly, John O-i 
 
 Lilly.J. C 498 
 
 Logan, James 117 
 
 Logan, M'm . 130 
 
 Logan. Hart 131 
 
 Logan, Sir William E. 132 
 
 Logan, James. •• 432 
 
 Logic, Ale.x •• 137 
 
 Lunan, Henrv 605, 631 
 
 Lusher, Rev. P. L 285 
 
 Lyall.Rev. Prof 518 
 
 Lyman, Lewis 256 
 
 Lyman, Mic;ih Jones 2.56 
 
 Lyman, Elisha 2.56 
 
 Lyman, Theodore 257 
 
 Lyman, Henry 257 
 
 Lyman, Benjamin 257 
 
 Lyman, William zVI 
 
 Ijyman, Hannah Willard >57 
 
 Lynch, George J 631 
 
 MaccuUoch, Ferdinand 498 
 
 Macculloch, William 501 
 
 Macd..iial<l, Right Hon. Sir J. A. . .650, 6.S1 
 
 Macdoiiald. John 273 
 
 Macdonnell, Right Reverend Bishop • 30 
 
 Macdoniiell, Rev. D. J.,B.D 791 
 
 Macfarlaiic, Arch'd 486 
 
 Macfarlunc, James 487 
 
 Macfarlanc, Robert 502 
 
 .Machar, Rtiv. J., D.D 720 
 
 Mackay, Lieut. -Col. Wm .. 272 
 
 Mackay, Hon. Thomas 324 
 
 Mackay, Joseph 514 
 
 Mackay, Donald 514 
 
 Mackay, Edward 516 
 
 Mackay, Rev. A. B 764 
 
 PAGE 
 
 MacXider, Adam L 371 
 
 MacTavish.P. M 638 
 
 MacVicar, Reverend D. H., D.D., 
 
 LL.D 392, 451, 762, 791 
 
 Maisonneuve 1 
 
 Maitlandi- Co 99 
 
 Manson, ^Vm ■ 140 
 
 .Markland, Hon. G. H 16 
 
 Marstou, Jacob 16 
 
 Martin, William 137 
 
 Martin, George 141 
 
 Martin, Wm •• 142 
 
 Masteller, Conrad 140 
 
 Mathiesou.Rev. Alex., D.D 471, 746 
 
 McArthur. John i25 
 
 McBean,Wm 560 
 
 McBeath, '-'eo 96 
 
 McCallum, John 558 
 
 AlcCaul, Rev. James, B.A 774 
 
 McClement, R 144 
 
 McCord, John 149 
 
 McCord, Thomas 149 
 
 McCord, Hon. John S 149 
 
 McCord. Hon. Thos 149 
 
 McCord, Hon. Wm. K 149 
 
 McCord, David Ross 149 
 
 McDonald, John 145 
 
 McDonald, Colin 499 
 
 McDonald, (Jeo 380 
 
 A'cDoug.all, Colin 428 
 
 McDowall.J. A J 119 
 
 McDowall, Rev. Robert 721 
 
 McFarlane, Peter l47 
 
 McGibbon, Alex 567 
 
 McGill, Hon, James 9S 
 
 McGill,Hon. Peter 383 
 
 Me(iill. Rev. Dr 755 
 
 McGillivray, Hon. Wm 104 
 
 McGoun, Arch'd •■■• 513 
 
 Mcintosh, of Teller <fe Mcintosh 147 
 
 Mcintosh, Wm 513 
 
 Mcintosh. Angus 562 
 
 Mcintosh, Rob tiOo 
 
 Mclntyre, Robert •• 379 
 
 .McKenzie, Sir Alexander 100 
 
 McKeiizie, Hon. Roderick 109 
 
 McKenzie, Harry 34, 366 
 
 McKenzie, Geo. •■>78 
 
 McKenzie, .John •.-. 3>'2 
 
 McKenzie, Roderick 433 
 
 McKenzie, AVm. Lyon 681 
 
 McKercher, Donald 125 
 
 McKiudlay, John 236 
 
 McKinstry. John 234 
 
 McLagan, Dr. W.P 559 
 
 McLaren, WD ."^66 
 
 McLean, Donald 561 
 
 McLeod, Arch'd. Norman 271 
 
 McLeod, Rev. John 693 
 
 McMillan, Arch'd 2;« 
 
 McMillan, Hugh oU.5 
 
 McMorine, Rev. John, D.D 614 
 
 McNaughton, Arch'd '794 
 
 McNiece, Andrew 636 
 
 McNieee, James 605 
 
 McTavish, Simon 242 
 
 Mearns, James 488 
 
 Michaud, Jas. H 793 
 
 iMillar, James 509 
 
 Mireham, Uriah 253 
 
 Mitchell, Andrew 564 
 
 Mitchell, Rev. W 712 
 
 Mittleberger, John 146
 
 806 
 
 Moffatt.Hon. Geo 370 
 
 Moir.Aroh'd 5^4 
 
 Mol^on, Hon. John 121 
 
 Montmngny . 4 
 
 Montour. Nicholas '02 
 
 Moore, Edward 5(51 
 
 Morris, Hon. Alex 591, 594, 596, 610 
 
 Morris, John L 648 
 
 Morrison , James • • . . 513 
 
 Morton, Rev. A. C 776 
 
 Mountain. Kev. S. J 207 
 
 Mower. Nahum 253, 258 
 
 Muir, Rev. J. Barclay,M.A 673 
 
 Muir, Rev. P. D 767 
 
 Munro, Hector 564. 605 
 
 Murray, General 23 
 
 Murray, Wm 1^ 
 
 Murray. William 477 
 
 Myers, Simon 253 
 
 Nash, Zenas 253 
 
 Neagles, John 128 
 
 Nelson, David 253 
 
 Nichols, Rev. .John 77" 
 
 Northropp, Moses 258 
 
 Northup.J.W 253 
 
 Oakes. Thos 78 
 
 Ogilvy, John 237 
 
 Olier, Abb<5 7 
 
 Ouriere, Rev. B 720 
 
 Oxley, Rev. M. S 694 
 
 Pangman, Peter 103 
 
 Pangman. Hon. J 104 
 
 Park.. Samuel 253 
 
 Parkins, Jonathan 25.'? 
 
 Patcrson , Alex <>06 
 
 Pat on, Rev. Andrew 690 
 
 Patterson, Andrew 249 
 
 Patton. William 628 
 
 Peck. Cornelius 253 
 
 Peddie, AViUiam 428 
 
 Peddle, Walter M...... 494 
 
 Perkins, Rev. Geo 7.53 
 
 Perkins, Mrs. J. A 260 
 
 Pcrry.Mrs 163 
 
 Picken, H. B 562 
 
 Pierce, Nathan 253 
 
 Pitt, Hon. Wm 22 
 
 Piatt, George 234 
 
 Porteous, Thos 145 
 
 Porteous, John Zil 
 
 Porteous, Andrew /."^T 
 
 Porteous, Wm ... 237 
 
 Potts, J ames 375 
 
 Prior, Thos 138 
 
 Provan, Joseph 135 
 
 Pypcr, Geo. A 526 
 
 Quelus, Abb6 . . 
 Quin,Rev. J. C 
 
 6 
 518 
 
 PvJidford, Gwynn Owen 271 
 
 Ramsiiy, Hew 660 
 
 Rjinigay , Robert A 267 
 
 Rea, David 488 
 
 Rccollel.-*, The • • 6i» 
 
 Redpath , John .388 
 
 He.-d, William 794 
 
 Reid, Duncan 147 
 
 Rcid, John 241 
 
 heid, Jlon. James 211 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Reid, Rev. Wm.,D.D 541,718,724 
 
 Rice. Abner 253 
 
 Richardson. Hon. .John 86 
 
 Rintoul. Rev. William, M.A....... 531,720 
 
 Robertson, Alex 128 
 
 Robertson, ,Tohn • • 138 
 
 Robertson. Dr. Wm 369 
 
 Robertson, James • • ■ -573, 606 
 
 Robertson, John •.. 606 
 
 Rodger, David 569 
 
 Rollo, James 320 
 
 Ross.Philip 137 
 
 Ro?s,David 148 
 
 Ross, Dr. George ..• 14<< 
 
 Ross, Joseph 376 
 
 Ross,D. P 427 
 
 Ross, Thomas 433 
 
 Ross, Joseph Moore 434 
 
 Ross, Donald 505 
 
 Ross, PS 771 
 
 Ross, Wm. Joseph W6 
 
 Rose, Sir .Tohn 509 
 
 Rowan, Wm 529 
 
 Roy.Rev. J 799 
 
 Russel.John 79 
 
 Russel.Wm 127 
 
 Russell, John 606 
 
 Savage, M 253 
 
 Sclater. Alex 636 
 
 Scott, Adam 70 
 
 S ott. Wm 374 
 
 Soott, Barbara 374 
 
 Scott, James 432 
 
 Scott, Rev. John.D.D 518 
 
 Scrimger, Rev. Prof., M.A 733, 768 
 
 Sculthorp, .James 571 
 
 Selkirk, Lord Thomas 297 
 
 Selkirk, Lord Dunbar- James 305 
 
 Selkirk. George 663 
 
 Shaw, Angus 109 
 
 Shaw, Andrew 491 
 
 Shaw, Rev. Prof., M.A "00 
 
 Shay. Isaac. 255 
 
 Shepherd, Mrs. George 606 
 
 Shuter,John 233 
 
 Simpson, Alex 128 
 
 Simpson, Robert 138 
 
 Simpson, John 376 
 
 Simpson, Robert 377 
 
 Simpson. Andrew 488 
 
 Skakel, Alex., LL.D 235 
 
 SkakeLWm 250,505 
 
 Sleeth, David 7^5 
 
 Smellie. Rev. Geo., D.D 542 
 
 Smith, David •■.. 129 
 
 Smith, .James 238 
 
 Smith, Hon. Justice ^38 
 
 Smith, John 381 
 
 Smith Robert 4H4 
 
 Smith, Dr. W. P 566 
 
 Smvfh. Rev. W. J , Ph. D 7(i8 
 
 Snodgrass, Rev. Wm.. D.D 587, 616, 765 
 
 Somerville, Rev. .Jamea 150 
 
 Somerville. Mariamne 164, 585 
 
 Spark, Kev. Alex., D.D 172 
 
 Speirs, John 497 
 
 Spooner. Mrs 606 
 
 Stanslield. Geo 127 
 
 Stephenson, .lohn. 1-36 
 
 Stephenson, .James 137 
 
 Stephenson, l)r 372 
 
 Stephenson , James 674
 
 807 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Stevenson , Lieut.-Col 774 
 
 Stewart, William 71 
 
 Stewart, Wm 250 
 
 Stewart, Dougald .S78 
 
 Stewart, A. B 629 
 
 Stewart. Rev. James 705 
 
 Stone, Rev. Dr.. 700 
 
 Story, Rev. R. H.,D.D 6 
 
 Strachnn, Right Reverend Bishop. . .34, 183 
 
 Strachan , David 635 
 
 Street, Robt 2=S3 
 
 Strong, Nathan 253 
 
 Strong, Rev. Caleb 693 
 
 Strother, James 119 
 
 Stuart, Rev. J. L 716 
 
 Stuart, John A 793 
 
 Sullivan, Thos 128 
 
 Sulpitius 7 
 
 Suter, Wm 4.33 
 
 Sutherland, John 488 
 
 Swan. Arch'd 567 
 
 Sweeney, Campbell 425 
 
 Sweeney, Campbell, Jr 425 
 
 Sweeney, Robt 425 
 
 Tait, Chas 429 
 
 Tait, David 6.31 
 
 Tanner, Rev. J. E 719 
 
 Tanner, Rev. Chas. E 719 
 
 TayIor,.John 1:^7 
 
 Taylor, Thos 145 
 
 Taylor, Rev. Wm., D.D 523 
 
 Tel f er, of Telf er <fe Mcintosh 147 
 
 Thain, Thos 239 
 
 Thayer, Zabdiel 253 
 
 Thomson, Robt Ill 
 
 Thomson, David Ul 
 
 Thomson, Simon 253 
 
 Thornton, Rev. KM 684 
 
 Throop. B 253 
 
 Todd, Andrew 95 
 
 Todd, Isaac 2:^2 
 
 Torrance, Thomas 313 
 
 Torrance, John 314 
 
 Torrance, Hon. Justice 316 
 
 'Jorrance, Kev. E. F 774 
 
 Tough, .Jasper 239 
 
 Tunstall, Rev. Jas 205 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Turner, Thos 141 
 
 Turner. Jas 485 
 
 Tylee, Daniel. 253 
 
 Tyre, James 503 
 
 TTnwin,Mrs.R 120 
 
 Uniuhart, Rev. H., D.D 310. 721 
 
 Urquhart, Alex 484 
 
 Vaudreuil, Marquis de 9 
 
 Waden, Veronica 29 
 
 Wads worth, James- f56 
 
 Wait, Resolu 253 
 
 Wait, Seth 263 
 
 Walker, Kenneth 140, 434 
 
 Wallace, Rev. Robert 518 
 
 Wand, Mrs 606 
 
 Warfte, Richard 144 
 
 AVarden,Rev. R. H 699,700 
 
 Watson, John 137 
 
 Watson, Rolbert 452 
 
 Watson, William 4.'>2 
 
 Watson, Rev. James 604 
 
 Watson, Thomas 636 
 
 Watt, Arch'd : 795 
 
 Well.«. Rev. Geo. H 710, 754 
 
 White, Andrew 319 
 
 Whitlaw, .John 637 
 
 Whitney, Birnabas TSS 
 
 Whitney, Benjamin 253 
 
 Wilkes, Rev. H., D.D., LL.D 320, 692 
 
 Wilkie, Rev. D.,LL.D 156 
 
 Wilson, Andrew 490 
 
 Winants, Josiah 253 
 
 Winklef OSS, Andrew 128 
 
 Winter, Francis 4. 96 
 
 Woolrich, James 99 
 
 Workman, Benjamin 4.36 
 
 Workman, Alex 436 
 
 Workman, Thos 438 
 
 Workman, Wm 438 
 
 Wright, Rev. Peter 772 
 
 Wright, Robert 606 
 
 Young, Rev. John 42 
 
 Young, Hon. John 124 
 
 Young, Rev. Alex 768
 
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