THE CHURCHES

u; this issue n’ an interesting sketch of the diiierent churches o!

. Summcrside, and when they were

established. It will be noted that Divine worship had a very real place in the lives of the pioneers oi Green's Shore. Their early strug- sles did not interfere with keeping holy the Sabbath Day.

Religion still holds sway in Sum- nierside" and the attendance on Sundays in the beautiiul churches which were erected by the early in- habitants is a tribute to their mem- ory and e. sign that the teachings of the early preachers oi‘ the Div- ine Wbrd has taken deep root.“

ST.MAVRY’S_CGHURCH

, St. Mary's Church. which is sit-

. uated in the centm of theftown was

built alter the flre, which destroy- ed their first church on October 10th. 1906.

The Church grounds were deeded to Rt. Rev. Bishop Blnney on Nov. l0th, 1860 by Joseph Green.

The original church was built in

l. .1861. Mrs. J. C. Pope interested

herself in the founding oi the Church and it was through her that Joseph Green gave the land. Her

_ ‘husband, Hon. J. C. Pope started s. subscription (or the building oi

the Church with a donation oi

. forty pounds. Rev. Dr. H. J. Reid - was rector of the parish during this

time. St. Mary's Church is in the

5 > parish o! St. John's, St. Eleanors. which is the parent church and ~ one of the oldest on the Island. In

the old Parish books dating back

I 't0 1820 it is called the Parish of

,rie, Vice President; Mrs.

Riclunond. Inter it was recorded as St. John's Parish and still goes by that name.

On February 22, 1864, St. Mary's Sewing Society was formed for the purpose of raising funds to procure necessaries for furnishing the Church. On the Committee were, Mrs. R. nun, President; Mrs. Guth- W. H. lllilis, treasurer, Mrs. D. Rogers, Mrs. 1-1. . Green, Miss stanlake and Miss ecu.

The rules according to an old document were, each lady on be- coming a. member must pay an entgance fee of one shilling and six pence. Meeting Thursday 1 p. m. Contributions thankfully received. Admission fee for gentlemen visi- tors seven pence.

This Society is still in existence and has been the means of provid- ing funds for many church pur-

poses. In i867 while Rev. J. W. For- _sythe was rector of St. Mary's, the

diret Ladies Benevolent Society was

formed in Summerslde.

According to a copy o! the By- Laws, drawn up on March 20th, 1867, the Society was for “the re- liei of any deserving poor person in Surhmerside or its immediate vicinity, irrespective of religious per- suasion." The Society membership was not restricted to members of the Episcopal Church, but was Open to any lady irrespective oi’ re- llgloils persuasion. The Society was under the patronage of the rector of St. Mary's Church. y

The first oincers, were: Mrs. Gour- lie, Dircctress; Mrs. Henry Ellis, Secretary and treasurer. 0n the Committee were Mrs. Harry Green, Mrs. Richard Hunt. Mrs. R. T. Hol- man, Mrs. D. Rogers, Mrs. Steeves, Mrs. David‘Grady and Mrs. John

. Grady. Wauglrs Hall was the place

oi meeting. The entrance fee was one ‘shilling and sixpcnce. Gentle- men subscribing not less than

arena. privileged to attend the meetings and oi recom- mending to special consideration any application for aid. ~ Before the big fire of 1906 the Church, hall. and rectory were all can the Church grounds and were ell burned at that time.

The rectory was evidently not built for some time after the church because in the Parish book there is a comment ,~ Rev. C. F. Lowe dated April and, 1889, "That a. house be built on the Church grounds for the Rector and that a

‘stone church be built in time to come with the tower running east and west. not as at present, north slnd south."

It is interesting to note that the church bell was saved from the fim and is still being used in the pres- ent church. Thc kneeling mat in front of the Communion Rail was also saved and is still in use, Rev, F. M. Webster was the rector at

REV. C. de W. WHITE

A. hdeacon or P. E. l. and Rector oi St. Mary's Church

were held in the Presbyterian Hall. The present church was built in 1911 and consecrated on June 8th. 1913, by the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Worrell, assisted by Rev. Dr. Hunt. oi,’ King's College and the rector, Rev. C. dew. white.

It is recorded in the minutes of the Church that the Duke of Con- naught attended Divine Service in St. Mary's Church, Rev. Dr. Hunt taking the service, assisted by Rcv. F. M. Webster and Rev. C. deWolie White.

The present Rectory was purchas- ed in 1912 and was residence oi the late J. A. Gourlie. A year or two ago some of the rectory land was sold and two new residences have been built on that portion of the grounds. The new church hall was built u. ma. The present rector, Rev. C. do Wolfe deWhite came to Summerside in 1911, successor to Rev. F. M. Web- ster. He is now senior deacon oi the Island Churches. Ven. Arch- deacon C. de. W. White. D.D., is recognised in the Diocese as c. fear- less and gifted speaker. He has one son in the Church, Rev. Charles da W. White, 3A., at present rector oi St. Luke's Church, Annapolis Royal, N.S.—'S.

Presbyterians '

The Presbyterian Church has been represented in Summerside from its very earliest history and the present commodious church is a tribute to the pioneers who set- tled at Greens Shore about 1854. At this time there were but twelve homes at Green Shore with no church or school. R/ev. John M. MacLeod oi Richmond Bay con- ducted regular services in a. priv- ate house.

The number of Presbyterians in- creased with the growth of the lit- tle settlement house had been built at the West end of the town, and which is still standing today on the corner oi Second and Market Streets, the Presbyterians used it for their meeting house.

Rev. John MacLeod of Richmond Boy and Rev. Robert S. Patterson of Bedeque conducted services on alternate Sundays from 185-1 until the congregation became so large that the people were obliged to make another move and used Brown's hall, on the corner of Cen- tral and Market Streets, now oc- cupied by Mr. Dan Gallant, for his 10b printing establishment.

On December 18th. 1858. Joseph Green gave a deed o1 land to the trustees of the Presbyterian Church. In 1859 Rev. John lvI. MacLeod and Rev. Robert S. Patterson purchas- ed the church site and the erection of the Church was begun in 1862.

The church was opened and ded- icated on March 21st, 1886.

In 1859 I-‘rev. John M. MacLeod accepted a call from Nova Scctia and the Richmond Bay congrega- tion, of which Green's Shore was a rpart, became vacant, and re- malncd so for many years. Rev, R, S. Paterson oi Bednque had the spiritual oversighirof the Presbyter- ians at Green's Shore until when the ‘ pastoral charge was changed and Lot 16 and Summer- sidn became one congregation with Rev. W. R. Frame as pastor. Dur- ing Mr. Frames pastorate the church was finished and dedicated. The congregation increased during

the time of the fire. While the new church was being built services

the ten years of Mr. Fzarrris min- lstry and every Sunday the church

formerly the s

and as a school-

1862,

St. Paul's Church,

The Roman Catholic Church dams back to the very earliest his- tory of Summerside and has its origin in a little wooden church. which was hauled rrom Indian Riv- er. Previous to this‘ the Catholic settlers at Green's Shore .were without a place oi worship. “This fact did not escape the watchiul eye o! Father James MacDonald who frequently passed that way when going irom his home at In- dian River to the Missions oi Grand River and Bedeque." The

at Indian River on taking charge oi the parish was still in a fairly good state of repair and Father MacDonald decided that it would serve the people oi Summer-side un- til they were able to build a more commodious one for themselves. It was a, great undertaking for the time, but the people of Indian River were not only willing to part with their church, but proierred their services to help in its removal. The people of Summerside gladly embraced the opportunity to have a place oi worship. Hence in the spring of 1853 the little church was

pulled down and hauled to the new

settlement at Summerside. The site chosen for the crecture of the lit- tie building was a plot oi land which is now the beautiful flower garden adjoining the residence oi Mrs. R. T. Holman. workmen were employed during the summer to fit up the building for divine worship and on the 19th October it was again dedicated by Bishop gMac- Donald, assisted by Father James MacDonald and Father PerrY- The patron chosen for the new mission was Saint Charles Borromeo.

Th little settfiment at Greens Shore had grown rapidly in size and importance. It had become e. distributing centre for trade in Prince County. Shipbiulding also brought many new settlers, many of them Catholics and witlrthe older settlers they soon overtaxcd the capacity o1 the little church.

Very Rev. James MacDonald de cided that a new brick church should be built. On June 1st. 1862. Joseph Green granted half an acre of land to Rev. James Mac-

was filled with. an earnest devot- ed congregation.

In 1873 Lot 16 and Summerside separated and Rev. Neil MacKay became the pastor and for l3 years laboured most acceptably for the congregation.

His charge was between March 27th, 1873 to September 27th. 1885. when he removed to Chatham, N.B. During his pastor- ate the church was enlarged"

The next minisifli‘ was Rev. J. P. Gerivier known as the singing evan- gelist, who with Rev. William Melkle won many souls for the church. Mr. Gervier was pastor be- tween February 2nd; 1887, to March

~ 4th, 1.888.

On Nov. 7th, 1888, Rev. Dickie, D.D., was inducted into the charge. During his ministry the Sunday School was erected and dedicated. It was with sorrow an regret that the congregation said goodbye to this outstanding preacher on Aug- ust 1st, 1893.

Rev. E. M. Dill, D.D., succeeded Mr. Dickie and remained with the church until October, 1898.

Rev. W. H. Smith, PhD, was pastor from December 29, 1898, until Alpril 7th. 1904. Rev. R. G. Strathie had-charge from Dec. 8, 1904, until December 28, 1910, when he removed to Charlottetown and becarrn pastor of Zion Church.

The next pastor was Rev. Hugh J. Fraser who came in 1911 and remained until 1916. Rev. George F. Mitchell, D.D., was inducted in- to the charge in April, 1917.

During his timn the great ques- tion of Church Union was thresh- ed out between the Presbyterians and Methodist, with a result that on June 10th, 1925, many o: the congregation went over to the Union.

The Presbyterian’ congregation at Summsrsicl: have had many trials but they have weathered the storm and are still going strong.

Rev. C. J. St. Clair Jeans. an outstanding preacher. a native oi Scotland succeeded Mr. Mitchell, leaving last winter for St. John.

Rev. Waiter McCieziry of Fort Francis, Ontario, is the present pastor, having accepted a call from the Church in’ May. He preached his first sermon on June 9th in his

new pastara‘r'.—.S.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND HALL

. $3,‘ .

little church which he had found _

teacher. Many pupils have

Grand Master Orange Lodge

Donald and it was on this site that the p.i'ast decided to build the new church. Previous to this two acres had rnen deeded by Daniel Green to Rt. Rev. Bishop Meclntyre, which it is thought is now the Catholic Cemetery which was open- red in 1862.

The new church was to be oi brick and work was commenced in the spring of 1869 and on the 14th July the corner-stone was laid. The ceremony was performed by Rit. Rev. Bishop Rogers oi Chatham. At the close of the function Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Maclntyre. Rev. Father Lamont preached the ser- mon.

In August oi that same year the beloved pastor at Summerside was appointed Rector of St. Dunstarrs College and Rev. James Mac-Kenna was sent to look after the Minions of Summerside and Indian River.

While the church was in process of building a violent storm passed over the Island on October 19, 1871. and did consid able damage. The roof o1 the church had been raised a few days previously and had not been completely covered in. On this , ‘ it became a ready prey to the storm and fell to the ground and, lay scattered in all directions. A Mrs. Adams living near b1! has

per portion of the brick walls were also injured and the event was a serious setback to the work which had progressed but slowly owing to lack oi means. Father MacKenna, however, was not disheartened and appealed to his faithiul parishion- ers ior iresh effort and more gen- emus contributions. The work went on more rapidly and before the winter set in the whole structure was completely covered.

On April 29, 1874, Mass was cele- brated in the Sacristy of the new Church.

On September 28 Rev. Father Doyle was named pastor. He at once interested himself in paying of! the debt of the church and collected considerable money from citizens of Summerside who had left their native town and were residing in Boston. - ~

The Sisters oi the Convent had been gathering money by teas and sale oi needlework. A great help was the raffle on a warehouse be- longing to Ronald MacDonald which realized 1,800 dollars. By

these means the debt on the church was paid. On September 12th, 1876. the

church was consecrated and on October 18 was solemnly dedicated and placed under the patronage oi St. Paul the Apostle. “The event amounted to almcstcandemonstra- ilon, for people came from far and near to witness the ceremony. whilst many of the clergy graced

often related the incident. The up- peg-fly“, age,- mm

Trinity United Church i (B1 DIRTY-BEACH)

The United Church in Summ side is the amalgamation oi the Methodists and sonic Presbyterians and has a very large following.

The Methodists were _ originally called Wesleyan Methodists and in the very early days were linked up with the Bible Christians. Their

icburch was to» am Protestant Church ‘in the town.

l The Wesleyan Methodists in

iSulnmerside were an oi! shoot of the Bedeque congregation and Rev.

io. o. Huestis and Rev. w. c. Deal

Iiirst conducted services in the

jwestern School, corner oi Second and Duke Streets, and later in

Strong's mu on wim- sum. m wit"

1864 Joseph Green donated land for e. church site and a church was built and was opened in 1880. This church is now St. Paul's hall and is on the original church site.

The building committ was composed o: Wm. G. Strong, George Dcull. Edward Henry and Joseph Green.

Rev. J. B. BtIODB. a native oi England was sent out to Quebec in 1813 when only 22 years or age by the Wesleyan Missionary Society of England.

In 1815 he came to Charlotte- town and was sent in 1818 to take charge of the Bede-qua congrega- tion of which Green's Shore (Sum- merside) was a part. and to hb missionary efforts the advancement oi the Methodist Church in Sum- rnerside can be attributed. In 186d

aroosr Uiwn the summerside congregation with-

drew imm the Bedeque charge. Their first minister was Rev. W. W. came Rev. A. S. Des-brisay. ~

A Sunday School was started in 18M.

In 1874 the Church was enlarged.

In 1877 the first ordianed min- ister wu secured. In 1892 the homestead oi John R. Gardiner on Market Street was obtained for a parsonage. At this time the Ladies Aid was organized.

Going back a little we find that in 1870 John Cudmore ‘built a hall on Spring Street for the use or the Bible Christian church. This build- ing is now used as the Vestry oi Epworth Hall. In 1874‘ the Bible

first minister was Rev. J. H. Col- lin. At this time a Rev. Mr. Tonkin hads private day school for a few pupils in the hall. c

In 1884 the Methodist and Bible Christian Churches united’ and the Methodist Church was sold. Rev. Benjamin chappel was the minis- fer at that time.

The W. M. S. was organized in 1885 and has flourished and con- tinued to be the great ally oi the Church. The early years oi the Methodist Church were ones of great financial struggle but they managed to carry on and in 1893 the present Church was built at a cost of $7.000. The architect was Mr. George E. Baker, Contractor, Schurman and Clark. 0n the‘ build- ing committ were W. G. Stflml.

the occasion with their pre erve" Bishop Maclntyre performed the ceremony of dedication which was followed by Pontifical High Mass celebrated by Bishop Rogers oi Chatham. The sermon for tho oc- casion was preached by Rt. Rev. Dr. Cameron. Coadjutor to the Bishop of Arichat.

THE OONVENT

The first Convent at Bummer-side we: founded in September 1888 by Bishop Macintyre, and was in charge of the Sisters from Notie Dame,» Montreal. At the beginning there were 25 pupils. Before the new church was built services were held in the attic oi the Convent. The Convent was on the North East corrnr of the plot.

The number of pupils having in- creased to such an extent in April, 1884, work was commenced on a

new convent. On May 16 the corner which swept through the town on atone of the chapel was laid and Oct. 10th. 1908. The present pastor 1886 the Nuns is Rt. Rev. Monsignor G. J. Mao. moved into their new house. There Iellan, D.D., who is assisted by are now 280 pupils attending the Rev. .1. P. m. Omnley. The church Convent school. The old building has a very large congregation. The _ parish includes - and are still in existence. There are districts of Travellers Rest, Sher- teu grades in the school-under the brooks and North Bedeque.

direction oi a first and second class ‘This sketch was obtained from the P"!!! “Caiholi Oh h i RE. .

with high marks for matriculation 18$ to ‘lflilfiubcy litunJohn 1C. 1511111. and thmulh the courtesy o! The parochial house of 5t. Paul's the Sisters o! the Convent,

on my m of

was sold and divided for residences

to Prince oi Wales College.

first erected in the parish oi Mont Carmel under the direction oi Father Queviilion, which he intend- ed for a boysschool. But the nec- esity oi such a school never mat-

erialized and the project came to nought. ‘I'm: work oi construction was suspended, when the exterior of the building was about completed. Father Perry who was at this time in charge oi the mission pl ‘

it to the people oi’ Summerside. Accordingly the huge building was detached from its foundation and hauled across the ice from 15 Point to Summeraide.

The men arriveq with their huge burden on February 21st, 1871. On the following day‘ it was hauled through the town and placed on the site, which it still occupies.

St. Paul's Church and the Con- vent escapcd the scourge oi fire

the surrounding

colnrz. O

Irving

[MEN TS r .

Distributors of Primrose Gasoline m“ _ _ ominous ' i

\

Cbinnany

Christians built their church. Their $2

has an interesting history. It was

Although not the largest Church in Bummer “‘ , the "Church oi Christ" or Christian Church as it is more often called has s very

‘ ting history and dates back to Bummersideb earliest days. -

Closely connected with this

nephew oi Alexander Crawford, who came with his parents from the Isle oi Arran, Scotland. He organised a church in Bummer" in the hall owned by Pat Brown, a tinsmith. This was the first hall in the town. ’

Names appearing in the minute book of that period are. John Crawford (elder), Benjamin Schur- man, Samuel Rodd, Richard Mur- ray. For twenty years Donald Crawford gave his time to this con- ion.

Archibald Maclean. born at C111’- ton, P.E.I., for thirty five years Clue-i‘ Executive of the Foreign Christian Missionary Society and President of Bethany College, West Virginia, for a short period in 1888. was converted to the faith o: the Disciples oi Christ, while learning the carriage business at Sinnmer- side with William Tuplin.

Some interesting side lights on the very early history oi Summer- side are contained in the "Idle and labours oi Archibald Maclrean," and of which brief mention is made in another section oi this edition.