The contents of the 1992 edition are available below with illustrations added:
“. . . This Bethel, This
Dear House of God”
The
Kirk of Saint James, at the corner of Pownal and Fitzroy Streets, has been a
place of Presbyterian worship since 1831. This Congregation is the mother
church of Presbyterianism in this part of Prince Edward Island and it has
endeavoured to maintain the noblest traditions of the worship and witness of
the Church of Scotland. When the British assumed control of Ile Saint Jean,
settlers from the British Isles began to make their way across the Atlantic.
Although Presbyterians arrived on the Island from Western Scotland as early as
1770, it was not until 1791 that a minister from Pictou, Nova Scotia, the
Reverend James MacGregor, was able to provide occasional visits to the
fledgling congregation in Charlotte Town. In the thirty years that followed,
Mr. MacGregor made numerous visits until other ministers came in sufficient
numbers to make possible the establishment of a Presbytery in 1821.
In
the late 1770's, funds were sent out by the Imperial Government in London for
the erection of a church at Charlotte Town. Instead, these monies were used to
pay the overdue salaries of government officials. Consequently, for the
remainder of the eighteenth century, services of worship were conducted
occasionally by visiting ministers in the Crossed Keys Tavern, which was
situated in the vicinity of the present north-east corner of Queen and
Dorchester Streets,in public buildings and in private homes in Charlotte Town.
In 1796, additional funds arrived from overseas and work began at last on the
building of a place to worship on the western part of Queen's Square for the
use of the Established Church of England and the Church of Scotland. This
building stood for thirty-six years and was used by the Presbyterians for the
first twenty-five years of that period.
In
1825, a separate Presbyterian congregation was founded in Charlotte Town. The
first record of this congregation is a public meeting held in the old Court
House in June, 1825. At this meeting, it was unanimously resolved to open a
subscription list to obtain monies for the building of a church, It was also
resolved to apply to the Established Church of Scotland for the appointment of
"a learned and pious clergyman." The Honourable John Stewart, Speaker
of the House of Assembly, made the offer of a town lot on behalf of its owner,
Alexander Birnie of London, England and Mr. William Johnson offered an adjoining
lot. These offers were gratefully accepted and the first Kirk was completed in
1831. The deed for this land was written on heavy vellum paper with a quill pen
and is dated September 30, 1825. It is stored for safekeeping with other
valuables of the congregation. In 1790, the land had been owned by Dr.
Alexander Gordon, the son-in-law of the first Lieutenant Governor of Prince
Edward Island, Walter Patterson.
THE FIRST CHURCH
In
1826, construction commenced on the first Saint James Church at the corner of
Pownal and Fitzroy Streets. On Tuesday, August 9, 1831, the building was
dedicated for worship. On the same day, the Reverend James Mackintosh, who had
been sent out by the Glasgow Colonial Society of the Church of Scotland, was
inducted as the first minister.
The building was completed before 1831, but wasn't dedicated until Mr. Mackintosh arrived. The first Kirk was described as "a large, comfortable and commodious building housing the elite of Charlotte Town at worship" and gave the impression of "size, magnificence and grandeur." The first Kirk was moved to a site north of the manse and served as a Sunday School for seventeen years after the completion of the second Kirk in 1878.
The building was completed before 1831, but wasn't dedicated until Mr. Mackintosh arrived. The first Kirk was described as "a large, comfortable and commodious building housing the elite of Charlotte Town at worship" and gave the impression of "size, magnificence and grandeur." The first Kirk was moved to a site north of the manse and served as a Sunday School for seventeen years after the completion of the second Kirk in 1878.
THE SECOND CHURCH
Under
the ministry of the Reverend Dr. Thomas Duncan, the congregation grew to a
point where a larger and more suitable sanctuary was needed, and the decision
was made to build a new, larger church. The Reverend Kenneth MacLennan, a
minister with unusual gifts as an artist and architect, worked closely with the
designers.
The
Kirk was designed in early Gothic revival style by Mr. David Sterling of the
firm of Sterling and Dewar of Halifax. W.C. Harris, the well known
Charlottetown architect, was associated with Mr. Sterling in the construction
and supervision of the building.
Messrs.
MacDonald, MacDonald and Fraser of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, were the builders
and the contract price was $20,000.00. The Kirk was built of Wallace, Nova
Scotia freestone, with doorway facings, buttresses and windows of Prince Edward
Island sandstone. The building is seventy-seven feet long, fifty- five feet
wide, fifty-nine feet high with walls eighteen inches thick. The tower has
walls twenty inches thick and the spire reaches to a height of one hundred thirty feet and constitutes one of its
most striking features. The cornerstone was laid by the Reverend Kenneth
MacLennan on June 7, 1877 and the building was opened and dedicated to the Glory
of God on October 20, 1878. As originally designed, the pulpit and choir
gallery were incorporated into the North wall, with a gallery on the other
three sides. The clerestory windows allowed light to shine on the pulpit area
and the ceiling was light. In 1895, the Kirk hall was completed at a contract
price of $3,612.00 and the first Kirk was partially dismantled and moved. Mr.
A. Kennedy, an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent, laid the cornerstone for
the hall.
In
1898, a fire destroyed the original ceiling. W.C. Harris designed the present
ceiling, which is one of the most beautiful examples of groined vaulting on
Prince Edward Island. In 1931, the
original seating layout was changed, creating a centre aisle running east and
west to the newly erected chancel area. The gallery was removed on all but the
east wall. This change brought back the feeling of height.
In
1965, the Kirk hall was renovated and extended toward the north to provide a
minister's study and additional classroom space for the Church School. Many of
the rooms have been furnished in memory of former members of the congregation.
THE FIRST KIRK - MISCELLANEOUS
Although
the records are not as complete as is desirable, the sources that are available
provide information on these matters of concern to the congregation of the
first Kirk.
One
of the earliest mentions of the Ladies of the Church occurs in 1851, when they
were thanked for procuring a bell from the United States for the Church. It
seems that the ladies were free to make the money but were not at liberty to
spend it without the consent of the Trustees. The Ladies' Bazaars realized
large sums of money, which were given to the Trustees for various projects.
On
October 7, 1853, three members of the Kirk drowned when the ship "The
Fairy Queen" sank in rough seas. The story of the phantom bell-ringers
and its strange coincidence with the wreck of the Fairy Queen is an interesting
legend connected with the Kirk of Saint James. To this day the weird experience of Captain Cross,
Davy Nicholson, the beadle, and Reverend Snodgrass is accepted for what it's
worth. Were there three or four mysterious ladies involved in ringing the
Church bell early that morning?
In
the early years, pew rent was collected from the congregation. The 1855 cost
per sabbath was as follows: "A" seats - 60 cents, "D" seats
- 30 cents, and the gallery 5 to 10 cents.
In
1855, the decision was taken to build a manse.
On
July 9, 1857, the Trustees ordered a "necessary" to be built on the
manse grounds.
In
1858, there was a strike of the choir at Saint James Church.
In
1861, gas lighting was installed in the Church.
In
November 1866, the Session and Trustees met to consider the propriety of
purchasing an organ.
In
September 1867, Presbytery sanctioned the purchase of the organ.
In
1867, the organ was installed. The first music played on it was the One
Hundredth Psalm during a service on November 10. For $425.00, the congregation
had an eight stop organ in a walnut case. The organ was built by Mason and
Hamblin of Boston.
In 1871,
the pulpit was removed and the minister was supplied with a desk and a couch.
The innovation was short-lived.
In
1872, pew rents were abolished in favour of voluntary collections. In April
1875, the trees on the Church grounds were transplanted to the edge of the
sidewalk.
In
1876, a decision was made "not to support the formation of a third
Presbyterian congregation in Charlottetown."
THE SECOND KIRK - MISCELLANEOUS
On
October 20, 1878, the second Kirk of Saint James was dedicated. The congregation
sang Dr. John MacKieson’s dedication hymn.
In
1878, pew rents re-appeared due to the building of the second Kirk.
On
October 29, 1885, the Trustees discussed the following: “All persons holding
sittings in Saint James Church shall forfeit all claims to said sittings when
they fail to pay the required revenue for twelve months for said sittings into
the funds of the Church.”
In
1885, the Presbyterian Hymnal of the Church was adopted for use by the
congregation.
In
November 1885, Saint James Church was closed by the Board of Health due to a
smallpox epidemic.
In
1885, annual reports were printed for the first time.
In
1891, the ministers of Saint James Church and Zion Church exchanged pulpits on
a regular basis.
On
April 13, 1891, a motion was passed which gave the Charlottetown Light and
Power Company the authority to wire the Church for electricity.
In
June 1892, the congregation discussed a scheme to place a pipe organ in the
Church.
In
1893, permission was given for an organ recital. However, it was not to be held
in the week before or the week after communion.
In
1893, while attending Normal School to become a teacher, Lucy Maud Montgomery,
author of "Anne of Green Gables," attended the Kirk from time to time.
In
1896, the Trustees approved the purchase of a magic lantern and a piano. On
April 11, 1898, there was a fire at the Church which caused extensive damage.
Church services were held in the Church Hall until November 28, 1898.
On
December 3, 1900, the Trustees resolved to have the Sewerage Commissioners
connect the school basement with the system.
In
January 1904, the Light and Power Company installed a meter to measure the
amount of electricity used.
In
March 1906, a new manse, situated on Brighton Road, was purchased for
$3,500.00.
In
December 1910, the choir of Saint James Church requested leave to wear black
gowns and mortar boards.
In
1920, there were joint services with Zion Church during the summer months.
December
26, 1924, was the date set to vote on church union, under the "United
Church of Canada Act" passed by the Federal Parliament of Canada.
On
January 14, 1925, the results of the vote were announced: for union - 20%,
against union - 80%.
In
November 1925, the manse property on Brighton Road was sold. A new manse was to
be built on the Church property.
In
June 1926, the tender of Messrs. H. and S. Lowe to build a new manse on Pownal
Street was accepted.
In
1928, the Trustees sold a lot on Pownal Street for $1,200.00 and a lot on
Ambrose Street for $750.00.
In
1935, the Trustees sold the Pollock property on McGill Avenue.
On
March 1, 1936, the Church service was changed from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. so
the congregation could be home to listen to the first broadcast of H. M. King
Edward VIII.
In
1939, the Annual Reports were sent out by mail together with a letter that
requested a ten percent increase in contributions.
In
1942, war-risk insurance was added to the insurance coverage on the Church.
In
1944, communion cards were distributed instead of tokens.
In
1946, there was a three month trial given to the printing of a church
bulletin.
In
July 1947, an oil-fired boiler was purchased from the Department of Public
Works.
In
1947, elders began the delivery of communion cards.
In
February 1950, sketch plans for the proposed kitchen were presented. The wishes
of the ladies with respect to the kitchen were to be accepted, as they were
paying for the work.
In
October 1950, a pew was set aside for the Lieutenant Governor, His Honour
T.W.L. Prowse.
In
January 1957, the lowest tender for fuel oil was accepted at 18.6 per gallon.
In
June 1958, approval was given to install a water heater in the kitchen in time
for the Fall Tea.
In
April 1969, Church Services were cancelled due to an oil spill at the Church by
Charlottetown Petroleum Products.
In
April 1971, the cleaning and refinishing of the pews was completed.
In
May 1974, the bank informed the Board of Trustees that the interest rates had
increased to 11% on their loan.
In
December 1974, it was suggested that the total Church debt of $22,000.00 be
paid off in 1975 as the Church’s Centennial Project.
In
1978, during the one hundredth anniversary service of the second Kirk of Saint
James, Dr. John MacKieson's dedication hymn was sung once again.
Many
bequests had been received over the years which helped the financial cituation
at the Kirk.
STAINED GLASS IN THE KIRK
One
of the outstanding features of the Kirk is the beauty of its stained glass
windows. These windows portray some of the great events in the life of our Lord
and tell the story of Faith from its earliest origins in the Old Testament
times through the Gospels and Epistles. The subjects and symbols of these
windows are an inspiration and a stimulus to worship.
In
the archway over the main door on Pownal Street is a window depicting Christ
the King holding the orb of world dominion. His hand is raised in blessingupon
all who enter to worship and adore. This figure of the Saviour King is
surrounded by Cherubs in heavenly glory. This memorial, a tribute to Dr. and
Mrs. V.L. Goodwill, was the gift of Dr. and Mrs. W.L. Bailey. The window was
dedicated in 1953.
To
the left of the main entrance, in the former choir vestry, is the beautiful
little David of Israel window. This was given by Hazel Callbeck and daughter
Claudette in memory of Mr. L.C. Callbeck, a noted Agriculturalist, a long time
choir member and elder of this congregation. The symbols that surround the
figure of David portray his interest in agriculture and his leadership
qualities and make this a particularly appropriate memorial to Mr. Callbeck.
The next two windows are the MacKenzie Memorial windows. The first is of Saint
Cecilia, the patroness of music, who holds an organ. A lyre appears at the top
of this window. The other is of Saint Hilda, the patroness of women teachers,
who holds a book of music. A lamp of learning appears at the top of this
window. These windows are a tribute to the talents of Edith Lillian MacKenzie,
Mus. Bac., F.M.C.M., Organist and Director of Choirs for almost twenty years.
Over the door of the Fitzroy Street entrance is a window in memory of Mr, and
Mrs. Fred Smith which was given by their five sons. It is comprised of one
trefoil and two quadrafids depicting an equilateral triangle, the tablets of
stone and the serpent, and the beesand beehive resting on a bible. Mr. Smith
was a church officer for fifty years. At the base of the tower are four small
windows; the rose, the thistle, the lily and the burning bush. These were given
by the Presbyterian Women in memory of the women of the congregation.
The
nave is ringed with many beautiful examples of stained glass. High on the South
wall and facing Fitzroy Street is a massive and colourful portrayal of the Good
Shepherd. The adjoining panels display the scrolls symbolizing prophecy and
evangelism. This window was the gift of the Honourable J. C. Pope and William
Welch, and was the result of an election wager. On the lower South wall are
three groups of windows. The first panels portray the two great figures of the
Old Testament, Moses and Isaiah, who represent the Law and the Prophets. Moses
holds the tablets of the Ten Commandments, and Isaiah holds the scroll which
foretells the birth of the promised Messiah. These windows are a memorial to
Mr. and Mrs. J.E.B. Macready. Next are three windows which are the
Congregation's memorial to those who gave their lives in the Second World War.
The figures of Saint Stephen, Saint John and Saint Timothy portray the heroism
and sacrifice of all who died in national service for the cause of honour and
freedom. In the upper reaches of these windows are the Coat of Arms of the
Dominion of Canada, and the Province of Prince Edward Island and the City of
Charlottetown. At the base of each in turn is the crest of the Navy, the Army
and the Air Forces against a background of Canadian Maple Leaves. These windows
were unveiled on November 13, 1949, by Mrs. Melville Andrew and Mrs. Lorne
Stewart, mothers of boys whose lives were given in our defence. Next are panels
which portray the two great figures of the New Testament, Saint Peter, the
Apostle to the Jews, and Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Saint Peter holds
the keys of the Kingdom, and Saint Paul the sword of the Spirit. These two were
given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hyndman. Above the door in the
Prowse Memorial is a beautiful Good Shepherd window. This window, a memorial to
Mrs. T.W.L. Prowse, was given by the Honourable T.W.L. Prowse and family.
High
on either corner of the West wall are two jewel-like windows. That on the left
depicts Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. That on the right depicts
Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Aberdeen. Below the Saint Nicholas window
is one that portrays the figure of Hope. These three constitute a memorial to
Mrs. J.R. Burnett whose Christian name was Hope. The Chancel window, “I Know
That My Redeemer Liveth,” is adorned with many symbols. It was the gift of the
MacKinnon family in honour of their parents, early members of this
congregation. Over the Holy Table in the Chancel are two smaller windows. One
portrays our Lord with the chalice of Holy Communion and the other portrays
Saint James, the patron of this congregation. Saint James has the pilgrim’s
staff in hand and the traditional scallop shell of his apostleship in his cap.
These two windows are a memorial to the Goodwill family.
On
the North wall of the Reverend Dr. T.H.B. Somers Memorial Chapel are two
windows in tribute to a former minister of the Kirk and his wife, the Reverend
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Fraser Fullerton. The first window portrays Saint
Kentigern, the patron saint of Glasgow, the city of Dr. Fullerton's birth and
education. The Glasgow Cathedral which contains the shrine of Saint Kentigern
(Saint Mungo) is shown in the lower right of this window. The adjoining window,
a memorial to Mrs. Fullerton, whose Christian name was Margaret, portrays Saint
Margaret of Scotland. The upper portion of this window depicts Edinburgh
Castle, the centre of Saint Margaret's great work in the restoration and
extension of the church of Scotland in the eleventh century. Next is the Aubrey
Blanchard Memorial window in honour of a young engineer who drowned in the St.
Lawrence River in 1905. He was the son of Dr. and Mrs. E.S. Blanchard, the
first couple married in the second Kirk and the step-grandson of its architect.
Next are two windows in memory of Mr. J.R. Burnett, who was an elder of this
congregation for many years, and an editor of the "Charlottetown
Guardian." The first window portrays Saint Ninian, who was the first
Apostle of Scotland. In the panel below is his little church at Whithorn, the
first stone sanctuary in Britain. The second window portrays Saint Columba, who
was the sixth founder of the great Iona mission, and the Apostle to the
Highlands. The panel below features a little coracle, the vessel which carried
Saint Columba and his monks across the sea from Ireland. The musician's lyre
and the Boy Scout fleur-de-lis, in opposite corners of these windows, represent
Mr. Burnett's generous sponsorship of the Boys' Choir and the Scout Troop.
In
the upper left corner of the East wall is a small window depicting the
interpretation of Revelations 3:20 “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” Next
is a large window which portrays the Resurrection. This window is a beautiful
tribute, given by Archibald Kennedy, in memory of his wife, Mary Crawford
McLauren, who died in 1899. The other two windows in this memorial are filled
with sacramental symbols, seraphs and angels in glory. Under the gallery on the
East wall are two windows. One portrays Saint Mark, the evangelist with his
distinctive symbol, the lion. The other portrays Saint Luke, the beloved
physician with his symbol, the ox. The former is in memory of Mrs. Augusta Gill
and her three daughters and was the gift of her son-in-law and grandsons, the
Monteith family. The latter, in memory of Mr. H.A. Stetson, was the gift of his
wife.
In
the Church hall, the large window on the Fitzroy Street wall is entitled
"the Hosts to God." It portrays Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus
surrounded by all the animals that are mentioned in the gospel story of the
nativity. This window was the gift of Charles and Ruth MacKenzie and is an
Island product. It was designed by John Burden, created and installed by Blaine
Hrabi and constructed under the supervision of Peter Hyndman.
THE CHANCEL FURNISHINGS
The Chancel furnishings include the following
items:
The
Holy Table which served as the pulpit before the changes in 1931.
The
elders’ chairs on either side of the Holy Table, a memorial to Mrs. Ina Gillan
Beer, were given by the Kirk Auxiliary.
The
minister’s chair was the gift of Miss Katharine M. MacLennan in honour of her
mother, Mrs. A.E. Morrison.
The
Pulpit was given in tribute to the late J.E.B. McCready (1838-1930).
The
Pulpit Fall with embroidered cross was presented by Mrs. Charles Hyndman in
1927.
The
Chancel Rail, in memory of J. W. Morrison, Chairman of the Trustees and
Building Committee during the building of the second church, was the gift of
his son.
The
brass adornments of the Holy Table were all gifts to the congregation; the Alms
Basin and Offering Plates were donated by Colonel Moodie of Hamilton. The
plates now serve in the Church School and have been replaced by larger offering
plates, which were donated by Professor and Mrs. W.L. Bailey. The larger brass
vases were the gift of Miss Katharine M. MacLennan, in memory of her father, David Ross MacLennan 1850-1919. The
smaller brass vases together with the organ lamp were memorials to Dr. Robert
D. MacKinnon, 1878-1948 and were the gift of his wife, Mrs. MacKinnon of
Narberth, Pennsylvania.
The
Celtic Chancel Cross was dedicated on December 4, 1977, in memory of Jessie
Delores Walls, and was given by her husband Dr. R.J. McClenaghan of Ottawa. She
is remembered at the Kirk as Mrs. T.H.B. Somers. This Saint John's Cross is a
replica of a tenth century cross that stood before the west entrance to Iona Cathedral. This Cross sits on a
tri-step pedestal which was given by the Enman family in memory of Margaret
Elizabeth Enman 1937-1947.
A
silver plated lectern, a memorial to the Reverend W. Bruce Muir, was dedicated
on August 10, 1980. This memorial was the gift of Mr. Muir's daughter Ina, now
Mrs. Alex Frew of Hollywood, Florida. It is used to support the minister's book
during communion services.
The
organ, the Casavant Freres’ instrument was built and dedicated in 1957 “to the
Glory of God and in grateful tribute to the men and women of this congregation who
throughout the years have served and sacrificed for Christ’s cause, and in
honoured memory of those in the armed forces who laid down their lives in the
services of their country.”
The
oak lectern was the gift of Mrs. A.E. Duff.
The
Bible and the blue silk markers on the lectern were gifts of the retired Church
officer, Frederick Smith, a tribute to three of his friends, J.R. Burnett, D.A.
MacKinnon and A.E. Morrison, elders of this congregation. The Bible was
dedicated in October, 1953.
The
music stand was given by the Black family.
The
oak hymn boards were the gifts of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sadler.
The
two oak Communion token trays were the gift of a former Session Clerk, Mr. N.D.
MacLean,
J. P. These were made by Mr. MacLean to match the two older trays.
The
choir offering pouches, in purple silk, embroidered with the Greek Cross in
gold, were the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lorne C. Callbeck.
The
Bible of the Duncan family was given by Mr. and Mrs. James Enman.Flower stands,
in memory of family members, were donated by the MacLeod and the Perry
families.
The
jardinieres were presented by the Central Group to the Glory of God in loving
memory of Hazel Brownrigg Roop - 1980.
Plant
stands, in memory of Edith Lillian MacKenzie, Mus. Bac., F.M.C.M., Organist and
Director of Choirs, were given by Doris Tait and Mabel Matheson.
The
Baptismal Font of white marble was the gift of a group of young women of the
congregation. It was built by Sanford of Halifax and was dedicated and used for
the first time in January, 1898.
The
colours of the Prince Edward Island Highlanders, originally the 82nd Regiment,
the Abegweit Light Infantry hang over the Chancel. These colours were purchased
in London and presented to the Regiment in a ceremony in Victoria Park on July
4, 1908, by Mrs. D.A. MacKinnon, wife of the Lieutenant Governor, and by Mrs.
Daniel Stewart, wife of the Commanding
Officer of the Regiment. The Reverend T.F. Fullerton, Chaplain, was among those
present on the occasion and gave an address. Church authorities accepted the
colours for safekeeping on August 6, 1922, at the request of Colonel V.L.
Goodwill of the battalion.
SPECIAL FEATURES
To
the right of the chancel is the Dr. T.H.B. Somers Memorial Chapel. This chapel,
established in 1967 to honour a devoted ministry of almost twenty-five years,
perpetuates the memory of those whose lives have enriched the ministry of
Christ in this congregation. The names of those who made the chapel a reality
are recorded in the Book of Remembrances.
The
Book of Remembrances has become an important part in the ongoing life of the
congregation. The names of those honoured within this sanctuary will be entered
here, and thus remembered as we continue to serve Christ.
The
Communion Table in the Somers Memorial Chapel is the one used for the Sacrament
in the sanctuary before the renovations of 1931. On the table sits a Celtic
Cross, sacred to the memory of Dr. Somers. It was the gift of his wife. The
chairs are in memory of Louis Sadler and Frank Shannon Sadler. The lecterns,
benches and railings were memorials gifts of others.
To
the left of the Chancel and in balance with the Somers Chapel is the Prowse
Memorial. This is an entrance alcove and quiet retreat created in 1969 by the
Honourable T.W.L. Prowse and family in memory of Mrs. Prowse. The chair in the
Prowse Memorial was in memory of Howard L. MacDonald - 1980.
On
the North wall is a doorway leading into the Hyndman Memorial Archives. This
room was originally the minister's vestry. In 1977, it was refurbished in
memory of members of the Hyndman family. It houses historical material relating
to the Kirk and its people. In the
Prowse Memorial is an oak case which was presented to the Women's Missionary
Society of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. It houses historical records. In
the Hyndman Memorial Archives is a similar case which houses the Communion Set
in silver plate. The Communion Service and the two cases were gifts of Mr. and
Mrs. W.A. Stewart, and were given in memory of Daniel Stewart, a former elder.
The first case was built by the Chandler Brothers in 1948. The second case was
built in 1923 by Duncan Livingstone, a Church Officer.
PLAQUES AND HANGINGS
To
the left as you enter the Pownal Street door is a plaque in memory of Edith
Lillian MacKenzie, Mus. Bac., F.M.C.M., Organist and Director of Choirs for
many years. Next are the Roll of Honour and the For King and Country Roll
listing the names of those who went to war. To the right is a plaque from the
Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation dated June, 1988 and a
numbered print of the Kirk of Saint James.
Memorials in the nave include the following:
to W.
Chester S. McLure, a long time elder of the Kirk and one who was prominent in
public life and the legislatures of the land;
to
those who founded this congregation in 1825 - dedicated November 5, 1978; to
James Anderson from Huntly, Aberdeen;
to
those brave men who gave their lives in the Great War of 1914-1918;
to
James Watt, a baker, and the son of the stonemason who worked on the building
of our Province House;
to
the Reverend John Goodwill and his wife Euphemia Jane Cooper;
to
Colonel John Hamilton Gray, Premier of Prince Edward Island 1863-1865, Chairman
of the first Conference on Confederation in 1864, and an elder of this
congregation for thirty years;
to
Dr. N. Colin MacKenzie who lost his life in the sinking of the "Fairy
Queen" off Pictou Island on October 7, 1853;
to
the Reverend William Snodgrass, D.D. an honoured minister of the congregation;
to
the Reverend Thomas Duncan, D.D. an honoured minister of the Kirk of Saint James;
to
Ernest W. Auld who gave his life in the First World War;
to
Colonel Edgar Auld who gave his life in the Second World War;
to
Mary Ellen Sutherland, the wife of Dr. Sutherland;
to
Fred Smith in recognition for fifty years of service as a Church Officer at the
Kirk;
on
the North wall on a small slab of marble is embedded a piece of granite,
brought to Charlottetown by the Reverend Dr. R. Moorhead Legate from the ruins
of Saint Mary's Cathedral on the Island of Iona, Scotland, the scene of Saint
Columba’s mission in the sixth century. The granite rock and the Celtic Cross
inscribed on the marble slab remind us that this congregation was founded by
ministers of the Church of Scotland and served by them for the first hundred
and sixteen years of its history;
the
window in the Chancel was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. MacLeod and
daughter Shirley by their daughter Phyllis and grandson Frank;
the
window lighting in the East wall of the Kirk was given in memory of George M..
Chandler;
the
window lighting in the South wall, for the memorial windows to those who gave
their lives in the Second World War, was the gift of their former chums in the
Third Charlottetown Rover Sea Scouts;
on
the East wall of the Fitzroy entrance is a plaque dated 1965, with respect to
the renovations to the Church Hall and Sunday School rooms.
Music
Although information about the music of the
Kirk is limited, records indicate the following:
1853 Mr. Lydiava to form and conduct a choir.
1855 Proposal to secure a Precentor to conduct
the Psalmody.
1857 Mr. Norman Lowden employed as choir
director Mr. John B. Strong led the choir for three months.
1867 Mr. Bain would not undertake to organize
the choir without the aid of
instrumental
music.
An
organ was ordered and purchased.
1869 Choir asks to move down from the gallery -
too cold.
1870 Mr. Lang conducted a choir concert.
Mr.
Smythe acted as choir master.
1873 Mr. Stamberg is in charge of the Psalmody.
1881 Miss McFarlane to take charge of the
instrument.
1888 Mr. Earle to take the choir.
1892 Purchased a pipe organ - not to exceed
$3,000.00.
1893 Had to purchase a water motor for the pipe
organ.
1894 Mr. J.E. Bell was the choir instructor -
already the organist.
1896 Purchased a piano.
1904
- Mr. W. MacKie appointed organist.
H.A.
Tanton appointed organist.
1905
- Miss Alice Hansin was organist and choir instructor.
1908
- Professor Singleton was organist and choir master.
1909
- Mr. Colvill engaged as Organist for three months.
Professor
Watts was choir master - paid by the night.
1919
- Professor Barlow was thanked for his efforts with the choir over the years.
1920
- Mrs. Keith Rogers was thanked for services during the illness of
Professor
Watkis.
1921
- Mr. Arthur Bruce offered a per diem rate per Sunday to help with the
choir.
1927
- Professor Frank F. Watkis had been organist and choir director for twenty
years.
Mr. George Mathuen was organist and leader of praise.
1929
- Mr. Walter McNutt was the organist and Mrs. J.A. Lawson was the
choir
director.
1930
- Mrs. Keith Rogers was appointed organist.
1932
- Mrs. Lawson and Mrs. R. Reymond were choir directors.
1941
- Miss E. Lillian MacKenzie was organist and directress of the choristers.
Mrs.
Roberta Full served during the illness of Miss MacKenzie.
1961
- Mr. Christopher Gledhill appointed organist and choir director.
1966
- Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor was the organist and Mr. and Mrs. R. Reymond
choir
directors - Mr. Gledhill was on a two year leave of absence.
1978
- Mr. Gwillym Bevan appointed organist and choir director.
1983
- Mr. Case Van Hemert appointed Director of Music.
THE WOMEN OF THE KIRK
The
role played by the women of the Kirk since 1825 has been for the most part low
keyed but tremendous in its impact. No undertaking, however great or small,
lacked their sympathy and support. If today the Kirk merits recognition in its
own circle, community or Province, much credit must go to the women's
organizations that flourished through the years.
The
Ladies Aid, The Guild and Women's Missionary Society, in early years, were outstanding
in their contributions of service. The Ladies Aid and The Guild joined to form
The Kirk Auxiliary in 1958. In 1972, they along with the Women's Missionary
Society formed The Presbyterian Women of the Kirk of Saint James. The Auxiliary
operated in six groups - East, West, Central, Brighton, J.O.Y. and Dorcas, but
held a general monthly meeting to coordinate activities. This continues under
the Presbyterian Women of the Kirk.
Over these many years, very large sums of
money have been raised by the women of the Kirk and given to the Trustees to
assist with the many financial trials which they encountered. As groups and as
individuals they have always been "at the ready" to assist wherever
possible. The congregation of the Kirk of Saint James "thanks" the
women's groups for all their assistance.
In 1966, women became eligible to become
elders and ministers with the Presbyterian Church in Canada. As such they have
taken on their new roles with that same dedication and determination and
continue to add to the place of our Church within our own congregation,
Province, Country and abroad.
The
first woman to be elected to the eldership at the Kirk was Pauline Prowse.
MINISTERS OF THE KIRK
Since
1831, this congregation has been served by the following ministers:
1831 - 1836 Reverend James
Mackintosh
Mr.
Mackintosh was sent out by the Glasgow Colonial Committee of the Church of
Scotland.
1840
- 1844 Reverend Angus McIntyre
Mr.
McIntyre came from Scotland. Due to the vacancy of four years the records show
that the Church of Scotland urged him to “proceed with as little delay as
possible via one of the steam packets. He was assured that he would receive a
kind and cordial welcome from the Presbyterians in Charlottetown.” The young
minister proved to be an eloquent preacher and a faithful worker. He often
visited and preached in destitute stations and congregations throughout the
Province.
1848
- 1849 Reverend Samuel Brown
Mr.
Brown was a young Irish minister. Although he was only able to stay for six
months, his work was
appreciated.
1849
Reverend John McBean, M.A.
Due
to ill health Mr. McBean served only six months.
1849
- 1853 Reverend Robert McNair
Mr.
McNair was popular as a preacher and as pastor. He embraced heterodox views
regarding the Sabbath.
1853-
1855 Reverend William Snodgrass, M.A.,
Dr.
Snodgrass was a missionary to the congregation.
1855-
1856 Reverend William Snodgrass, M.A., D.D.
Dr.
Snodgrass was the minister of the Kirk. The congregation developed into one of
the most active and flourishing in the Presbytery. In later years he became
Professor of Divinity and Principal of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
He was the valued convenor of the Synod’s Committee on the union of all
Presbyterian Churches in Canada. He was one of the four Moderators to sign the
solemn Deed on Union, at Montreal, Quebec, on June 15, 1875.
1856-
1876 Reverend Thomas Duncan
Under
Mr. Duncan's leadership the congregation grew to the point of the need for a
new church. Not only was he the
driving force in the expansion of the Kirk but he also was interested in the
Evangelical Alliance, the Y.M.C.A. and other worthwhile organizations. He was
married to one of the Hyndman family of Charlottetown and their son, George,
who was born in the Kirk manse, later became a minister.
1877-
1884 Reverend Kenneth MacLennan, M.A.
Mr.
MacLennan influenced the congregation to build a new church. His gifts and
skills as an authority on ecclesiastical architecture are reflected in the
beauty of the second Kirk.
1885-
1892 Reverend James S. Carruthers
Mr.
Carruthers came from Pictou, Nova Scotia. The congregation was burdened with
a heavy debt and there was
division and disorganization. Mr. Carruthers succeeded in overcoming these
difficulties over his seven years in the church.
1893-
1921 Reverend Thomas F. Fullerton,
M.A., D. D.
Dr.
Fullerton soon earned a unique place in the life of the congregation, the
community and the Province. He enlisted as Chaplain and gave distinguished
service with the Canadian troops in the South African War. His memory is
cherished and his ministry is commemorated in the memorial stained glass window
given by his family.
1921 -
1925 Reverend William Orr Mulligan,
D.D.
Dr.
Mulligan came from Bedford, Nova Scotia. He served through the troubled years
of the Union controversy. Later Dr. Mulligan won distinction in the field of
Church Law.
1925
- 1930 Reverend W. Bruce Muir
The
Kirk Session records that Mr. Muir gave strenuous and faithful service to Saint
James and also to the church at large. He expounded and preached the Word of
God with zeal and power. He devoted his many gifts to the extension of Christ's
Kingdom and to the welfare of the community.
1930
- 1941 Reverend Robert Moorhead Legate, D.D.
Dr.
Legate came from Burlington, Ontario. He had served in Australia and the Fiji
Islands. Dr. Legate was a pastor in the truest sense of the word. He is
remembered for his diligence in visiting the members of the congregation.
1941
- 1965 Reverend Thomas Henry Bussell
Somers, M.A., S.T.M., D.D.
Dr.
Somers was the first Canadian born minister of the Kirk. He was a native of
Toronto, and ordained in Vancouver. He served as the minister of the Kirk until
his death on June 24, 1965. His love of people and intellectual genius and
diligence both endeared him to the congregation and earned a respect that
continues to the present day.
1965
- 1972 Reverend Malcolm Adams McCuaig,
B.A., B.D., D. Min.
Dr.
McCuaig was born in Montreal and graduated from Sir George Williams University
and the Presbyterian College. He gave faithful and distinguished service to the
affairs of both the
congregation and the community.
1969
- 1970 Reverend A.G. Faraday, C.D.,
M.A.
Mr.
Faraday was an Interim Minister during a study leave granted to Dr. McCuaig.
1972 Reverend John Robert Cameron, B.A.,
B.D., D.D.
Dr.
Cameron is a native of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. He graduated from Acadian
University in Nova Scotia and from Presbyterian College in Montreal. He came
from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia to the Kirk. In 1970-71, while in Lunenburg, he was
elected as Moderator of the Maritime Synod. In 1981 he was awarded an honorary
doctorate from Presbyterian College in Montreal. In 1983, Dr. Cameron was
invited to write a booklet on the pastoral responsibility of the elder. The Presbyterian Church in Canada
has had three re-printings completed. In June 1991, Dr. Cameron brought great
honour to himself, to the Kirk of St. James and to the Province of Prince Edward Island when he was
elected as the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Dr. Cameron is
the first Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada to come from Prince Edward Island.
1985
- Reverend Susan Lawson, B.A., Dip. Soc. Sci.
Ms.
Lawson graduated from the University of Wales, the University of Birmingham,
England and Knox College. She was ordained in 1978 by the Presbytery of
Assiniboia. Her two year mission appointment was to the Brookfield Pastoral
Charge on Prince Edward Island. In 1980 she was called to the same Pastoral
Charge. In 1983 she became the Chaplain at the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College and
Hillsborough Hospital. In 1985, Ms. Lawson was appointed as a half time
Assistant Minister at the Kirk. In 1989, she was inducted as the Associate
Minister of the Kirk of Saint James.
October,
1992
