Fact and Fantasy: A History of Tavistock and District (1967)

Fact & Fantasy: A History of Tavistock & District

Churches - Page 90

CHURCHES

The Baptist Church
"An old congregation in South Easthope is the Baptist in Tavistock. This church was organized in 1851, by the Rev. Mr.Snider. Like all other churches in olden times, services were held in a log building, where its 15 members and those associating themselves with them, worshipped for a number of years. In 1867, the growing demands of this body rendered a new church necessary. In 1868, the new church was built and the membership increased to sixty-three, under Rev. Mr. Roadhouse. Provision was also made for religious training of their children, and a Sabbath school is conducted by Mr. J.D. Adam, as superintendent at which on Sabbath days there is an attendance of about 65 pupils."
- Johnston's History of Perth (1825-1902)

"Pastor J.J. White of the Baptist Church is not only popular among his congregation but is an esteemed citizen. He was born in Paris in Brant County and received his education largely at the Canadian Literary Institute at Woodstock. He spent about 14 years in the United States in pastoral work. For twelve years, he devoted himself to Evangelistic work. For the past two years, the pastorate duties in connection with his congregation have occupied his time. He has been an active worker in church work for over 35 years. Mr. White is one of the famous White Brothers, evangelists whose good work in both Canada and United States is so well known. Both brothers are also good musicians. - from The Graphic, Oct. 21, 1905.

The church was rebuilt in 1904 and in 1926 was taken over by the continuing Presbyterians and renamed St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

For some time it served as a storage shed for building materials. Later with rededication it served the Tavistock people of the Mennonite faith until they built their church on Wettlaufer Street.

In late 1949 the building was purchased by Trinity Lutheran Church and serves as parish hall, for Sunday morning Bible classes, choir practice, Lenten services, Ladies' Aid meetings etc.

In reply to my inquiry, Mr. Frank Corp, long a resident or our village, now of Toronto, reports.

"School Section No. 15 was built with the following on the front of the school - Erected in the Year 1885 by East Zorra School Board - The school was located on the south side of the road running from the 12th Line to the 11th Lone of East Zorra.

"Immediately across the road, directly opposite the school was the 12th Line Baptist Church. It had been built several years before the erection of the school. This was the Baptist Church we attended for several years. I lived at the time where Russell Yausie is located and started to school in May of 1891, or 1892.

"The minister during this time was the Rev. R. N. Cunningham and Sunday School was at 10:00 a.m. and church Service at 11:00 a.m. and was always packed to the doors. The Rev. W. S. Walker preached at the Tavistock Baptist and the 12th Line Baptist Churches.

The 12th Line church was sold and moved to Hickson and turned into a store run by R. G. Nichols."

KNOX UNITED (formerly Presbyterian)
- by Dr. H. M. Taylor, Clerk of Sessions

"This church did not exist before 1878. The prosperity of the village after the building of the railway had attracted others as well as the Germans and several Presbyterian families became residents. And so Rev, Mr. Fleming was sent as missionary to preach in Tavistock, and if possible to organize a congregation. The number of adherents at this time did not exceed twelve. In 1879, Rev. Mr. Stewart of North Easthope became a stationed minister and proper organization took place. The congregation had been holding services in a hall over a hotel shed (likely Loth's Hall), but now rented the Baptist members and adherents took place and a new brick building was constructed at a cost of $3,500. This little body had been quite successful, its communion roll numbering at a present (1902) 112 and is still progressing under the ministrations of Rev. Mr. McCullough. A Sabbath School is conducted in a connection with this congregation with Mr. J.G Field as superintendent, having an attendance of 75 pupils. The present elders have done much toward its success: Michael Steele, M. D., A. T. Bell and J. G. Field."
- History of Perth, 1825 - 1902

Knox Presbyterian Ministers
1889 - Rev. Mr. Pyke, first regular minister.
1898 - 1906 Rev. H. M. McCulloch
1906 - 1909 Rev. Isaac H. Woods
1910 - 1913 Rev. R. B. Stevenson
1914 - 1924 Rev. H. H. Turner
1924 - 1925 Rev. Hugh Crozier

Knox United Ministers
The United Church of Canada was formed June 10, 1925 by the union of Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches in Canada. A majority of the members of Knox Presbyterian Church in Tavistock voted in favour of union and the church became Knox United Church of Tavistock.
1924 - 1927 Rev. Hugh Crozier
1927 - 1937 Rev. E. W. Edwards
1937 - 1939 Rev. Geo. W. Birtch
1939 - 1946 Rev. Dr. H. H. Irish
1946 - 1951 Rev. J. W. Hughes
1951 - 1952 Rev. Charles Cox
1952 - 1953 Rev. Dr. Alfred Gray
1953 - 1956 Rev. G. Y. McGookin
1956 - 1958 Rev. J. W. Button
1958 - 1963 Rev. A. L. Siscoe
1963 - Rev. James Warden

The Tavistock Gazette of June 18, 1903 reports that the Y.P.S.C.E. of Knox for the next six months would be under the following executive:
Pres: H. A. Glaspell
Vice-Pres: Jessie M. Bell, B.A.
Rec.-Secy: Adna Bell
Corr. Secy: Mrs. E. B. Spark
Treas: Laura Facey

(Photo at right) Rev. H. McCulloch
Pastor Knox Church, Tavistock

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