Among the many items pertaining to Mr. Fred Krug in the Tavistock Museum and Archives is an illuminated hand-lettered document presented to F. Krug Esq. by the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church, Tavistock at his home on April 27, 1921. The following is the report printed in the Tavistock Gazette on April 28, 1921.

“An event of unusual importance took place at the home of Mr. F. Krug last evening when the members and adherents of Knox Presbyterian Church,Tavistock assembled at his home and surprised him with an illuminated and highly artistic address in view of his many years’ service as the faithful and energetic secretary-treasurer of (the) church which numbered forty-two years on Wednesday.

The event served as sort of a forty-second anniversary of the first Presbyterian service which was held above Loth’s hotel shed when Mr. Krug was appointed secretary-treasurer and which position he has held uninterruptedly ever since.

The address itself is a beautiful and handsome masterpiece of art and was executed by Harry Jewell of Toronto, who was the artist and designer of the address and welcome presented to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales upon his recent visit to Canada. It is bound in a flexible purple morocco cover. The first page con- tains a cut of the church and inscribed underneath appears“Built and Dedicated 1892.”The next page contains a painting of Mr. Krug with the following inscription underneath “The Congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church,Tavistock to F. Krug Esq. 1879- 1921”. Then follows the address with the names of the different pastors who had charge of the congregation since its commencement with the dates of their services encircled by floral designs. Throughout the entire address appear many artistic touches of floral effects which are done in water colors as is also the word- ing of the entire address.

Mr. J. G. Field read the address as follows:
‘On the long travelled road of service as Secretary-Treasurer of Knox Church, an office which you have filled so well for the past forty-two years, we, the members and adherents of the congrega- tion desire to express to you our appreciation and thanks for services so well and so faithfully performed.

During your long term of office you have seen many changes in the congregation - you have seen it grow from a mission charge without a church-home to a self-sustaining congregation - you have watched some of us grow to manhood and womanhood in our church - you have bid God-speed to many who have gone to make their homes in other places - you have said farewell to friends and dear ones who have passed on to the Great Beyond - you have encouraged and helped many who have worked side by side with you - and in all this you have done your part in the work our Church has always before it.

It is given to very few to enjoy the confidence and esteem in which you have been held while holding this office for nearly half of a century, and to refer to this alone is equivalent to saying - you have done well.

We take this means of permanently recording our gratitude, that it may be a reminder to you in the years to come, of a sincere appreciation of a life-long devotion to duty, and further, to record our good wishes to you and our prayer that God’s richest blessing may rest upon you. Our earnest desire is that you may continue to assist in His work for many years as you have done so faithfully in the long period of office as Church Secretary Treasurer.’

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.”
Signed on behalf of the congregation and adherents of the Church: H.H. Turner, J.G. Field, George MacKay, May H. Bell. Mrs. A.T. Bell made the presentation while the present pastor acted as chairman of a varied and highly delightful programme. One of the most enjoyed numbers of the programme was a brief synposis of the history of the church since its inception by Mr. Geo. MacKay.

A very tasty luncheon served by the members of the Ladies’ Aid rounded out a pleasant and historical epoch in the life of Knox Presbyterian Church,Tavistock.”

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