Burnstown United Church  1849-1999

Table of Contents

Message from Minister
Acknowledgements

Through the Decades
Chapter 1 - In the Beginning
Chapter 2 - The Free Church
Chapter 3 - Between 1875 and 1900
Chapter 4 - Construction
Chapter 5 - The Early 1900s
Chapter 6 - The 1920s and Union
Chapter 7 - The Thirties and Forties
Chapter 8 - The Fifties and Sixties
Chapter 9 - The Seventies
Chapter 10 - The Eighties
Chapter 11 - The Nineties
Chapter 12 - Celebrating Our History

Organizations and Other Tidbits
Chapter 13 - Women's Missionary Society (WMS)
Chapter 14 - Other Women's Organizations
Chapter 15 - Young People's Union (YPU)
Chapter 16 - Other Organizations
Chapter 17 - Music Through The Years
Chapter 18 - Community Activities

Families Through the Years
Chapter 19 - Families Associated With the Church

Appendix A - Ministers
Appendix B - Church Officers
Appendix C - Baptisms
Appendix D - Marriages
Appendix E - War Veterans
Appendix F - Gifts and Memorials
Appendix G - Improvements & Repairs
Appendix H - Contract for Construction of Church
Appendix I - References

Index

Message from Minister

I commend the following pages to you as a record of the Burnstown church.

For some, the pages tell of things, wood, brick, and mortar; and in that respect it is almost exhaustive in detail from the memories and records of the community.

For others, the pages record the families that have been the Burnstown church for over one hundred and fifty years, complete with genealogy.

The pages' simplicity often invites the question "what was the faith of these people which makes them act thus?" The writer is competent to distinguish between fact and conjecture, leaving the reader to decide "what was the faith..."

A people who forget their history lose sight of where they are going. And as the people of the old testament would recite their history:

'A wandering Aramean was my father, and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. And the Egyptians treated us harshly, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage. Then we cried to the LORD the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice, and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.' DEU 26:5-9

we must make reference to ours, and the faith which makes us act thus.

And finally, as you look closely at these pages, you discover that we are not so terrible much different. History does repeat itself.

Rev. Don Anderson

Acknowledgements

There is so much in 150 years of a congregation's life that it is difficult to determine what to cover in 100 pages. That is less than one page for every year, including pictures. Do you concentrate on the organizations, the financial aspects, the building improvements, or the people? As the four gospels give four different accounts of Christ's life, each author picking and choosing what each feels is important, so too it goes with an author of a history book. As a church is the congregation and not the building, I have chosen to spend a significant portion of this book on the people that worshipped in this church over the last 150 years. At first, I was only planning to cover the founding families but then it became apparent that each era has different names that worshipped in this church and kept it going through the hard times. An area that I decided not to cover is a biography of the various ministers, as the White Lake and Calabogie congregations have included this with their histories. I apologize for any errors or omissions.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to the people who helped make this book possible. Many people provided anecdotes, memories, pictures, and family histories, while others spent time reviewing drafts. Although I do not have sufficient space to thank everyone, there are four people who need special mention. First, thanks to Mrs. Grace Richardson who did so much research in 1967 in anticipation of a booklet being published as a Centennial project. Although I never had the privilege of knowing her, I am very thankful to her family for allowing me to use her research notes and scrapbooks. Second, thanks to Mrs. Jean Denniston, a life-long member of the congregation. She provided immeasurable knowledge on the families that have passed through the church's doors and the life of the church in the last 80 years. Third, thanks to Mr. Tim Gordon of General Store Publishing House, who provided invaluable guidance for seeing this book through to publication. Finally, a special thank you to my husband, Jim, who was endlessly patient as I sat for hours on end at my computer.

Enjoy your journey through the first 150 years of this congregation. For those that have been a part of the history, I hope this book opens some pleasant memory closets.

Permissions
I wish to express my sincere thanks to those who have given their kind permission to use excerpts from their published works:
Extracts from Burnstown Remembered by Margaret Robertson, copyright 1988 by General Store Publishing House Inc. Used by permission of the publisher.
Extracts from McNab - The Township by Peter Hessel, copyright 1988 by author. Used by permission of the author.
Extracts from Founding Families of Bagot, Blythfield & Brougham by Carol Bennett, copyright 1993 by author. Used by permission of the author.
Extracts from The Fraser Family and Their Descendants: 1836-1989 by Gordon M. Fraser, 1st revision 1992. Used by permission of the author.
Maps from The Upper Ottawa Valley by Clyde C. Kennedy, copyright 1970 by Renfrew County Council. Used by permission of the County of Renfrew.

Through the Decades

Chapter 1 - In the Beginning

Burnstown was first settled around 1825. Situated on the rugged north shore of the Madawaska River, about half- way between Calabogie and Arnprior, it lies at a corner of McNab Township in Renfrew County. Bagot Township starts about one mile west and Horton Township about four miles north. At that time, the village was also about half-way along 16 miles of treacherous rapids on the Madawaska, known as the Long Rapids. It was originally named Johnston's Rock after a huge boulder in the Madawaska where a Mr. Johnston was supposedly drowned.

The early settlers were predominantly of Scottish origin, many of whom came as a result of Laird McNab. A number of Bagot settlers were previously in McNab Township but crossed the line to be out of the Laird's reach. Although Methodist ministers travelled through the area at irregular intervals, the settlers were not long in seeking the "means of Grace" through a Presbyterian channel.

The first Presbyterian minister, Rev. Mr. Kearns, visited the homes in McNab and Horton townships in the early 1830s. At that time, and for some years after, the services were in Gaelic, as that was the tongue of the settlers. After Mr. Kearns, a Mr. Fairburn from Ramsay Township, near Perth, came occasionally to visit the people of the district, then known as the District of Bathurst. They met for worship services in larger barns in the summer and houses in the winter.

It was in connection with Mr. Fairburn's coming that there occurred one of the earliest tragedies of McNab Township. One Sunday, around 1836, the settlers were coming to attend a service in John Fisher's barn. This was on the south side of the Madawaska on the farm now owned by Allan McLeod. There being no bridge, those from the north side crossed the turbulent Madawaska at Johnston's Rock by canoe. A number had safely crossed the swiftly swirling waters, when a canoe capsized carrying John McNab (known as Auchessan McNab), John Stewart, and Blacksmith McArthur and the latter's two small children. (Mrs. McArthur and a baby had crossed ahead.) McArthur and his little girl, who had climbed on her daddy's back, were the only ones to reach the south shore alive. The child in his arms was dead and the other two men were swept away and drowned.

Rev. William Bell, from Perth-on-the-Tay, described a visit to Renfrew County in late February 1840 in his diary. The following is an excerpt covering his trip from Pakenham to the home of Mr. James Morris, who lived between Burnstown and Renfrew on the second concession of McNab, commonly known as the "Second Line."

On Thursday, having 20 miles to travel before 12, I wished to set out early, but could not get breakfast till an hour after the time I intended to start. Peter McGregor had come to conduct me through the woods, and it was well he had, for the roads were so numerous and perplexing that alone I could not have found the way; and there were no houses for many miles at which I could inquire. Men and teams were met all along the road for the first few miles drawing masts and square timber to the river. By these we were detained and sometimes exposed to danger in the narrow and crooked roads we had to travel. At a house about half way in the township of McNab I had to preach and baptize a child. This was in our favor, for here we got ourselves and horses refreshed and rested. Leaving this we soon came to the Madawaska which was the only river we had to cross. We found a powerful and rapid stream, with steep banks two or three hundred feet high. The road is cut down the bank on both sides in a slanting direction, but yet is at some places dangerous when covered with ice.

At the bottom of the glen we found a safe and well constructed bridge by which we crossed the river. How the settlers managed to cross before the construction of this road and bridge it is difficult to conceive. My guide pointed out the place at which two men and a child were drowned by the upsetting of a canoe three years before, when on their way to hear Mr. Fairbairn preach. The ascent on the western bank we found not quite so steep as the other. Still the land rose to a great height, and appeared mountainous compared to what we had passed over. Having reached a large new house owned by Widow McGregor at 12 I preached to a large congregation of Highlanders and baptised one child. On my way to the house of Mr. James Morris, the postmaster, where I was to lodge, I passed an Indian camp. They seemed to have been successful in hunting, for six large carcasses of deer were laid up on a stage near their wigwams, beside others they had cut up and sold. Mr. Morris I found to be a broken down silk manufacturer from Paisley, who, like many others, has sought in the depth of the forest relief from the cares and perplexities of precarious trade. In his frank and intelligent family I felt quite at home, and spent the evening very agreeably.

Around 1840 the Foreign Mission Board in Scotland sent out the Rev. Alexander Mann to take charge of the congregation of McNab, Fitzroy and Pakenham. His first service was in the home of Angus McNab, near Burnstown on the Second Line. Rev. Mann preached tri-weekly in each station, travelling from Pakenham on horseback and sometimes accompanied by his wife.

With Rev. Mann's arrival, the settlers decided it was time to build a church. They selected a site on the Second Line (L23 C2 McNab), midway between Burnstown and Renfrewville, in an area known as Canaan (pronounced ka-nan'). John Stewart, son of the Stewart that drowned, owned the property and was ever afterwards known as "Churchfield" Stewart. Subscription lists were sent through McNab and Horton townships to raise funds and a small grant was received from the Colonial Committee of the Church of Scotland.

The logs were obtained from the bush in the winter and the church was built with voluntary labour the following year in 1840. This very plain church, known as the Canaan Church, had backless pews made of planks set on blocks, hewed with a broad axe. As this was the only church in the Township of McNab (and probably Horton), some of the settlers came from a distance to attend. Many walked through the forest on their bare feet. Once near the church, they would then put on their socks and home-made boots.

There are different opinions when the Canaan Church closed. One source says this church continued with Rev. Mann until 1847, when it was decided to erect a new Presbyterian church in Renfrew. Another source stated the church closed in 1886, when the Presbytery of Lanark and Renfrew decided to reorganize some of its charges and dissolved the Canaan congregation.

In October 1964, the descendants of the early pioneers gathered to unveil a cairn. It was designed and built by Kenneth McIntyre and made from the stones of the area. Erected on the site of the Canaan church, on the shoulder of the Second Line, it is the only reminder of the original church.

Chapter 2 - The Free Church

In 1843 a disruption of the Church of Scotland took place and about one-third of the ministers and members left and formed the Free Church of Scotland, also called the Free Kirk. The original church was known as the Auld Kirk. The Presbyterian Church in Canada followed suit the following year.

An interesting quote, found in White Lake's 100th Anniversary booklet, describes this area at this time. It is from page 485 of "Home and Foreign Missionary Record for the Free Church of Scotland," September 1846.

On the south shore of the Ottawa, opposite Clarendon, lies the District of M'Nab, one of the most destitute localities in Canada. It comprises the three townships of M'Nab, Packenham and Fitzroy--and contains a population of about 6,000, who are entirely Presbyterians, and chiefly Highlanders, who understand little else than Gaelic. With the condition of these settlements we are not intimately acquainted, as it has never been visited by any Gaelic speaking Free Church minister. But it is well known that a vast number of people are in a deplorable state of ignorance, and all but wholly destitute of the means of grace.

To explain how the Free Kirk evolved in this area, the following are the preliminary remarks from the session minute book of the Free Church of McNab and Horton. At its first meeting in 1849 the elders asked the minister, Rev. Simon Fraser, and an elder, Donald Robertson, to write these remarks. They are in the same handwriting as the session minutes, written by Rev. Fraser.

The disruption on the church in Scotland took place in May 1843 - that of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland, in the following year. The seceding party in Scotland assumed the name of "Free Church", whilst that in Canada became an independent church, having dropped the words "in connection with the church of Scotland." It is generally, however, called the Free Church of Canada, from having a close alliance with the Free Church of Scotland in communion as well as in principles.

Although there were not a few who sympathised with the movements going on in Scotland and Canada, still no active measure was taken in McNab and Horton to carry out the principles involved, till 1846. In that year the whole, almost, of the White Lake Settlement, left the Communion of the Establishment, and were received into the Free Church. Among these were four Elders.

It appears that but little progress was made by this party, owing probably to the want of permanent supply, and the strong prejudicy or ignorance of the other party. In May of 1848, in the providence of God, the Rev. S.C. Fraser, was recommended to visit these townships, as much with the view of benefiting his health as of preaching the everlasting Gospel. The people of all parties flocked to hear him at first, and on his being about to return to his home, an effort was made to retain him permanently among them. Upwards of a hundred in McNab & Horton, members of the Establishment, left that body and united with the Free Church party in giving Mr. Fraser a call. A Church was organized under the superintendence of the Presbytery of Perth, and Elders and Deacons chosen to the several offices.

Mr. Fraser was for some time unwilling to accept of this call, but after serious consideration of all the circumstances of the case he felt that the Lord had a hand in the arrangement. He removed, with his family, to McNab in September 1848, and was inducted to the church in February following. The Rev. J.B. Duncan preached on this solemn occasion, Mr. Waidrope presided and likewise addressed the people, and then Rev. A. Melville addressed the pastor.

While the Canaan church remained with the Auld Kirk, a Free Kirk was established at White Lake and another was then considered necessary at Burnstown. The credit of "pushing to a happy termination the erection of the first church" has been given to John Sutherland. Other names mentioned as taking an active part in building this church were John Forrest, his son Andrew, Alex Fraser, his sons James, Thomas, and Abraham, and Mr. Carmichael.

The Burnstown Free Kirk was built in 1848-49 at the site of the present church. The building was a large log structure with three windows on each side. The logs were later covered with siding and painted white. Boxed-in pews were situated on the sides.

The deed of the church property was registered at Pembroke on April 18, 1850, after the church was built. The property was purchased from George Rochester. The first trustees, who also signed the deed, were John Sutherland, Thomas Frood, Allan Stuart, Andrew Forrest, and Hugh McFayden. Here it becomes quite noticeable that the church provided worship to three townships, with the first three names from McNab, Andrew Forrest from Horton and Hugh McFayden from Bagot. The witnesses on the deed are John Campbell and David Mackie.

The first session meeting of the Free Church of McNab and Horton occurred on March 15, 1849 at White Lake. Present were Rev. S.C. Fraser and elders Alexander Ferguson, James Headrick, Donald Robertson, James Carmichael, John Storie, and John McLellan. This represented three congregations--White Lake, Burnstown, and Castleford. It is probable that Alexander Ferguson and John Storie were from Castleford, James Headrick and Donald Robertson from White Lake, and James Carmichael and John McLellan from Burnstown. All elders were normally present at the session meetings, regardless of where they were held. The minister was both moderator and clerk of session.

The second session meeting was held at Castleford church in June and the next one was held in Burnstown on March 23, 1850. On May 25th, John McLellan resigned as elder due to a disagreement and asked that his name be erased from the roll of membership. On February 8, 1852, Mr. John Forrest became an elder, having previously been an elder at Canaan church.

Prior to Communion Sunday, the joint session and members met in the church on Friday afternoon or evening. Known as the Preparity Service, the members came to pray and were each given a token, a metal coin, to hand in on Communion Sunday. Minutes of January 1854 state: "In conformity to the usual practice on sacramental occasions the session spent some time in prayer with the members before the tokens were distributed." Non-members were not given a token and, thus, not allowed to take communion. It was at these Preparity Services that would-be members were normally presented to the moderator and elders for admission into the church. If the person was of good character and had a good Christian knowledge, they were accepted. One session minutes noted: "The session spent some time in conversing with these parties, advised them as to the prudence watchfulness which they were called upon to practice and, after solemn prayer, agreed to receive them as communicants and add their names to the roll."

On some occasions, the session also dealt with cases of discipline. This could include Sabbath breaking, drunkenness, non-attendance at public worship, or a departure from virtue. The session recorded on February 1851 the "conviction that more cases of discipline arise from the use of ardent spirits than from all other temptation put together." Sometimes the brother or sister would not be allowed to take communion for one occasion. For more serious or repeated cases, the offender was "cut off from the communion of the church."

The Elders generally were men dedicated to their office, realizing the honour of their position. They were expected to attend prayer meetings and Sabbath worship and to visit families. If they were remiss in their duties or behaviour, they were also admonished by the session.

Starting in August 1851, the session met in Renfrew, as well as the other three churches. These minutes noted that it was the first occasion in "which sacrament was dispensed in this village in a Presbyterian church." In 1855 the session felt it was important to have "the Sacrament of the Supper" dispensed in Renfrew annually.

In September 1855, the moderator stated that the Presbytery had appointed Mr. William Forrest to labour in Westmeath and Fort Coulonge. They suggested that it would strengthen his hands if Mr. Forrest were "nominated and ordained to the office of the eldership." The elders agreed to the proposal. It is not known whether William Forrest was part of the Burnstown or the Renfrew congregation, but it is thought that he was a nephew of John Forrest and lived at lot 2, concession 1 Horton Township.

The session minutes of the Free Church of McNab and Horton end in 1855, giving a glimpse of the first seven years of this church. The record book was reviewed in December 1856 in Ottawa by the Presbytery of Brockville and Ottawa. The White Lake 100th Anniversary booklet states that Rev. Fraser handed over the Renfrew field in 1858 and continued as minister for Burnstown and White Lake until his departure in 1868.

With the calling of Rev. Bremner in April 1871, the next session meeting was held in June at Burnstown. They called themselves the Canada Presbyterian Church at this time. The elders present were John Forrest, Alexander Stewart, Alexander Fraser, and Alexander Stirling. Of the three Alexanders, it is thought that Alexander Fraser represented Burnstown with John Forrest, while Stewart and Stirling represented White Lake. As there was no communion roll found, they proceeded to make one and names were noted in the minutes. As this roll included both White Lake and Burnstown, it is difficult to determine which names belonged to which congregation. Surnames that probably were part of the congregation at Burnstown were: Blane, Campbell, Carmichael, Dickson, Forrest, Fraser, Frood, Halliday, Hutson, Kippen, Lowrie, McCallum, McFayden, McIntyre, McKay, McLellan, McNevin, McRae, Robertson, Smith, Stewart, Stringer, Sutherland, Taylor, Wallace, and Yuill.

The September 1871 session meeting was held at Balmer's Island, soon to be renamed Stewartville. According to Peter Hessel in McNab - The Township, it was held in the Township Hall, about 20 people applied for membership, and plans were made to erect a church, which was completed in 1874. With the addition of Stewartville, it was decided to "dispense the Lord's Supper" three times a year; Burnstown in January, White Lake in June, and Stewartville in September.

At this time elders were determined with a ballot vote by church members. December 2, 1872 saw two names elected as elders at Burnstown, Andrew Forrest and John Wallace. While Andrew declined, John Wallace was ordained in early 1873 and "received the right hand of fellowship." In March of the same year, at a meeting at White Lake, they divided "the congregation into districts so that each elder might know the special part of the field committed to his care."

From the start, the manse, the minister's home, was always in White Lake. The White Lake 100th Anniversary booklet records its history. The first manse was bought at the end of 1873 on the north side of the main street on Lots 13 and 14. In 1892, a larger property was purchased a bit west and a manse erected by the two congregations. This continued to be the minister's home until 1985.

The split between the Auld and Free Kirk had continued since the late 1840s. That it caused rifts within families was evident from the session minutes of 1851 in Renfrew. The meeting was "attended by some pleading features, such as the reunion of families separated since the disruption." They must have been very firm in their convictions, as there was sometimes considerable distance to travel to attend their respective church service. In McNab - The Township, Peter Hessel mentions that some Auld Kirk families from the White Lake area walked past the Burnstown church to Canaan, while Free Kirk people from the Horton Line walked past the Canaan church to attend services at Burnstown.

It appears the official date of the Union of the Auld and Free Kirk occurred in 1875. Session minutes of September 17, 1874, held at White Lake, read "The Basis of Union as handed down by the General Assembly were then read and areed (sic) to." With Union, the Burnstown congregation was greatly augmented by those who had previously been worshipping at Canaan. Among those added were Joseph Taylor and Robert Dickson, elders. The Burnstown church was renamed St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

Chapter 3 - Between 1875 and 1900

Rev. George Bremner continued to minister until 1889. The session meetings and communions continued to be joint. Normally some people joined the church at each Preparity Service, although not necessarily at their own church. Some from White Lake and Stewartville joined at Burnstown and some from Burnstown joined at the other two churches. In May 1887, it was noted that 97 "partook of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper" at White Lake. The last session minutes where Stewartville is mentioned is February 1886, leaving the charge with White Lake and Burnstown. The first mention of Lanark and Renfrew Presbytery was in December 1879, when they reviewed the session minutes.

Rev. Donald Stewart held his first session meeting in July 1890, with Rev. Epheriam W. Florence following him in November 1894. At that time, it was decided to hold Communion four times a year, instead of twice; the first Sundays in March, June, September, and December. This meant that communion would be held twice a year in each church. July 1897 saw Rev. Graham present. He urged that members of both congregations make it a point to attend all the communions to bring the two congregations closer. He started weekly prayer meetings: Wednesday evenings in White Lake and Thursday evenings in Burnstown. Rev. Graham also taught Bible class on Sabbath mornings.

The minister's salary was paid through stipend - the amount of money members and adherents pledged they could pay each year. With the departure of Stewartville, the remaining two churches, Burnstown and White Lake, agreed to contribute equally. There was a constant struggle to meet their obligation and there are some records of the minister's salary being one or two years in arrears. Notes indicate that Rev. Bremner received $600 a year and for several years he did not receive his full salary. Rev. Stewart received the same amount, although he was now paid every six months. Rev. Florence received an increase of $200 and was the first pastor to be granted a short vacation.

Besides providing for the minister, through stipend, and the local church, members and adherents also supported the special funds of the national church. These were known as the "schemes of the church." The first time schemes were mentioned in the minutes was in 1874. It is not known how the schemes were raised each year, except in 1898 when it was agreed that funding for the schemes be raised by two special collections, September and February. In 1874 the three congregations collected $80.50 for schemes. At the end of 1899, the half-year schemes from only Burnstown totalled $53.00 and were allocated between Home Missions, Foreign Missions, Aged and Infirm Ministers, Queen's College, Stipend Augmentation, Widows and Orphans Fund, and French Evangelization. Other schemes mentioned prior to 1900 were the Assembly Fund and other college funds. Funds continued to be raised and forwarded for schemes until at least the 1920s.

Session minutes reflected very little of the discipline measures that were shown in the early Free Church minutes, concentrating more on attendance and preparing for communion. In February 1893, minutes note that "attendance at public worship was looked into and the offenders visited by the elders." In 1899, Rev Graham noted that "according to his interpretation of the law, there were some members who might be classed as Delinquents." The minister was then requested "to visit such members with a view of ascertaining their mind in the matter and if possible induce them to more regular attendance on the Services, and ordinances of God's House."

1880 saw the death of the two oldest elders, John Forrest and Alexander Fraser. Minutes noted they were "men of great worth and men who have stood on Zion's wall, wrought hard and born the burden in the heat of the day." In October 1880, David Blane was elected to the office of eldership. Due to sickness, he was not ordained until September 1881. He resigned in 1887.

In 1890, there was an attempt to obtain four new elders for Burnstown. An election by ballot occurred in September and there was agreement to take the highest on the list down to 18 votes. The six men that met this criteria were Samuel Taylor, John Fraser, John Forrest, John Halliday, Thomas Fraser, and Archibald Yuill. It seems the only one that was added to session was John Fraser on October 19, 1890 but his name was not mentioned at any session meetings. In November 1892, trying again, the session provided the following names to the congregation as suitable persons for eldership: Donald McRae, Robert Robertson, Donald Stewart, David Taylor, and James Fraser. After an election, on January 1st the following year, Donald Stewart, David Taylor, and Robert Robertson became elders.

The meeting of March 5, 1897 notes the deaths of Robert Dickson and David Taylor with the following excerpt:

... desires to place on record its high appreciation of their long and faithful services in the Burnstown Church. Mr. Dickson was for over forty years an Elder in the Church, and ever did his duties cheerfully and faithfully. And, though we sorrow at his loss, we rejoice that, after a long and useful life he has entered upon his reward. Mr. Taylor, a somewhat younger man, was for four years an Elder in this congregation. The Session feels it cannot sufficiently eulogise his meek christian character, or express their appreciation of his labours among us...

In December 1897, with only Donald Stewart and Robert Robertson remaining, the following four were ordained as elders; Samuel Taylor, John Halliday, Archibald McFayden and James Brown. In February the following year, Mr. McFayden was also appointed Sunday School Superintendent since the session felt an elder should fill this role. Previously, a Mr. MacDonald was elected Superintendent in 1894, but it is unknown who this person was.

As the only records available for the 1800s are session minutes, not much else is known about the workings of the church during this time. There is no mention of the names of the managers. The first known women's organization of the congregation was the Women's Foreign Missionary Society formed in 1888. Mrs. Robert Robertson was the first president. Shortly thereafter a Mission Band for the children was organized.

At a session meeting in November 1892, it was voted that the collection taken on Thanksgiving Day, less $1.00, be given to the Women's Foreign Missionary Society. This continued for a number of years. In September 1899, the elders agreed that the collection from Children's Day go towards the Century Fund. In November 1897, it was decided to issue Communion cards, rather than tokens, for communion.

Instrumental music during a service was not allowed until the end of the century. Burnstown did not buy an organ until 1903. Up to this time, a "precentor" led the singing by using a tuning fork. This is discussed further in the chapter entitled, "Music Through the Years."

Two men from the Burnstown area became Presbyterian ministers during this time. In the late 1800s, James Wallace, whose church was Burnstown, graduated from Queen's University as a minister and later became a medical doctor. Earlier than that, William Marshall Rochester, who was born in the house across the road from the church, also became a minister and for many years was secretary of the "The Lord's Day Alliance" in Toronto. It is not known if he was a member of the Burnstown congregation at the time he became a minister or if he had moved with his family to Ottawa before then.

As the century came to an end, there was another incident on the Madawaska, which almost led to tragedy. Rev. George Richardson describes the event, as told to him by his aunt Minnie Wilson, who was in her thirties when it happened. It has been confirmed that the young lady in question was Bella Crane.

Before the Hydro dam was built at Stewartville, the Madawaska River was not the placid lake it is now, but a rushing stream. Between Springtown and Stewartville the river bed dropped the height of that dam in just under ten miles. The water racing down that grade had washed away all the earth and left the floor of the gully strewn with rocks, some of which were large enough to protrude out of the water. This stretch of fast flowing water swirling about the rocks was known as the "long rapids," and its roar could be heard for some distance when approached on foot.

In the spring the river was high enough to cover many of the rocks, and to float logs down to the mills at Arnprior. Just down river from the bridge (mid way to what is now McNab Park) there was a bend in the river. It was sharp enough that a canal could be cut across the point so water collected upriver would return to the river below the point. The drop was steep enough to turn a water wheel that powered a grist mill.

On this particular Saturday afternoon, the moving logs jammed in that bend. The river crew realized it would be dark before they could clear the jam. The next day was Sunday when no Presbyterian would think of working, so they ran a boom across the river up by the bridge to keep more logs from piling up on the jam, and left everything sit until Monday.

Now it just happened that this same week-end the wooden floor of the bridge had been removed to be replaced, and the church members who lived south of the river had to arrange for a man with a boat to ferry them over to church. At the close of the service, the half of the congregation who lived south of the river all arrived together to be rowed back across the river. With only a few in each boatload, many would have to wait for a ride, so the young people decided to walk across the river on the boom.

A boom was a string of flattened pine logs tied end to end with chain. For experienced rivermen who had learned to run across the water on round logs floating free, the flat boom logs 20 inches wide and tied at each end was a highway. However, the top of the boom log floated level with the fast flowing water, and could be scary for a novice. Out in the middle of the river, one of the young women lost her balance and stepped into the water!

The crowd on the shore gasped, but were relieved to see that her long skirt with ample petticoats trapped air and ballooned up under her armpits, keeping her afloat. The fast-moving water snatched her away from the group on the boom. Then someone cried out, "The jam! She'll go under the jam!" The crowd watched in horror as the floating girl was borne swiftly down the river, to where the water boiled against the jammed logs and raced under them.

Not everyone was staring. A man was running down the north shore. Tom McLachlan, who was about 40 at the time, raced to the log jam, sprinted out across the floating logs and squatted on the leading log as the young woman arrived. She saw him, and reached up. He seized her by the arms, but the rushing water swept her body under the jam! McLachlan held on, trying to keep her head above water.

Meanwhile, another younger man was also sprinting down the shore. Alex Taylor, who was 19 or 20 at the time, arrived at the log jam just as the girl was swept under it. He ran across the logs to where Tom was desparately holding on to her. He swung his legs over the leading log, and let himself down into the river. Fortunately, there was a large rock several feet below the surface. Taylor got his feet planted on that rock, steadied himself against the powerful current, took hold of the girl, pulled her out from under the logs, and helped McLachlan get her up on top of the log jam. Taylor scrambled out of the river, and the two of them helped her across the logs to the shore.

Years later, Chrissie McVicar, Tom McLachlan's daughter, had a plaque erected along the shoreline to honour these men that risked their lives.

Chapter 4 - Construction

From time to time, the old church had been repaired and improved and in 1898 it was considered that still further improvements should be made. "The matter was talked over pro and con, and the idea gradually grew that it would be as well to build anew, and that the members of the congregation had been so prospered in the things of this world, that they could afford and should build a temple of worship that would be more indicative of the growth and talents of the community."

The above and some of the following information is from a speech given by Rev. Graham at the opening of the church and reprinted in the Renfrew Mercury on February 2, 1900.

At a special meeting of the congregation on August 22, 1898, a motion was passed that a new church should be built provided the necessary funds be forthcoming. A building committee was then appointed, consisting of John Forrest, John Halliday, Duncan Kippen, D.F. McGregor, and William Stewart. Mr. Forrest was subsequently appointed chairman and Mr. Stewart secretary-treasurer.

As the canvas for funds developed, it became evident that the congregation desired a new church. The members of the committee were on a constant look out for a church building of design that would meet their needs and desires. A church in the village of Ashton was recommended and they made a visit of inspection. As it seemed very much what was needed at Burnstown, the architect was invited to prepare plans, which he did. This was Moses Chamberlain (M.C.) Edey, of Ottawa, the architect of the Mackay block in Renfrew and the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. The contract can be seen in Appendix H.

The building committee spent that fall and winter in planning, arranging for materials, and tendering contracts. On March 7, 1899, Rev. Graham went to the Presbytery of Lanark and Renfrew and "requested on behalf of the Burnstown Congregation, leave to build a new church." On motion duly made and seconded the leave asked was cordially given.

On May 8, 1899, the stone mason started work. The corner-stone was laid on June 9th. The following is an account from the Burnstown News area of the Renfrew Mercury on June 16, 1899.

Well, the picnic is over. To begin with, the day was a model one. The visitors began to arrive about 9 am and from that time till noon, it was a steady stream. As Mr. Mackie, who was to lay the corner stone, failed to put in an appearance matters were delayed somewhat. Mr. John Box, of Calabogie, finally consented to accept the position of honor. The first exercise was the singing of a hymn by the congregation, scripture reading by the Rev. Dr. Bayne, prayer by Rev. Mr. McLean, after which the following articles were deposited under the stone; a copy of the last annual report of the congregation, a copy of the Arnprior News, a list of the subscribers to the building fund. Also the names of the building committee, the names of the contractors, and the names of all those now living who helped to build the old church. They were Alex. McNevin, Sr., John Robertson, James and Thos. Fraser. The stone was then placed in position by Mr. Hugh Frood, and Mr. Box performed the ceremony of laying the stone; after which Hymn No. 470 was sung. Miss Jennie Robertson presided at the organ. Mr. Wallis, of Arnprior, took a snap-shot of the crowd just after the stone was laid. Dinner was served in the old church. After dinner the following gentlemen addressed the crowd; Mr. Jas. Craig, Rev. Mr. Bayne, Rev. Mr. McKillop, Rev. Mr. McFarlance, Rev. Mr. Taylor, and Rev. Dr. McLean. Rev. Mr. Graham filled the chair with his usual ability. The Arnprior band was present and gave some very good selections. After the speeches, the young folks repaired to the school ground, where the following games were contested: Obstacle race, egg race, 100 yard dash, running long jump, and some others. As your scribe was not on the ground and did not get the names of the winners they are not published. The total net receipts of the entertainment amounted to $341.60, which goes to help the building fund....J.F.

Besides the items listed above, Mrs. Margaret Robertson in her 50th Anniversary address of the WMS in 1938, also stated that her report was "rather meager as all first books of the Society are safely locked up in the cornerstone of this Church along with some old books, money, etc."

John Ambrose Box, the father of Mrs. Robert Robertson, was presented with the trowel. His great great granddaughter, Kathryn Anderson of Newmarket Ontario, donated this engraved trowel to the congregation in 1998. She wrote that her grandfather, Ambrose Box, always insisted that the trowel be on display in his house.

Another interesting story of the trowel was related in the same Renfrew Mercury.

The silver trowel with which Mr. John A. Box laid the corner-stone of the Burnstown Presbyterian church is now on exhibition in Mr. W.H. Kearney's show window. It was somewhat late in being ordered, and arrived in Renfrew only five minutes before the time announced for the laying at Burnstown. However, Mr. Jas. Reeves, of the Kearney establishment, mounted his bicycle and had the important implement in the hands of the committee in thirty-five minutes.

Most, if not all, the material for the new church was obtained nearby. The following are some of the people who provided material.

A number of contractors were involved in the construction of the church

As per Rev. Graham's speech: "The work of the various tradesmen is said to have given great satisfaction to architect Edey. To the casual observer, all the work seems to have been of the highest class, as if all who had put hand to it felt that they were sharing in superior handiwork and wished their own part to be well-done." Rev. Graham, who was a business man of wide experience before becoming a minister, in speaking about the building committee, stated that he had never met a body of men "who by nature were endowed with opinions of their own, yet who worked more unitedly and harmoniously." He also described the chairman, John Forrest, as a "willing horse."

The following is a description of the church as reported in the Renfrew Mercury in February 1900.

For a country church, it is much beyond the average. But the exterior gives no comparative idea of the brightness and cosiness of the interior. Nothing brighter and more home-like in the way of a church could well be imagined. The wainscotting, seats, and ceiling, which latter is panelled in wood, all harmonize in coloring; and under the soft and white and bright light from acetylene gas, give a cheery appearance that makes this place of worship one where praise and rejoicing seem to fit in naturally. It is doubtful if a brighter or more handsome interior can be found in any country church anywhere. ... The church building proper will comfortably seat 240 persons. The Sunday-School room, which is on the same level as the church, and can be thrown open as part of the church auditorium, is seated for 100, and even more could be crowded in with a fair degree of comfort if necessary.

After entering the vestibule, you can enter either the sanctuary through double oak doors or the Sunday school room through a single door. Entering the sanctuary, you are at one side rather than at the back of the room. The pulpit, built by Donald McRae, is set in the far corner and the seats are laid in a semi-circle around it, enlarging to the back like an open fan, divided by two aisles. Behind the seats on one side are two large oak panels that can be raised to include the Sunday School area. The sanctuary can also be accessed from the Sunday school room by another door, without using the vestibule. The windows are a frosted design with coloured glass borders.

The ceiling, patterned in tongue and grooved oak, is always admired by visitors to the church. According to Burnstown Remembered, it was the work of Donald Fraser of Shawville, who later visited the church in 1960 and wrote the following to Mrs. Margaret Robertson:

It was sixty years since I had been in Burnstown and it was a joy to see the church so well cared for. I was 21 and 22 years old when we worked on the church building. Mr. George Grant from Arnprior had the contract and I was his apprentice. Along with Mr. Dick Fleming and Mr. Grant I worked on the building from start to finish. My pride was the part I did by myself, which was the ceiling. Mr. Grant had to leave, and we went over the plans and had help with the cornice, also with the sheeting in the spire. It is quite a task crawling up and nailing all the rafters at the top.

My wages were 23 cents per day and I did not get paid until the end of the year's work, which was nine months. I boarded at John Forrest's in the village and walked home to Bristol, Quebec, three weekends during that time. I had formerly worked on a bridge across the Madawaska River. I am proud to have had a part in building the church.

The building cost about $3,000 and there was a debt on it of not more than $150 by February 1900. The ladies also had a hand in the completion of the church. A Ladies' Aid group was organized when it was decided to build the new church, as they wanted to help raise money. As described in the Renfrew Mercury at that time, they "have been working with a will, and their efforts have been attended with a success far exceeding their most sanguine expectations. With fear and trembling they first aimed at raising about $200. But as their talent developed, by the using of it, they soon felt confident that they were able to do greater things. They undertook to seat and furnish the church. Seating cost $418. They also provided the matting for the aisles and the carpet for the pulpit platform, at a cost of some $35, which has been paid. And the ladies also assumed the lighting of the church, which was put in at a cost of $100." One of the fundraisers was the sale of various lovely knick-knacks with the picture of the church on them. Examples can be seen on the back cover of this book.

The last sermon in the old church occurred on December 31, 1899. This log structure was moved across the road and used until the 1920s as a curing house for the cheese factory. On Sunday, January 7, 1900, the new church was dedicated with three services at 11 am, 3 pm and 7 pm. On the following evening, a concert and social gathering was held. On Friday January 12th, the Preparity Service was held in Burnstown, with 118 partaking of communion in the new church on the following Sunday.

Chapter 5 - The Early 1900s

With the new church, next came the matter of where each family was to sit. At a congregational meeting on January 11, 1900, it was moved by Frank Halliday, seconded by D.F. McGregor, that "seats be chosen according to number of ticket held." Although some churches charged the family for the use of the pew, at a meeting on June 7th of that year, it was agreed that the seats would be free. The first baptism in the church was Alexander Hastings Fraser in March 1900. The first wedding was that of John Denniston and Hannah Wilson in August 1905.

In early January 1902, Bill Leckie, Thomas Fraser, and Alex Smith formed a committee to investigate whether the basement should be finished. After deciding in early April that work should proceed and a collection go out, $250 had been raised by April 17th. Although not known exactly, it is probable the basement was finished that year. A large Sunday school was conducted there for several years. One resident of the area, Mrs. Goldie Moore (nee Brydges), attended Sunday school before 1920. She remembers the boys being taught by Jim McNee and the girls by Bella Dickson.

A few residents of the area can remember being told that some of the old gentlemen would stand for prayer, rather than remain sitting. This was the old Presbyterian method. One resident was also told that, besides standing up to pray, these older men would sit down to sing. Whether or not this is true is unknown but it must have made some children gaze in awe at this strange behaviour.

Sadly, Rev. Graham gave his resignation in late 1900. To try to keep him longer, people were appointed to go before Presbytery and give reasons why his resignation should not be accepted. Representatives for Burnstown were Robert Robertson, Archibald McFadyen, Kennan Wallace, John Forrest, Mr. Dickson, and John Smith. Disappointingly, their pleas failed and Rev. Graham left the charge by the end of the year.

The Rev. Ernest J. Shaw was inducted on April 3, 1901. At his first session meeting, it was agreed to give him three weeks' annual holidays. Mr. Shaw was the superintendent of both White Lake and Burnstown Sunday schools. This practice continued until 1930.

Rev. James Millar followed Rev. Shaw in early 1907. In 1910, individual Communion cups were purchased. Until now, long strips of white linen were placed over the back of the seat in front of the communicants by the elders and a large pewter goblet was passed from which each took a sip. The goblet was replenished from a large pewter pitcher. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the building of the church, the Women's Association had this old pewter set engraved with the dates when it was used. It is kept in a display cabinet at the back of the sanctuary.

Rev. Andrew Drysdale came in 1911, followed by Rev. Henry Gill Steers in the spring of 1916. In the summer of 1918, Rev. Steers took a leave of absence to take a mission field in Neudorf, Saskatchewan from June 21 to October 20, due to a wartime shortage of ministers. After his return, at a service at Burnstown on November 10,1918, Rev. Steers announced that whatever day the war ended, there would be a service of Thanksgiving in Burnstown church at 2 pm. It so happened that the War ended the following day and the church was packed to the doors.

In 1900, the session agreed to contribute even more to the India Famine Fund and gave $34. In 1904 a missionary committee was elected, consisting of John Duncan Forrest (chair), Neil Wallace, Joseph Taylor, Frank Halliday and John Stewart. It is unknown what the mandate was for this committee, but a number of mission donations were sent in the coming years. In 1907, a special service on May 19 saw $28.15 donated to the Macao Mission. In 1911, a special collection on September 30 sent $46 to Eganville. That year $103 of missionary revenue was collected and forwarded. In 1912, all the proceeds from the Mission Revenue in the envelopes were sent to Toronto, for that year's church schemes. It appears that all was allocated to Rev. John Somerville. In 1913, all the proceeds from the Rally Day held on September 28th also went to Rev. Somerville and there was mention of this scheme again in 1917.

Anniversary services occurred in early- to mid-January in the first ten years but moved to February and March by the end of the second decade. Services were at 11 am and 7 pm and, normally, the visiting minister exchanged pulpits with the regular minister. Most years, on the following Monday evening, there was a supper and social. Mrs. Richardson described the festivities in her research notes.

A supper was served to the public in the basement followed by a concert in the auditorium at which the minister was chairman. The Program Committee strove to bring in talent from neighbouring communities and put on as good a show as possible. There were also two or three guest ministers speaking and the performance seldom ended before midnight. Then followed a long drive or, more often, walk home. Interest in amateur concerts waned rapidly when radios and cars became more common and finally the concert was dispensed with altogether and the supper changed to Tuesday night instead of Monday. The supper used to start with Grace and the evening performance close with the Benediction but now neither are used. The first suppers were sandwiches and iced layer cakes. Salads were not seen until the first World War.

Mrs. Richardson also described the picnics held in the early 1900s. She said a social event was held on the school grounds one evening each summer. There was also an annual all-day picnic in Robertson's bush, behind Forrest's house. The dinner at noon and supper at night was served on long bare board tables. There were baseball games, music, and speeches by visiting VIPs. Jean Denniston can remember attending a few of these picnics when she was very small. She also heard that her husband's dad, John Denniston, baked beans in the sand for the occasion.

A Child's Day service occurred on the fourth Sunday in September for most years. There were special services for the Bible Society on a number of occasions. There was also a special service on May 11, 1902 where proceeds went to the Robertson Memorial Fund. It is not known whether this fund was for a local person or for another Robertson.

Financially, as seen in the church's ledger, the congregation had its ups and downs. At the end of 1902, the balance was 98 cents. In 1912, the congregation needed to borrow $100 from a member to make ends meet. In 1916, there was mention of a debt fund and having a special collection to help pay it off. The ledger also shows the Young People's group donating money in 1913 and 1917 towards church expenses. 1911 was the first year that envelopes were mentioned being used in the church. That year, $320 was collected through this means, while $170 was collected through subscriptions.

There were a few other interesting items from the ledger. The treasurer received $15 a year for his work. John Forrest, the church caretaker, received a salary ranging from $15 to $50, probably depending on the finances of the church. In 1900, firewood was purchased from A. Leckie for $2 a cord. In 1911, the cost for a cord was $4. A broom was bought almost yearly. Three dozen cups and saucers were purchased from McLeod's store for $2.10 and two dozen spoons for 40 cents for the basement's kitchen. 1904 saw a premium being paid to J.K. Rochester of Renfrew for $3000 of fire insurance, costing $26.50 for three years. The first mention of the telephone was in 1910, with Burnstown paying $8.65 in 1911 for their portion of the manse phone. Collection plates were purchased in 1919 for $4.50.

Chapter 6 - The 1920s and Union

The twenties was a decade of change. The car replaced the horse, electricity replaced acetylene lights, and two-thirds of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, including the congregation at Burnstown, became part of the United Church of Canada. It is also the first decade where a number of residents can remember their childhood in the Burnstown church. They have very fond memories, with the main reason seeming to be Rev. Thomas McNaught.

With the departure of Rev. Steers in 1920, the ledger indicates there were a number of different ministers the following year. Rev. James Taylor of Braeside supplied several times. The call to Rev. McNaught occurred on March 15th, 1921. It was undersigned by 145 members and 165 adherents of the Pastoral Charge and was accompanied with a guarantee of a stipend of $1500 per annum, the use of the manse, four week's holidays, and $75 moving expenses.

At Rev. McNaught's induction service, Rev. Taylor reported a request had come from the Bellamy Methodist Church to receive general Christian services from the minister of White Lake Pastoral Charge. After meeting with the Bellamy church and then meeting with the Lanark and Renfrew Presbytery in Carleton Place, a resolution was passed that they do so. This congregation on Bellamy Road, on the far side of White Lake village, was part of the Pastoral Charge until its closure in the forties.

Rev. McNaught brought the Pastoral Charge through the transition period caused by the forming of the United Church of Canada. In 1924, the Congregational, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches had agreed to form the United Church of Canada. However, the Presbyterians demanded a vote at the local level. As per Grace Richardson's notes, a special meeting of Session was called on December 4, 1924 to discuss Union and whether the congregations should follow into Union or remain Presbyterian. Mr. McNaught told the Session that he was a Unionist and would become a United Church minister. After exhorting the members that there be no strife or unkind feelings towards anyone, he asked the members of the Session, each to declare himself. This resulted in 5 voting for union; 1 against. However the disagreeing brother said that although he was personally opposed to Union, if the congregation voted for it he would stay with the congregation, which he did, and proved helpful in influencing others to do likewise. Bellamy Road agreed to go whichever way White Lake went. At a meeting of Session on December 7, 1924 a letter was drafted to the Arnprior Ministerial Association informing them that NO literature, pro or con, be sent to the churches in the White Lake Charge, nor any meetings of any kind be held concerning the matter. Members voted by ballot at the end of 1924 and early 1925: 48 in favour and 11 against. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church became St. Andrew's United Church.

In spite of the vote, the unanimous agreement of the members of Session, and precautions taken, there were some who did not follow their church into Union. Mr. McNaught did his part by explaining Union clearly to them and leaving the way open for their return. Since all who were members prior to Union were automatically members of the United Church of Canada, a special Session meeting occurred on June 8, 1925 in Burnstown to deal with Church Certificates before June tenth. A motion was passed to "authorize our moderator to grant certificates of disjunction to any who may desire same because of non-concurring in the union." It was agreed that it would be a clear and clean certificate.

For the next few years there were more who withdrew their certificates of membership than there were new ones who joined the United Church. Those living further up the Second Line who did not favour Union joined the continuing Presbyterian Church in Renfrew. Most of those on the Glasgow and Goshen Roads went to Stewartville, which remained Presbyterian.

Rev. McNaught went through the change from horse and buggie days to driving a car, although the latter was only used in summer. One member can remember him constantly blowing the car's horn at every hill and turn to ensure everyone was aware of the car's approach. His horse, 'Danny', was the last horse used by a minister in this Pastoral Charge.

This decade also brought electricity to the village. After canvassing the congregation in 1926, electric lights and new fixtures were installed at a cost of $117, replacing the tempermental acetylene lights. Hydro was supplied by the Calabogie Light and Power Company starting in October. The full year cost of hydro for 1927 was $36.54, compared to $469 paid in 1998 to Ontario Hydro.

Financially, these were not easy times for the church. 1920 saw the congregation borrowing $100 from a member to pay bills. The balance at hand at the end of 1921 was $2. The mid- to late-twenties saw more borrowing from members and 1927 saw the first borrowing of money from a bank, The Bank of Nova Scotia, which was paid by the end of the year. It was also the first year recorded where the congregation received interest from the bank - $1.46. The balance at hand December 31, 1929 was $42.99 with no outstanding notes.

The 1920s saw the start of the ritual of the Burnstown congregation buying a turkey for the minister as a Christmas present, which still occurs today. The first record is in 1926 where $5.00 was paid to Fred Ostler, the storekeeper in White Lake.

Church services were at 2 pm, with White Lake's in the morning and Bellamy's in the evening. Sunday School started at 1 pm. Church anniversary fluctuated between January and February until 1924, when it switched to late October. The social continued to be the next day. Rally days continued in late September until 1923. The offering from the service of April 2, 1922 ($62) was sent to Russian children through the Sir George Burn Russian Fund. In the late-twenties, an African-American Ministrel Troupe gave a very worthwhile concert on three evenings and were billeted in local homes. Communion continued to occur twice a year in each church. At these occasions, Rev. McNaught asked the members to take the center pews and non-members to sit in the outside seats, rather than asking the non-members to leave, which was sometimes done by other ministers.

The church closed for special occasions in the community. For example, in 1927 there was no service July 17th for decoration day at Goshen Cemetery, no service September 4th for decoration day at White Lake Cemetery, and no service October 9th in honour of White Lake's church anniversary. Sunday School seemed to flourish at this time under the capable hands of the superintendent, Peter Hamilton. The Women's Missionary Society and Mission Band continued. Mrs. McNaught organized the Burnstown girls into "The Best You Can Do" club. They were responsible for having a choir platform and railing put in the church and bought curtains for the basement.

A number of residents can remember the twenties and their childhood in the Burnstown church. They have very fond memories, as seen from a letter received from Mrs. Jean Woods and her sister, Mrs. Isabelle Livingstone, in late 1998.

Memories of the Burnstown United Church (20s), like all childhood memories, are fond and vivid. I loved Sunday School and my S.S. Teacher, Mrs. Peter Hamilton (whose birthday happened to be the same as mine, hence an instant bonding and life-time friend). Mr. Hamilton was then Sunday School Superintendent, and Arnold, Isabelle, and I attended.

After Sunday School we proudly sat in the second front seat on the left side of the church with our parents Mr. & Mrs. John C. McIntyre. Mom and Dad were regular church goers and those years passed pleasantly as Mom was involved with 'Church' socials and dinners etc. and Dad as a Steward. Also they regarded the Rev. Thomas McNaught as a very special friend.

Many years have slipped by but whenever I see this beautiful church (which is quite often) it reminds me of a happy childhood and a strong faith in all that is good.

Each family had a particular pew to sit in. Margaret Robertson in Burnstown Remembered mentions where some of the families sat. Jean Denniston also went back in her memory to come up where everyone sat, as seen in the diagram. She also noted a 'Bummers Seat' along the back wall, which is no longer present. Perhaps this is the seat where Mrs. Robertson notes: "you could find a group of boys, declaring their independence by leaving the family pew and congregating at the rear of the church where they could perhaps share a joke, unseen by parents." Some of the front seats on the sides have been removed over the last years to make room for an organ on the right and a piano on the left.

Rev. McNaught preached his farewell sermon to a packed church at Burnstown on June 29, 1930. His oldest son, Robert, who also became a minister, reminisced of his years in the Pastoral Charge. His memories are provided here.

The McNaught family arrived at the White Lake Manse in April 1921 with three little boys (aged 2,1 and 8 mos.), a dog, a cat and a horse named Dan. This was to be our home for the next nine years. It was here we welcomed a brother in 1925. It was here we have memories of growing up, starting school, making friends (some whom we still contact), going to Sunday School and attending church. But oh how rich those memories have been and still are!

Since the Manse was in White Lake it was not possible or easy for us to have a lot of contact with Burnstown, yet we managed to be involved many times with the folks at Burnstown in a number of ways. There were the annual picnics with the sand-baked beans, occasions when we would play with the children of the village. There were Christmas concerts and anniversay occasions when we would be in Burnstown and of course there were times when the whole family would attend Sunday School and church. I still remember Peter Hamilton as he led the Sunday School worship.

If Mother was not with us, Dad would seat us with one of the women of the congregation - usually Bella McLachlan. But one Sunday the whole family was at church and I, as the oldest son, felt I had the right and duty of sitting at the outside of the aisle. Well brother James decided he would sit there. A scuffle ensued much to the amusement of the congregation and the embarrassment of our parents. Needless to say a fair amount of 'hot-seated' discipline was administered when we got home that day. The outcome of this incident was that I never sat with my family in the Burnstown church again for I got my own seat at the other side of the church.

I can remember old Mr. John Forrest who used to be the precentor in the church before the advent of a musical instrument. During his latter days he would come to church and once or twice would interrupt the service by standing up in the middle of the service and leading one of the psalms. I recall him as a venerable old gentleman, kindly and reverent in his own way. I remember when the McAdam family came to live on the Calabogie Road at the edge of the village. They had sons about our age and we became good friends. (Here may I digress to say that when I was on my first ordained charge in Saskatchewan I made friends with a Mr. McAdam who was in charge of express on the train between Weyburn and Assinoboia. I used to give him copies of The Renfrew Mercury which my Dad would be sending me - small world isn't it?)

I remember Dorothy Wallace, Minnie Hutson, Chrissie McFadyen, Jean McGregor, Tom Fraser, Sybil Robertson and the Hamilton family. I remember how John Smith would make my day by letting me drive his horse and cutter from the sheds at the side of the church to the front where he picked up his wife. I recall some of the funerals especially one where the family wanted a horse-drawn hearse to carry the casket to the Goshen cemetery and the crowd who had used cars seem to be waiting an endlessly long time for the cortege to arrive.

The days we spent at White Lake and Burnstown saw the changeover from horse to automobile travel along with the inevitable improvement of road travel. But the Burnstown Hill always remained a difficult hill to master because of the sharp curve as one crossed the bridge and began the ascent. In his early days it was not uncommon for Dad to leave the car at the top of the hill and walk the rest of the way to church. Nowadays that has all changed with the raising of the water level in the river and the erection of a wonderful new bridge.

Burnstown has special meaning for me for it was in this church on June 8, 1930 that I made public profession as a Christian along with Arnold McIntyre. That memory is etched in my mind as one of those special never-to-be forgotten events for it meant that now I was a responsible member of the church, taking communion with the other members of the church, having my own set of offering envelopes and able to vote on congregational issues. By the way in Dad's day communion was observed four times a year, twice in White Lake and twice in Burnstown and always in the morning. The members would journey to one church or the other and the elders would share the honours of the occasion. They were special events and always there would be Preparity services a few nights before Communion services.

Over the years I have had opportunity to be present for different church events and functions. In 1977 I had the privilege of being anniversary guest at Burnstown. And now on this your great and historic anniversary I am to have the honour of preaching on one of the Sundays (September 26, 1999) you will be celebrating.

Chapter 7 - The Thirties and Forties

Reverend Milton Redvers Brown, son of a former Methodist minister, followed Rev. McNaught. His salary was $1800. The Induction was held in Burnstown Church on a beautiful June afternoon. A large crowd and everyone connected with the ceremony were present, except Rev. Brown himself, who was inducted in absentia.

In May 1931, due to difficulties of transportation, the session of White Lake and Burnstown decided to hold separate communion services at each church. This is the start of each church session operating as a separate entity. This may also be when the Preparity Service ended. Later, the session again tried a united communion but soon reverted to the plan of separate services. In 1939, the session formed an Official Board of the Pastoral Charge.

The Great Depression was on and young people who had been away working were coming back to the farm homes. Rev. Brown organized a Young Peoples' Union (YPU) in both White Lake and Burnstown, with ages ranging from "15 to 115." Instead of the regular prayer meeting, which had dwindled to a mere handful, the YPU met weekly in the church. It was very different from prayer meeting, at which only the minister took part. At YPU Rev. Brown managed to have as many as possible involved. Membership reached 122 and lasted well after he left. Its success was partly due to the fact that there was no place else to go and no money to go with. To those who took advantage of it, it had many happy and lasting features. In her research notes, Mrs. Richardson mentioned that 11 couples who were members and met at Young Peoples were later married.

Although cars were used in the summer, people continued to use horse and cutter in the wintertime until 1948. The drive sheds at the church provided shelter for the horses. It is not known exactly when these sheds were erected. They were present when the new church was built in 1900 as they can be seen in the picture on the knick-knacks sold that year. They were L-shaped and ran along the river and creek sides of the hill. They provided a bit of revenue throughout the years when an odd stall was rented. It is not known when they were dismantled. A portion was still present in the sixties.

At some point, the picnic spot moved from Robertson's bush and the school yard to 'The Old Mill'. This was the site of the ruins of the Rochester mill along the Madawaska. Press releases during these two decades mention the many fun times there.

Rev. C. Armstrong Sales came in 1933. His daughter Nan, married R.J. Campbell, the son of one of the elders in White Lake and raised a family on a farm near there. With Mr. Sales departure in 1937, Rev. David G. Gault was inducted in the summer of 1938 and remained until the fall of 1942. Catherine Forrest Weber remembers her childhood during this time in the following essay.

The Burnstown Church in a Child's Life

Of the Burnstown Church in the decade that ended for me in 1942 when we moved to Lochwinnoch, this I remember.

The Reverend David Gault stood at the top of the church steps beside a milk can of strawberry ice cream. Lined up higgledy-piggledy on the steps, jostling each other just a bit, we children waited anxiously. It seemed there was a hitch in the plans. Someone had goofed -- the scoop was in Rev. Gault's hand, but where were the ice cream cones?

The sun blazed down, burning our bare arms and legs. Rev. Gault opened the lid, the ice cream was melting. We began to despair as only children who cannot see beyond the present moment can despair.

Then Rev. Gault grinned. "Put your hands together and hold them out," he told the first in line. "Make a dish." He scooped a generous mound of pure pink creamery ice cream into the child's hands. "Next!" Soon we were blissfully lapping up the ice cream from our hands. Best of all, Rev. Gault (an adult, a minister) was eating ice cream from his own hands. Remember? Even sixty years later, how could I forget?

From when we were very young, Sunday School was a weekly event. The polished stairsteps to the basement frightened me because they were triangular at the top and I could not reach the railing. I liked Sunday School, especially the brass jangle of the rings that pulled the heavy old curtains along the wire to make secret rooms for each class. I liked putting my pennies into the pink cardboard box for the poor children in China and India. I liked the Bible stories and the children's hymns that made me feel so safe in the love of God who cared even for the little falling sparrow. I was given Hans Brinker "for perfect attendance Burnstown Sunday School 1941 (Teacher: Jean McGregor. Supt'd: Rev. D.G. Gault)."

Upstairs in church, my favorite part of the service was the hymn singing. Although I was shy about raising my voice, I felt that I was doing my small part when during the war I joined in singing the sailors' hymn: "Eternal Father, Strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave...Oh hear us when we cry to Thee/ For those in peril on the sea."

It was during the days of shortages due to the war that women began wearing panties with a button at the waist instead of the usual elastic. One Sunday when we stood up to sing a hymn, I heard a tiny pop and watched in hot-faced disbelief as my mother's panties slid down to a white heap on her shoes and the button rolled merrily towards the organ.

When the sermon bored me, I daydreamed and looked around the church. Possibly I did not know that Great Grandpa Forrest had been chairman of the building committee or that my Forrest ancestors for 50 years had led the singing in the church, but I knew that this was the biggest, most beautiful building I had ever been in. The stained glass squares and rectangles, blue, pink, yellow, red, framing the frosted glass in the long windows. The domed white lights that hung like exotic hats on chains from the hand-carved wooden ceiling. The warm brown of the wainscotting and the oak pews. The worn Turkish carpet in front of the altar.

In fall, the women decorated the church and twined woodbine and autumn leaves around the windows. At Christmas there were the school concerts and the astonishingly tall tree (the whole church smelled of the forest) and perfectly round red wreaths made of cellophane that I never been able to find since and tissue paper on cardboard folded flat that magically opened into red honeycomb bells.

When I visited Scotland a few years ago, I went on Sunday to the church were my Forrest ancestors had worshipped before they emigrated to the Ottawa Valley. Along with the congregation, I sang the closing hymn "Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?" It seemed to me then, as it seems to me now, that I could not have a better anchor for my life than the love of my family and the love of God I learned in my first ten years in the Burnstown Church.

In 1938, the Women's Missionary Society celebrated its 50th anniversary, with a Divine Worship on Sunday, June 12, followed by a supper and program the following Monday evening. The Mission Band was still going strong. The first Baby Band was formed in 1940, with graduates escorted to the ranks of the Mission Band. The first World Wide Communion was observed on October 3, 1943 and World Day of Prayer was first mentioned in the early thirties.

Financially, there seemed to be a constant struggle to make ends meet in the thirties. As an example, the balance at the end of 1938 was a deficit of $137.24. Only $14.70 was forwarded to the United Church Missionary & Maintenance (M&M) Fund that year. Money was again borrowed from members throughout the thirties. The only church improvement noted that decade was reshingling the roof in 1938, which required a special canvass. The forties saw an increase in givings and by the end of 1942, the church was in good financial standing with no liabilities. At the end of 1949, the balance on hand was $446.40.

The end of the Depression brought World War II. This affected the congregation in many ways. Many local men, members of the YPU, were called to war, while some were allowed to stay behind to help on the farm. Minutes of the WMS in October 1939 noted that they were going to discuss working together with the Burnstown Women's Institute for Red Cross work. The WMS also spent untold hours making quilts, socks, and clothing. Due to food rations and shortage of tea, sugar, and butter, the yearly Anniversary Supper did not occur from 1944 to 1946. Instead a collection was taken to help defray local expenses. Contributions were made to the China and India War Relief Fund and in the yearly financial statements there was an extra column entered for War Relief. There were social collections in 1942 and 1943, which were forwarded for war help.

Rev. Dr. Duncan McRae succeeded Rev. Gault in August 1943. Rev. McRae had served as a missionary in China since 1914 and only left when forced to do so by the Japanese invasion. The McRaes' son was taken prisoner at Dieppe but later visited his parents in White Lake after the war. Mrs. Irene Mayhew (nee DeLaurier) remembers May 6, 1945, the day the war ended.

V.E. Day (Victory over Europe) was a most memorable day. The message that the war was over came to the school in Burnstown. Mrs. Kathleen Pierce was the school teacher and her husband Percy was in the war. There was great rejoicing that day. The senior boys in the school rang the bell so hard that the rope broke. The ringing of the bell was to notify everyone in the surrounding area that the war had ended. Every person who could, came to the church that day, including the minister, Rev. Duncan McRae. A very thankful service was held. This bell is now in the bell tower of St. Andrew's United Church, Burnstown.

In September 1945, a meeting of the official board of the Burnstown church was called to decide what action would be taken in "The Crusade for Christ." It was decided to try "Visitation Evangelism" and the elders and managers were asked to visit the various homes "allotted to them for the purpose of inviting them to church and asking them to support the Sunday School in its important work." They also discusssed how the church might welcome the men who had returned from overseas but there is no record of anything specific being done. The McRaes left in the spring of 1946 to return to their missionary work in South China. Rev. McRae was 67 at that time. Burnstown honoured them by holding a banquet at the church on their departure.

Captain Rev. A.E. Jaster became minister in October 1946. He was a veteran of both World Wars, serving as a private in World War I and becoming a Lutheran minister after. Later he became a United Church minister and served over four years as Chaplain in the Canadian Army in World War II. He was on the Lady Nelson as she carried the wounded back to Canada at war's end.

The 1940s saw two changes in the Pastoral Charge. Bellamy Road held its final communion service in October 1945 with Rev. McRae and eight persons present. The church closed permanently in 1949. The second change was the addition of Calabogie United Church in 1947. This arrangement became permanent sometime in 1949, as seen by the following excerpt from the church bulletin.

Official Board meeting Monday evening 8 o’clock, May 9th, 1949, in the Burnstown United Church, Burnstown, Ontario. All the members of the Official Board are most urgently requested to be present at this meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the feasibility of making the United Church in Calabogie, Ontario, a permanent member of the White Lake Pastoral Charge.

This decade almost saw the end of the church building. Burnstown experienced a severe electric storm on a Thursday evening during which lightning struck the church. The roof was slightly damaged and the electric wiring was burned out. The newspaper noted that a peculiar feature of damage was the fact that the paint was lifted off every nail on the inside of the roof, as if the lightning jumped from nail to nail. Although the exact date of this event is not known, it probably occurred in 1948 as $50 was received from the fire insurance company that year.

Thankfully, instead of dealing with the tragedy of rebuilding, the congregation started preparing to celebrate Burnstown church's Golden Jubilee - 50 years since the construction of the new building. Rev. Jaster sent out an enthusiastic letter explaining the preparations and asking for donations. For a total of $1500, the upstairs interior was cleaned, repaired, repainted and varnished and a new heating system installed.

Chapter 8 - The Fifties and Sixties

The fifties were stable times in the church's history. Rev. Jaster remained in the charge until 1956. He held Burnstown's church services on Sunday evenings. Reverend Wm. J. ten Hoopen came in 1957. He had come to Canada from Holland at the time when he had to be sponsored by a Canadian farmer. As so many of his countrymen did, after serving the time guaranteed to the farmer, he moved up into the professional or skilled job for which he was better trained. Rev. ten Hoopen left in 1960 to answer a Call to Goderich. In 1957 the elders divided the church territory into three sections, with each responsible as follows: Mr. Bert Parsons the Second Line, Mr. Jack Robertson the Village and along the highway to Goshen, and Mr. Garfield Richardson south of the Madawaska.

1953 saw the Official Board determining how to divide the Minister's salary between the three churches. Up until the addition of Calabogie, it seemed that Burnstown and White Lake continued the practice of splitting the cost equally. At a meeting on April 20, 1953, “it was the feeling of those present that a fair division would be as follows, viz; White Lake Church would pay $1500.00 Burnstown Church $1000.00 and Calabogie Church $1000.00.” At the same meeting it was also noted that "those attending left for their homes with their 'innerman' well satisfied with a very tasty meal served by the Ladies of the Burnstown Church."

Financially, the congregation seemed to be able to make ends. At the end of the fifties, records show a balance of $1075.63, with $250.27 sent to the Missionary &Maintenance (M&M) fund. Hymnbooks were purchased in 1951 and two dozen more in 1959. White Gift Christmas donations were seen throughout the fifties and into the eighties. Special donations were made to India and Korea relief in 1954 and to the India Relief fund again in 1966. In 1959, it was decided to provide a monthly copy of the United Church Observer to every home. This still occurs today.

Young People's Union had its ups and downs in the fifties and ended before 1960. Sunday school attendance also fluctuated. In 1957 the Sunday school had an enrolment of 22, with an average attendance of 17. In 1959, the Sunday school average attendance was 28. A Welfare Committee was organized in the late fifties and lasted until, at least, 1962.

The Women's Association, Women's Missionary Society, Mission Band, and Baby Band continued throughout the fifties. In 1957, the Baby Band had 28 members. In 1959, the WMS had a membership of 16 with an average attendance of 10, the Mission Band had 20 meetings with an average attendance of 26, and the Women's Association had met three times that year.

Few improvements were made to the church during the fifties. Near the end of the decade the long row of steps down to the road was changed. The church door could now be approached from either side with fewer shallower steps. In 1960, new front doors were built and installed by Allan McLeod. Mrs. Lila Wallace continued to be the caretaker, holding this job for 35 years since 1927. Although not always paid, she worked very hard. The big woodbox beside the back basement door needed filling and a fire started every Sunday morning in the winter. As there was no running water in the church, often times Lila was found hauling water from the creek at the bottom of Leckie Lane to scrub the basement floor or to do other cleaning.

It was also around 1960 that the church obtained the bell from the Burnstown school. Contractors from Eganville were dismantling the school's bell tower. Harvey Denniston happened to be driving by and saw the bell loaded on the truck to be taken away. Harvey talked to Allan McLeod, who was a member of the Burnstown school board at that time. After agreement was reached with the other members of the school board, Allan phoned Eganville and asked that they return the bell. It was decided to install the bell in the church, as it had a bell tower but no bell.

The congregation was very proud in 1960 when a local son, George McLean Richardson, became a United Church minister. On April 26, 1961, Renfrew Presbytery met in the church and Renfrew Presbyterial of the WMS met at the home of Mrs. J.D. Robertson. That evening, both bodies, with many extra friends from all the surrounding communities, filled the church to capacity for Rev. George Richardson's reception. The local congregation presented him with an engraved silver portable communion service. His wife, Eunice, received an embossed hymnbook. Rev. George served several pastoral charges before settling in Perth for 22 years. He was nominated for Moderator of the United Church of Canada in 1986 but, unfortunately, was not elected.

Rev. Winnifred Margaret Bridges came to the Charge in the fall of 1960. Miss Bridges had just returned from India and was the first lady minister to serve the charge. She conducted large summer vacation schools in the basement of the church in 1963 and 1964. Through her organization and boundless energy, she managed to have over 100 children from the Pastoral Charge. While she was here, the church began the practice of closing during the minister's summer holidays. At the end of 1961, there were 35 resident and 10 non-resident members.

This was the time when women stopped wearing hats. Prior to this, women always had their heads covered at a service and wore a skirt or dress. Starting with the younger women, most of the older ladies also stopped wearing hats by the end of the decade. Nowadays, attire is pretty well anything, except maybe beach wear. Slacks and jeans can be seen on both men and women. It is rare that a man will wear a suit or a woman a hat.

In January 1961, it was decided to have the financial statement without listing contributors. Previous to this the published statements always showed how much each family paid to the church, M&M, and any other cause noted for that year. 1961 also seemed to be the time the managers became known as the stewards. A rally day service was mentioned in May 1961 and noted that the children would be taking part. A Christian Education Committee was formed in March 1962, consisting of the session and Mrs. Neil McIntyre, Mrs. Bert Holmes, Mrs. John Robertson, and Mrs. Doris Smaggus. It is not known how long this committee lasted or its purpose.

The national office initiated tremendous change to the various church organizatons. In 1961, under the guidance of Rev. Bridges, a provisional committee was established to replace the two women's associations with the "United Church Women," commonly known as the UCW. On January 24, 1962, an inauguration took place at the church, with the first president being Mrs. Grace Richardson. In the same year, the Baby and Mission Bands ended with the forming of the Explorers and Messengers. Unfortunately, the two new children's organizations lasted only a few years.

With Rev. Bridges' departure in 1965, Rev. Donald Sharpe filled the gap until Rev. Virgil Alton Plager moved to White Lake in June 1965. He came from British Columbia where he had been serving on the West Coast Marine Mission. It was during Rev. Plager's time that there were a number of outdoor services. One summer Sunday in 1966, the service was held on the church lawn, with a picnic lunch afterwards. On Sunday, July 24, 1966 at 10:30 am, the first joint open air service of the three congregations was held on the shady lawn of Saxevilla, home of Garfield and Grace Richardson. The following is an excerpt from a local newspaper on the event.

Over 100 men, women, and children heard an inspiring sermon on Freedom, not License, by Rev. Plager, and took part in the singing of hymns, accompanied on the accordian by Mrs. E.T. McNamara of Calabogie. Following the service, an informal picnic lunch was enjoyed and Miss Beth Denniston led the children in motion songs and games, a pleasure both to the participants and their adult audience. Lawn croquet and other games were enjoyed and pleasant relaxing visiting made it a very worthwhile day. That this form of open air service brought the three congregations into closer fellowship with each other, and a feeling that they really all belonged to the same church, was expressed by many with the hope that it might become an annual event.

Sadly, just as the charge had taken this fine family to their hearts, Rev. Plager died of a heart attack on November 19, 1966 at the age of 44. Mrs. Richardson writes in her draft of the church's history: "Now Canada's Centennial year finds the little church in Burnstown small in numbers, smaller in interest, leaderless, and facing omnis possibilities."

That year, numerous notes of thanks were given to volunteers. At the annual meeting in January, a vote of thanks and appreciation was given to Mrs. Charlotte Stewart for 21 years of service as secretary-treasurer, to Mrs. Jean Stewart for two year's voluntary service as choir leader, and to Mrs. Annie McAdam as pianist. As there was no paid caretaker at that time, the UCW gave special appreciation to all volunteers who spent hours firing the furnace for Sunday service to heat a building that had been frozen all week, dust, shovel snow, bulldoze the parking area after a snow storm, mow the grass, tend flowers, etc. They also included the organist who voluntarily provided the music and patiently trained old and young in the choir. The church held a special service on June 18, 1967 to receive a gift from Pakenham church, an organ that had been "converted to electric."

Rev. Robert C. Knight replaced Rev. Plager and was inducted on March 30, 1967. It was decided to combine services for Burnstown and White Lake in July and August. Service time for Burnstown continued to be 2 pm, while Calabogie and White Lake were 9:30 and 11:15 respectively. Rev. Knight held another open air service for the three churches on July 23, 1967 at the home of the Richardson's.

Rev. Knight sent out six newsletters in 1968, called The Madawaska Current. It is not known if this continued in subsequent years. In volume 2 (March 1968), he talked about what Presbytery is and news from the last meeting of the Renfrew Presbytery, including a discussion on the present and serious shortage of ministers. He gave the following results from a feed-back questionnaire:

Some weeks ago, at the annual meetings of our congregations, we distributed a "feed-back questionnaire". The returns, 20 of them, deserve some comment, along with a word of thanks to those who filled them in.... Thanks.

1. In all cases the teaching type of sermon was said to be helpful; and all said that it didn't matter if the sermon was provocative, and caused people to think.... Good. We may look forward to more teaching type sermons in the future.

2. Everyone said that God wasn't dead..... Fine. Now the question is: what do you believe about God besides the fact that He isn't dead?

3. No one expressed an explicit "no" to the proposed union between the United and Anglican churches. Some said it would be a good thing. Others said it would take time, wisdom and prayer.

4. The majority answered the question about the Church concerning itself with national and social problems; a few didn't. Of those who answered, all but one thought that the Church should be concerned about such things.... And that, friends, is most certainly a Biblical, and long-standing, attitude.

5. Most of those answering said they would like to participate in discussions and study ranging over the subjects opened up in the questionnaire.... Okay, I'm for that. But will you tell me how this is to take place under the circumstances involving three separate congregations, and (we might as well say it) where the Church, as a priority, has slipped badly backward in the race of events?

In the same newsletter, Rev. Knight further informed the readers that there would be communion six times a year, rather than the previous four times. He discussed the lack of members participating, with only 40% of the three churches receiving communion and not all members taking the commitment to the Lord seriously. He also stated that the road between Burnstown and Calabogie was deplorable and people should become involved to get improvements. The newsletter ends with the announcement of the film, "No Reason to Stay," dealing with school, education, and dropping out, to be shown in Calabogie and White Lake.

Rev. Knight also provided an interesting glimpse of the church for 1968 in his annual report entitled "The Story of the Church in White Lake, Burnstown, Calabogie." There was a 31% increase in mission givings that year in the charge, with money raised for the Nigeria/Biafra Relief Fund and a "One Day's Pay" Appeal, as well as the regular M&M offerings. At that time Burnstown was paying 15% of the Pastoral Budget, or $1396. Burnstown's balance at the end of 1968 was $373.94, including a donation from the UCW of $250.

Sometime in 1969, or maybe late 1968, something drastic happened in the church. The financial report for 1969 showed a deficit of $286.50, a bank balance of $7.29, and mission givings of $33.70. It is known that some members left the church due to differences with the minister. It is also rumoured that Rev. Knight wanted to close the Burnstown church and open it as a drop-in centre. The Information and Registration Form sent to the national office in January 1969 seems to verify this. Rev. Knight wrote: "There is nothing to report for this congregation which is small, and could, in the not too distant future, be absorbed in an adjacent congregation." Whatever the reason, the end of the sixties was the start of the bleakest time in the life of this congregation.

Chapter 9 - The Seventies

Late in 1969 or early in 1970 the church closed its doors. The despair is seen from the minutes of the annual congregational meetings. On January 11, 1970, there was a discussion on the pastoral charge's budget of $9200 and how they could pay their share. Burnstown was to attempt to cover 5%, with White Lake and Calabogie picking up the difference. The members felt no financial commitments could be made at this time for other purposes, including Missions and Service (M&S). Rev. Knight then said that a church without concern for Missions was dead. A year later, minutes show the congregation ended up paying only $95 of the $9500 pastoral budget (1%) and $10 of the $2276.40 sent to M&S.

At that same meeting, when the question of electing an elder came next on the agenda, a name was put forward. "Mr. Knight read from the manual where you had to be an active member and attend church regularly. No further action was taken." On September 15th, Rev. Knight made the following commentary in the Historic Roll book after reviewing the current members. "Burnstown congregation has a Roll of 34 Resident members. Of the membership of 34: at least 3 find it increasingly difficult to attend church, 4 at least have not attended for a number of years, 10 at least attend worship at either White Lake or Calabogie, the remainder are either attending some other church or not at all."

The opening of the annual meeting of 1971 reads: "The annual meeting of Burnstown United Church was held in the school Jan.19th with 10 present. As there had not been regular church services for over a year it was going to mean a great deal of work to open the snow filled road and walk and clean the church. Also there was a shortage of wood for heating."

Rev. Knight left the Pastoral Charge in early 1971, after being required to do so by Renfrew Presbytery. According to the newspapers at that time, the suspension came without inquiry or investigation, although it seems the problems had started to take root more than three years previously, "when the minister openly denounced the Vietnam War from the pulpit, calling it a 'colossal mistake'... Then came the suggestion from the pulpit that the church basement be thrown open to the community’s youth for social get-togethers, including coffee sessions, record hops and dancing. This time, dissidents theorized that it was unsanctimonious to allow body contacts in the basement 'with heaven above' in the sanctuary." Fuel was added to the fire "when Mr. Knight described graphically to his congregation how John the Baptist had his head chopped off and brought in on a 'bloody platter' for engaging in backroom politics." Rev. Knight felt that his ousting was wrongly based on the complaints of a minority group who did not want to see change occur. Calabogie strongly opposed the suspension and, in fact, continued to have Rev. Knight as minister for a short time. Some of the White Lake and Burnstown members were more upset with how Presbytery handled the situation, than the situation itself.

Mr. Robert Bowker of Carleton Place, a lay minister, came and preached in the charge. With his arrival, thankfully, Burnstown's church opened its doors again. This is probably when the service time changed to 10:15 am. The financial report of the annual meeting of January 1972 was "thought to be very gratifying as we only had regular services since May after a year and a half of closed doors." They noted that the M&S givings were very low and pledged to do better in 1972. Mr. Bowker stayed for 15 months. He did much to heal the wounds of the three congregations and bring them back together. Rev. Archie Manson was inducted in Burnstown on June 17, 1972. There was a large attendance from Presbytery who were truly concerned with the success of this ministry.

With the arrival of Rev. Manson, session records were again started for Burnstown, there having been no elders for the last few years. The elders in January 1973 were Harvey Denniston and M.C. (Billie) Fraser. Donations were made to Camp Lau-Ren. In 1974, the congregation celebrated the church's 75th anniversary, with Rev. Bridges returning on September 22 to be the guest anniversary speaker. She spoke with hope that this little church would "yet be revived and continue to grow strong in faith, with which the pioneer fathers had built it and is so badly needed today."

1974 also saw members deciding to withdraw services in Burnstown during Calabogie and White Lake Anniversaries. This has continued until today, except for an odd year here and there. In 1975, the White Lake congregation organized a Marney Patterson crusade from January 10th to 12th and extended an invitation to Burnstown to attend. In 1976, the old familiar hymnary was replaced by a hymnbook published jointly by the United and Anglican Churches of Canada. The next year it was decided to send all the old record books to the United Church Archives in Toronto, along with those of the Pastoral Charge. On a sad note, the annual meeting in 1976 noted the termination of the United Church Women in Burnstown. Although it had survived the hard times of the last decade, it had decided to disband.

Rev. Manson, much loved by the congregation, left in 1977 and was followed by Rev. Fred R. Milnes. Mrs. Milnes, who is now also a minister, was often heard in solo. The congregational meeting of 1978 notes the discussion of the time of Sunday service. Burnstown was happy with 10:15 but would co-operate with suggestions from the other congregations.

With Burnstown back on its feet, although shakily, the congregation made some improvements to the church. 1973 finally saw the switch from a wood furnace to oil. The cost of $995, which included extra wiring, was paid by a special canvass. In 1974, the church walls were painted by Mr. Phil Richardson and a carpet fund was initiated, starting with a donation of $5 received from Rev. Bridges. As 1979 drew to a close, the balance on hand was $1364, with $463 going to M&S and $2084 to the Pastoral Charge.

Changes were also made to the church grounds. The bridge over the Madawaska was being replaced again, this time to the bridge you now see today. This required six to eight feet of land in front of the church to widen the road. Permission was granted in 1973 with the congregation asking for a retaining wall with railing be built.

Chapter 10 - The Eighties

Rev. Milnes continued to minister to the White Lake Pastoral Charge until July 1984. Minutes of annual meetings noted he made weekly visits to McNab and Calabogie schools to conduct Bible class. The elder at this time continued to be Harvey Denniston, after Billie Fraser resigned at the end of the seventies. Harvey did tender his resignation in early 1982 but was asked to stay on as there was no one available to replace him.

In 1985, Neale and Sheila Dalton became elders, with Sheila becoming the first woman elder at the church. In the early eighties the congregation was very small; normally less than ten would be present on a Sunday morning. In preparing this book, the Daltons explained how they started to attend this church. Having moved to Norway Lake for their retirement, they were passing to go into Renfrew to attend the Anglican church there. They felt it was silly to drive by a church in Burnstown to go to one in Renfrew and decided to give the local church a try and be part of the community. They were warmly received by everyone. When they saw how small in number the congregation was, they decided to make Burnstown church theirs and were glad to help however they could.

In early 1980, the congregation experimented with an evening service the first Sunday of each month. This did not prove successful and the service returned to Sunday morning between the Calabogie service at 8:45 am and White Lake's at 11:00. Donations of $100 were made in 1981 to the Arnprior & District Memorial Hospital for their new nursing home and the White Lake congregation for celebration of their 100th anniversary that year.

1980 saw a very successful vacation Bible school in July. Hubert Huyer, his wife, Riet, and Sandy Franetzki taught 15 area children, ranging in age from 5 to 13, with the help of Lillian McLeod and Monique Stewart. Daily refreshments were provided by Adele McLeod, Jean Denniston, and Chrissie Fraser. Even with this success, there was no Sunday school the following fall. At the annual meeting in 1982, minutes show that the need for a Sunday school was given serious thought, as it was the "feeling of those present that in order for our church to grow we have to begin with the children." They decided to have a potluck supper in April and invite the community.

The potluck did not occur as planned but around 1983 a Sunday school was started with a few children. It blossomed to nearly 30 by 1985. Ladies that got things going were Joanne Bennett, Dorothy Garlough, and Carol Halstead. There were three classes; pre-kindergarten, kindergarten to grade 2, and grades 3 to 5. Sunday school teachers in 1985 were Dorothy Garlough, Carol Halstead, and Louise Wilson. Hilary Rosebrugh, Irene Robillard, Sandra McLeod and Sheila Dalton assisted, with Joanne Bennett as musical director. In 1987, Irene Robillard became Sunday School Superintendent and continued until the nineties. For a few years, the Sunday school was in charge of White Gift Sunday, with the children putting on a Christmas play and singing some songs.

On a Saturday evening in April 1985, a community potluck supper was held to inform everyone just what had been accomplished within the church and what was yet to come. Newly elected elders, Neale and Sheila Dalton spearheaded the meeting, with Dorothy Garlough, Sunday School Superintendent, and Hugh Render, Board of Stewards Chairman, explaining their plans for the next year. There was also an attempt to revive a women's group within the church but this proved unsuccessful.

In the early eighties, there was a variety of organists. When Doris Stewart wished to resign in the summer of 1985, Phyllis Dool, who had just moved to the area, became organist. At this time, the stewards voted to increase the payment to $20 a Sunday. The mid-eighties also saw Doug Holmes becoming caretaker of the church, there having been no paid caretaker for a number of years. Ken McLeod continued to keep the snow cleared from the driveway and parking area at no charge. In January 1986, for their dedication to keeping the church alive, Jean and Harvey Denniston were presented with a gift, a lovely winter scene of the church taken by photographer, Dorothy Garlough.

After a year without a permanent minister in the charge, Rev. Andrew Adams arrived in July 1985. To welcome him, the congregations from the three churches spent a lovely sunny summer Sunday afternoon at the Dalton's home along Norway Lake. Rev. Adams had numerous joint session meetings with the three churches. A combined Calabogie and Burnstown Fellowship Group was initiated and continued for a few years. With a thriving Sunday school, attendance at services had increased considerably. It was noted in June 1986, that the average attendance (including children) since the previous October was 31.6 for Burnstown, slightly less for Calabogie, and nearly 80 for White Lake.

Rev. Adams normally had a month of holidays in the summer. During this time, rather than closing the churches, guest speakers were invited and were much enjoyed. Some of the speakers were ministers from the Gideon Society, Rev. Wilf Wight from the Bible Society, and John Shane and Bill Griffiths, lay ministers in the area. In 1987, Rev. Adams gave a Bible Study on Soldiers for Jesus Christ.

That same year, it was decided to have the Burnstown service start at 9:45 am. An elder would start the service and continue through the first hymn and announcements. The minister would arrive around 10 am from Calabogie and pick up with Children's Time. Afterwards, the children would go to Sunday school and the service would proceed. This has continued to today and is quite successful. It gives the minister a bit of time after the service to shake hands and talk to the individuals of the congregation, before rushing off to his next service at White Lake. 1987 also saw new hymnbooks purchased for all three churches, entitled Hymnal for Worship and Celebration.

As the eighties drew to an end, the report 'Toward a Christian Understanding of Sexual Orientation, Lifestyles, and Ministry' was released by the United Church of Canada. This upset a number of people in the charge, and the minister's report in 1988 and 1989 talked about people leaving due to their dissatisfaction with the United Church of Canada as a whole. The Official Board of the Charge protested in 1988 by designating all monies collected for the M&S fund to the World Development and Relief Fund. At year's end, all monies for the M&S fund were withdrawn. Instead, the charge decided to set up a new fund and committee to spend this money on four organizations chosen by the charge: World Vision Canada, World Wide Evangelization Crusade, Arnprior & District Association for Community Living (McLaughlin Centre in Braeside), and Dr. Marney Patterson's Invitation to Live Ministries.

Numerous repairs and improvements were made to the church in the eighties, thanks mainly to the efforts of Hugh Render, Brian Garlough, and Bill Halstead. The most notable accomplishment was drilling a well and bringing running water into the church basement in 1984. Up until this time, water always had to be hauled from the members' homes for use, including the many suppers provided by the ladies of the church. Shortly after, a washroom was added underneath the stairway.

An item that started to pester the congregation in the early eighties was the large amount of pigeon droppings on the front steps. The pigeons had been using the bell tower, with its wonderful view of the Madawaska and the village, as a perfect nesting spot. Different methods were used to try to rid the church of the birds but proved unsuccessful. In 1988, one of the stewards, Jim Robillard, investigated and found the pigeons had been building their nests in the walls of the bell tower. It had taken nearly 90 years to accumulate sufficiently that the sides were now full to overflowing of manure and nest material. He cleaned out the walls and put screening on the open belfry windows to prevent the birds from returning to nest. Happily, this solved the problem.

1985 saw the purchase of a new manse for the Charge in White Lake. The old house was sold and a brand new three-bedroom bungalow was purchased on Pinewood Circle. In 1987, a donation of $100 was given to the Renfrew United Church for their building fund, after the tragic burning of their lovely church.

In April of 1989, as a fund-raiser, a capacity crowd enjoyed an old time concert, with all participants being part of the congregation. Music included Ruth Ann Adams, the minister's wife, giving a rendition of the Lord's prayer, Gerry Papousek singing two of his own compositions, songs sung by the Sunday school children, a duet sung by Neale and Sheila Dalton, and everyone singing the infamous Banks of the Madawaska. Nostalgic items were read from the recently published book Burnstown Remembered and from an old copy of The Second Line News. Harry and Irene Mayhew dramatized and sang "There's a Hole in The Bucket", Jean and Joyce Calberry shared a mother and daughter recitation, and a number of ladies participated in the hilarious skit entitled the Burnstown Uplift Society.

At the end of 1989, Burnstown covered $6460 or 15% of the Pastoral Charge's expenses, with $290 given to the M&S Community fund. The congregation ended the decade with a very healthy balance of $19000. $15000 of this was a generous bequest from Marion Jane Smith, a life-long member, who died September 22, 1987.

Chapter 11 - The Nineties

The Sunday school had petered out again. In 1990, there remained one class, with an average attendance of three. In parallel, the attendance at the services dwindled to approximately ten. That same year the joint session forwarded a petition to the 1990 General Council requesting that the United Church of Canada take seriously the belief that the Bible is the written word of God. The three-point charge also invited Faith Mission to do an outreach. Two ladies from Scotland, Hester Duggan and Ann Hallyburton, came and visited many families in the area and organized a large Vacation Bible School in Burnstown. This outreach occurred over two years and representatives have since visited the charge yearly.

In 1991, it was decided to once again forward Mission & Service (M&S) donations to Toronto for those who wanted. The community M&S funds continued, which led to members indicating on their envelopes which M&S fund they would like their money to go. Harvey Denniston became an honorary elder in 1992.

With the departure of Rev. Adams in June 1992, Rev. Katherine Cooper arrived that September. She was the second woman minister in the Pastoral Charge. Unfortunately for the charge, deciding she wanted to spend more time with her children, she left in 1993. Rev. Donald Anderson provided ministerial assistance for the remainder of the year and then became the charge's official minister. He was previously the street and court chaplain in Ottawa and, subsequently, executive director of the Union Mission. Rev. Anderson spends much of his time visiting all the people in the three communities that might call the United Church their home.

Starting in the late eighties, Phyllis Dool, the organist, was accompanied at most services by Bud Sinnema on violin and Neale Dalton on saxophone. This was much enjoyed by the congregation. After Bud left the area in 1993, Neale has continued to play the sax when he can. In 1996, Janice Oakes shared her liturgical dance at a regular church service. Times have changed from not being allowed to even use an organ in the late 1800s. Near the end of 1996, there was a discussion on the new United Church hymnbook, Voices United, but, as of this date, it is not yet in use.

At a session meeting in 1994, it was agreed there would be a minimum of four communion services in a calendar year: Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday or the Sunday after, the first Sunday in October, and Christmas Eve or the Sunday following. In 1994, a Good Friday evening service was held in Burnstown for all three churches.

Spring 1995 saw a number of members in Burnstown attend a Pastoral Care Course. The ten-session course was an inter-denominational programme and covered topics such as death and dying, ageing, hospital visiting, and the grief process. 1997 saw an outreach to the three communities, with Dr. Marney Patterson's Invitation to Live Ministries presenting their "Life At Its Best" mission from April 15 to 20. Mission services were held at all three churches, as well as a workshop and a special teen party. The chair of the committee was Isobel Kristijan from Calabogie. In 1998, in preparation for the Billy Graham Crusade at the Corel Centre in Ottawa, the film "The Ride" was presented in the Burnstown church. A bus load from the charge went every evening to the Crusade. Craig Ziebarth, a recent member of the congregation, spent the summer of 1998 collecting items, such as educational supplies, toys, and hand tools, for the Christian Children's Fund of Canada. A ten-foot square container was sent to children and their parents in Africa. Craig is now in the process of rounding up 1500 new and used bibles to send to the Philippines.

In late 1997, the United Church Moderator, Bill Phipps was headlined in the Ottawa Citizen, "I don't believe Jesus was God," starting a theological debate. As a response, the sessions of the three churches requested Rev. Anderson to run a series of articles in the local Arnprior and Renfrew newspapers on his belief as a minister of the United Church. Entitled, "I Believe," the ten articles proved very worthwhile and allowed the readers to further reflect on their own beliefs.

Although Burnstown started the nineties with a healthy financial balance, the money quickly disappeared. With few people attending, the yearly contributions could not match the expenses. As well, the original oil furnace needed replacing as it was spewing black soot into the sanctuary. Two new furnaces were purchased in 1993, one to heat the upstairs and the other the basement. The steeple, in urgent need of repair and paint, was fixed in 1994. The outside windows were partly repaired and repainted by the congregation at a work bee that same year and completed in 1996 by Schiron Construction when they repainted the roof cornice.

That the church was short of money was not all bad. The small congregation decided to augment funds by having at least two fundraisers each year. In the late eighties and for most of the nineties, a variety concert was held every second spring, with a yard and bake sale the alternate year. As well, Gospel Hymn Fests were held in the fall, which became Carol Fests in 1997. These fundraisers were normally very successful and brought the congregation closer together. The first Hymn Fest in 1994 saw the church filled right to the last seat, after the large oak doors had been raised to include the Sunday school room. All of the evening programs ended with a fellowship and luncheon in the basement.

In 1992 Burnstown's portion of the pastoral charge was increased to 20% from 15%, which was still much less than the other two churches provided. This created quite a financial strain on the church, but it was not fair for White Lake and Calabogie to continue to carry the burden.. In 1994, a formula was worked out and refined in 1996 by Harry Mayhew, the charge's treasurer. The percentage was determined yearly based on the previous year's average adult attendance at regular services and the receipted donations and loose offering. This has worked out very well and continues today. In 1995, Burnstown's portion was 13.4%. Since then, it has continued to increase, reflecting the increase in attendance and givings. In 1999, Burnstown's percentage is 20.6% or $11982.52, with White Lake's being 42% and Calabogie's 37.4%.

As the nineties come to an end, the congregation is healthy both spiritually and financially. Happily, the attendance at services has increased significantly over the past two years. In 1998, average attendance was 20 adults and 5 children. Three new members joined the church in 1998, all by transfer. The service is started by an elder at 9:45 am, with Rev. Anderson arriving around 10 am. Sunday school has started again, with Jean Calberry as the superintendent and teacher. Joyce Inglis and Cheryl Gervais help, when needed. Although attendance fluctuates from week to week, Jean always has something prepared for whoever shows up. A television, video cassette recorder, and audio cassette player were donated in 1998 to augment the Sunday school lesson. Besides Sunday school, there are two children's groups and two bible studies available in the Pastoral Charge.

Anniversary services are the fourth Sunday in September at 9:45 am and 7:30 pm. Communion continues being given four times a year. The church closes for Calabogie and White Lake's anniversaries, as well as Decoration Day at the White Lake cemetery. For at least 20 years, Jean Denniston has faithfully provided beautiful flower arrangements from her garden for the summer services. Glen McLeod continues the tradition of providing free snow plowing for the church. Hugh Render supplies the annual Christmas tree. In 1998, the M&S givings from Burnstown was $655 for the community and $231 for the United Church, the only congregation in the charge still supporting the national church's M&S after the moderator's headlines. The Community Mission's money supports the New Hope Centre in Arnprior, Marney Patterson's "Invitation to Live" ministries, David and Susan Frost, previously of World Evangelism in Christ, and the Faith Mission. The balance on hand as of December 31, 1998 was $6271.90.

Chapter 12 - Celebrating Our History

A committee was formed in early 1998 to plan for the 100th anniversary of the church building. Claire Poirier held a number of very successful activities to raise funds for a centennial project or two. The first was a spaghetti supper in the spring, which the men and women of the village organized, regardless of whether they attended the church or not. Next came a bridal fashion show at the end of August. Helped by local fashion designer, Marleen Schaly, and Calabogie organist, Isobel Kristijan, the audience saw a collection of local bridal fashions from the late 1800s to Marleen's present creations. The last fund raiser of 1998 was a Carolfest, which was enjoyed by all.

With the proceeds of these events and other generous donations, the first centennial project was completed in December 1998, with the refurbishing of the upstairs interior of the church. The ceiling of the sanctuary was cleaned, as well as the wainscotting and other woodwork. The walls and windows were also repaired and painted.

Once more funds are available, at least one other project will be completed. Two being considered are installing a sound system in the church and having the church accessible to the handicapped. Estimates show this second project is quite costly and the design for the upstairs access is not yet satisfactory.

Finding the contents of the corner-stone was no easy feat. Although the 100th Anniversary committee knew who laid the stone, when it was done, and most of its contents, they did not know its exact location. A number of unsuccessful attempts were made in 1998. A metal detector was used to try to determine the location, as the contents were thought to be in a metal box. As well, each foundation stone was looked at to see it there was any etching on it. Near Christmas, Bill Berndt from Arnprior, a friend of Jim Robillard's, came with his metal detector. Bill had researched that a corner-stone is traditionally placed in the left corner as you leave the church doors. His detector indicated something behind the second stone down from the brick in the corner closest to the old school house. Unfortunately, snow and cold kept everyone away from the corner until spring. On April 1, 1999, Jim Robillard decided to investigate. A small stone at the north corner facing highway 508 was fairly easy to remove. Behind it, he found brick. The brick seemed hollow when he tapped on it so he drilled a hole through it. There he found a number of papers held down by a rock nestled in the brick cavity. The corner-stone contents were found! It contained: two coins, a nickel and dime dated 1899; a copy of the Arnprior News, dated June 7, 1899; the pink flyer noting the picnic and celebrations of the laying of this corner stone; a copy of the church's financial statement for December 31, 1898; and the Minutes of the Presbytery of Lanark and Renfrew for March 6, 1899. The last item was in very bad shape, as it was closest to the rock that had sat on the papers for 100 years. Very little could be made out other than the title. Contrary to earlier reports, there were no books on the Women's Foreign Missionary Society.

Writing this book is another centennial activity. During research, it was discovered that 1999 would also be the congregation's 150th anniversary. Where possible, Irene Mayhew has written to every couple married in the church requesting their wedding picture to be included in the book. Numerous people have provided anecdotes and pictures. Two items have been donated to the church as a result. Kathryn Anderson donated the engraved silver trowel used to lay the corner-stone of the church in 1900. Jean Woods donated her 60th anniversary plate and cup and saucer, as well as an old hymnary.

In anticipation of the celebrations, two songs were written. The first, Centennial Song, was composed and sung by Miss Olive Phillips at the anniversary service in October. The second, St. Andrew's United Church of Burnstown, was written by Wes Bomhower of Calabogie in early 1999. These songs are recorded in the chapter, "Music Through The Years."

Phyllis Dool and her committee have something planned for each month in 1999, ending with a rededication of the church on January 2, 2000. August will see a time capsule closed and hidden in the corner- stone for the next century. An anniversary supper is planned for September. As well, greeting cards with the picture of the church are for sale. Every Sunday throughout the year, the church bell will be rung advising those within hearing that the congregation of the little church in Burnstown is alive and well.

Organizations and Other Tidbits

Chapter 13 - Women's Missionary Society (WMS)

The first known women's organization of the congregation was the Women's Foreign Missionary Society. Most of the information before 1930 is from a report given by Mrs. Margaret Robertson in 1938 to celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary.

This society had started in Toronto in 1876 to enlist "the woman-power of the church in service for women and children of foreign lands." In the summer of 1888, Mrs. George Neilson and Miss Min Russell of Arnprior drove themselves up by buggy to organize one in Burnstown. As the women of Burnstown knew little of the work and were very reluctant to take office, there was quite a problem to find officers. With some effort, Mrs. Robert Robertson was persuaded to take the presidency.

At that 50th anniversary, Margaret Robertson described the conditions of their forebears.

Words seem so inadequate to describe what these women had done and under such adverse conditions. ...The women had few of the conveniences in their homes which we enjoy and which makes our work so much easier. Then too, opinion of what is a woman's work has changed vastly from what it was 50 years ago. Then a woman was expected to do almost everything about the farm. And with all this they found time to give attention to missions! They had no phones - we couldn't get up one meeting without the aid of the telephone. No electricity - no cars - no radios - no good roads. So you see that times have changed vastly and swiftly.

To help finance the new church, in August 1898 the Missionary Society was put aside for a few years and a Ladies' Aid was organized. As described in the chapter on the church's construction, some $600 was raised. One fund raising activity during this period was the sale of beautiful blue glass knick-knacks, with the picture of the new church. There was quite a variety of miniatures, including cream jugs, pickle dishes, vases, water glasses, covered dishes, watering cans, and spoon trays. Years ago, one or two pieces could be seen in each lady's parlour in the area. Now these handsome pieces are quite rare, although a few samples were found and can be seen on the back cover.

Shortly after building the church, the Missionary Society was reorganized. Sometime before 1920, the name was changed to the Women's Missionary Society or WMS. The word "Foreign" had been deleted because it was offensive to the lands where the missionaries worked. In this time frame, a Women's Association was also formed and coexisted with the WMS throughout its life.

After 1900, the women continued to raise money and help with the church expenses. They bought the church's first organ in 1903. When the subject of individual communion cups was discussed by the session in 1910, "the women who had the money were instructed to purchase same, for the next Communion."

Until the 1930s, very little else is known about the WMS. Mrs. Robertson did note in her speech of 1938 that "there were times of discouragement, no doubt--one year there were only 5 members--but always the members persevered and work of untold value has been accomplished."

Thankfully, the minutes from 1939 to 1947 are preserved and were available to review. Mrs. Grace Richardson also started an excellent scrapbook in 1938, containing the press reports sent to The Renfrew Mercury. These items give a glimpse of the workings of the WMS, including the war years.

The first meeting of 1938 took place on Tuesday, January 18th at the home of the President, Mrs. J.D. Robertson. This was Margaret Robertson. Then, the woman's first name was rarely mentioned if they were married. Instead their husband's name or initials were used, even in the minutes and attendance roll. Fifteen ladies attended, including Miss Marion Smith (treasurer), Miss Cora McIntyre (secretary), Miss Jean McGregor (Mission Band superintendent), Mrs. D.G. Forrest, Mrs. McFadyen, Mrs. A.H. Fraser, and Mrs. G.N. Richardson. They reported on a Christmas box of cheer donated to a needy family and were preparing for 'Robbie Burns' night.

At the Burns' Night Tea, Miss Chrissie McFadyen, whose grandfather was a first cousin of David Livingstone, told of the "splendid faith and enduring perseverance of this famous Scotch missionary." March 1938 saw Miss Belle McLachlan looking for donations of flannelette to finish a baby layette, August was a joint picnic meeting with the Mission Band at the "Old Mill," and the fall saw thanks received for bales of good used clothing, quilts, and layettes sent to Saddle Lake Indian School and Lamonte Public Hospital in Alberta. The ladies also looked after the service in late October as the minister was on holidays.

To celebrate the organization's Golden Jubilee, the 23 names of the women who had carried on the work previously were read during the service on Sunday, June 12, 1938 at 2:30 pm. Music was provided by the Young People's Union choir of 20 voices under the leadership of Joseph Parkins and Alice Sharpe. On the following Monday evening, supper was served in the church dining hall. In the program, Margaret Robertson gave a brief history. Three little girls, Betty Robertson, Evelyn Quait, and Alma Fraser helped give out flowers to the charter members still alive. These were Mrs. Robert Robertson (first president), Miss Emma Crane, Mrs. Farquhar McLeod, and Mrs. John Forrest (who was too ill to be present).

In February 1939 prints and ginghams donated from the Toronto firm, Robert Simpson Co. Ltd, were displayed. Mrs. Martha Taylor, Mrs. Florence McLellan, Mrs. Jessie Quait, and Miss Margaret McIntyre volunteered to make articles and put them on sale at Robertson's store. At the next meeting, the results of this donation were displayed and two aprons immediately sold for 35 cents each.

May 1939 saw Grace Richardson winning a beautiful precious promise Bible for first prize on her scrapbook in the Bay of Quinte Conference branch, the same scrapbook used to research this book. The WMS Sectional Rally was held in Burnstown on Tuesday June 13th. Delegates from Braeside, Glasgow, White Lake, Waba, and Arnprior attended. In November the guest of honour and speaker was Mrs. MacDonald, a former missionary to Korea, who had once taught in the Second Line school.

1940 saw the bale of clothing and quilts going to Norway House at the extreme north end of Lake Winnipeg. Many quilts were prepared yearly. The tops were normally completed and donated by one of the ladies. Minutes one year noted Mrs. Edna Forrest had a "big, warm, heavy woollen quilt pieced and quilted" one meeting and had three more quilt tops ready to be lined and quilted at the next. Everyone would then gather at a home, or sometimes the church, in an afternoon for a quilting bee. After completing two or three quilts, the ladies would enjoy a social time together.

By 1941, the officers had changed somewhat, although Mrs. Robertson continued as president after the group rejected her resignation. Officers were: Mrs. G.N. Richardson and Mrs. G.S. Parsons (vice-presidents), Mrs. Parsons (secretary), Marion Smith (treasurer and Christian stewardship), Mrs. A.M. Taylor (associate helpers secretary), Belle McLachlan (missionary monthly and peace), Mrs. D.G. Forrest (supply), Mrs. Hamilton (literature and pianist), Mrs. James Forrest (Mission Band Superintendent) with Doris Parsons as her assistant, and Mrs. G.S. Parsons (Baby Band Leader).

1941 and subsequent years saw numerous mention of the war effort. In February 1941, “a letter was read from the United Church War Savings committee and a resolution pledging the societies support was passed. An appeal from the Navy League was to be passed on to the Women’s association for their consideration. ... There was much discussion on war work and the Auxiliary decided to co-operate with other local organizations and tentative plans were made for work meetings later on when the roads improve. The supply secretary asked each member to contribute to a quilt, the pattern of which was supplied.”

The next month there was a quilting bee at the home of Edna Forrest. Of the four quilt tops displayed, two were completed that afternoon. At that same meeting, a War Savings Certificate in the name of the church was started by voluntary contributions of War Savings Stamps by members. It was also decided to remember the local soldiers with a tiny pocket prayer booklet. Letters of appreciation for these booklets from Cpl. James Wallace and Lewis McAdam were received in the fall. In April, Nellie McLachlan reported that three pairs of pyjamas, a pair of socks, and five quilts were finished for the Red Cross. At a joint meeting with the Women's Association at the manse in October 1943, a motion was passed to "permit the circulating of a petition for legislation that would allow anti-nazi refugees to come to Canada."

February 1942 press reports discussed sugar rationing. The church women were asked "to co-operate with the Government and to set an example of self-denial. If we voluntarily cut the sugar consumption we save the much costlier method of rationing. A telegram was read from the President of the Dominion Board asking that all WMS members show their loyal support of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board’s policy by keeping their sugar purchases well within the amount stipulated by law." In January 1943, the press report noted: “In accordance with food restrictions it was felt necessary to further limit refreshments at meetings but it was also felt that as many of the members came a distance and often walked, it could not be entirely dispensed with.”

In early 1942, war work had expanded so much it was decided to organize a separate community group, called the Willing War Workers. The first meeting was at the home of Margaret Robertson. An executive was appointed with Mrs. A.H. Fraser as president, Mrs. G.S. Parsons secretary, and Mrs. Neil McIntyre treasurer. To help finance their endeavours, they decided to sell tickets on a new embroidered flannelette quilt. At that meeting, a large donation of cloth to the WMS from a local woolen mill was sorted. Children's clothing was cut out for refugees and suitable pieces were allotted to make bright, warm afghans. No further information of this organization was found, except a minor note in a write-up at the end of the war where it was suggested that the unfinished quilts be completed and given to a family, whose home was recently destroyed by fire.

War was not the only thing on the ladies' minds during these years. January 1942 noted that a reading course was "being enthusiastically carried on and a number of good books are being circulated and monthly reports given." Literature secretary, Mrs. Annie Hamilton, led the reading through these years and notes for February 1944 congratulate her when Burnstown won the reading contest. Many meetings noted the members or young daughters giving recitations, reading poems, and singing solos or duets. Temperance was also the theme on a few occasions. In September 1944, thoughts or Bible verses on Temperance formed the roll call and Grace Richardson recited "A Sore Temptation," a temperance poem.

In August 1944, to raise a special sum over and above the regular givings, it was decided to divide the WMS into three, with each responsible for raising a third. Annie Hamilton and Chrissie Fraser were responsible for the "Second Line," Margaret Robertson and Catherine McIntyre for the "Village," and Jean Denniston and Grace Richardson for "South of the River." It is not known how the Second Line and the Village raised funds but the South of the River group reported holding a very enjoyable party on the lawn of Mr. Willard McGregor on a Monday evening. Mrs. McRae, the minister's wife, organized games that included everyone and teams under the captaincy of Willard McGregor and George Richardson entered several sporting contests. George Taylor sang with his guitar, Betty Buffett entertained with an amusing recitation, and instrumental music by Messrs. McGregor, Denniston, and Taylor added much to the evening’s entertainment.

At the end of 1947, Mrs. Annie Hamilton was presented a life membership in the WMS, being previously president and always active on the executive. A beautiful hand written card, made by Grace Richardson, wished her well in her new home in Renfrew and was signed by: (in alphabetical order by author) Agnes Brunskill, Jean Denniston, Mayme Deslaurier, Mrs. D. G. Forrest, Chrissie Fraser, Jessie Fraser, Rev. A. E. Jaster, Jessie A. Larone, Hazel McIntyre, Bella McLachlan, Nellie McLachlan, Florence McLellan, Adele MacLeod, Ida McLeod, Mayme Parsons, Grace McL. Richardson, Margaret L. Robertson, Marion Smith, Martha Taylor, Anne Wallace, and Mary Wallace.

The WMS continued until 1962, when the United Church Women was formed. In 1959 the WMS had a membership of 16, with an average attendance of 10. Margaret Robertson was President of the Renfrew Presbyterial at this time.

Chapter 14 - Other Women's Organizations

The Women's Association (WA)

Another Women's Organization was the Women's Association, or WA. It is not known when this organization started, although it was known to exist by the 1920s and was not present until after 1900. The membership was basically the same ladies as the WMS, but they worked for the local church, being responsible for the anniversary suppers and helping with the church finances. They held fewer meetings, usually less than six per year. It is not thought that there were higher levels of the organization, as no one could remember attending any area meetings or rallys, similar to the WMS. Known presidents were Mrs. Agnes Brunskill in 1943, Mrs. Annie Hamilton in 1944, and Mrs. Grace Richardson in 1957, although there must have been many more.

Very little information could be found on the WA, as the press reports concentrated on the WMS and Mission and Baby Bands. The financial statements of the forties and fifties indicate that the women made money by means of lawn socials, ball games, home cooking and superfluity sales, selling quilts, crafts, Christmas cards and cook books, and catering to Lions Club, Rotary, and wedding suppers.

The anniversary suppers were a great hit. People attended from far and wide. The minutes of 1957 show that 330 lbs. of turkey were bought for the occasion. Admission was $1.50 for adults and $.75 for children. As well as being advertised in The Renfrew Mercury, the event was announced by Mr. Frank Ryan on the Farmer's Notebook of the Ottawa radio station, CFRA.

Numerous items were purchased for the church. Some examples in the fifties were a set of dishes for $113.50, cutlery and wardrobe, and a gas stove in 1957 from sales of their cook book. In 1952, they had the previous communion set engraved and bought communion linen.

The United Church Women (UCW)

The sixties saw the formation of the United Church Women or UCW, with the WMS and WA ceasing to exist. Thanks again to a scrapbook of press reports kept by Grace Richardson, the church has a record of its beginning and the first years.

The first meeting regarding the UCW was held on May 3, 1961. Convened by Rev. Winnifred Bridges, a Provisional Committee was formed. Members were: Mrs. Francis E. McHugh, Mrs. Hugh Lindsay, Mrs. Harvey A. Denniston, Mrs. Neil McIntyre, Mrs. Kenneth McLeod, Mrs. John F. Stewart, Mrs. Stanley Nagrodski, Mrs. Williard Deslaurier, and Mrs. W.G. McAdam.

The actual inauguration occurred on the evening of Thursday, January 24, 1962. Grace Richardson expressed her appreciation of the honour of being the first president and then, to her surprise, Margaret Robertson presented her with a UCW Life Membership pin and certificate. As an immediate fund raising project, it was decided to sell the cups and saucers with the picture of the church on them for $1 a set. Regular monthly meetings were agreed to be the third Wednesday evening of the month. Margaret Robertson offered her home for any meeting at any time and it was decided to ask the school board if a classroom might be available, to avoid the problem of heating the church in winter time. Envelopes for monthly contributions were distributed. WI sent a request that some form of a community welfare committee be continued with the co- operation of the UCW. Charlotte Stewart sang a solo accompanied on the piano by Annie Wallace

Who belonged to the UCW? This was explained in one press report: “Every woman in the community who would look to the ministry of the United Church to baptize her baby, marry her daughter, or bury her husband is a United Church Woman and is so recorded on the annual report form.”

In 1964, Region 3's rally of Renfrew Presbyterial was held in Burnstown, with Mrs. Cecil Wurm presiding and Mrs. Arthur Stewart as pianist. The seven groups represented were Arnprior, Braeside, Burnstown, Calabogie, Castleford, Glasgow, and White Lake.

Jean Denniston became president in 1965. At the January meeting, 28 children, under the leadership of Beth Denniston and Linda Robertson, sang the motion songs they had learned the previous summer. A donation was given to the Retarded Children's Association. February's meeting was at the home of Adele McLeod. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings topped off with homemade ice cream and oatmeal cherry pudding was served by Adele as her project for talent money. In March, at Catherine McIntyre's home, the UCW agreed to assist the Junior Groups with their bazaar to be held during the Easter holidays. In April, the group was very honoured when Margaret Robertson was nominated assistant dean of the School for Leaders at Albert College, Belleville for 1966. At the same meeting, they reported getting the manse ready for the new minister coming in July.

In May of that year, the group finalized plans to ship old nylons collected to Toronto. In June, there was a report of the Bible Study session at Stewart House and plans were made to serve refreshments to the official board and a dinner to Trinity-St. Andrew’s choir. In September, cards were sent to members who were ill and plans were completed for the Anniversary dinner. The next meeting was a joint one with Calabogie and White Lake. In November, it was noted that octogenarian member, Mrs. Forrest, turned in her talent money from the sale of mitts she had knitted and a mat she had braided.

Mrs. Annie Wallace was president for 1966 and 1967. At the January meeting, "lack of leadership for Explorers, Messengers, and other young peoples activities, also lack of Sunday School teachers for expanding classes was discussed and deplored, with no help in sight. Money cannot take the place of dedicated leadership." In October Mrs. Plager and Mrs. Campbell Kippen represented Burnstown at a Demonstration School for Sunday school teachers at Perth. The next month, Anita Kippen advised that she was using her knowledge with an elementary class each Sunday.

Bales of clothing continued to be shipped for a few years. In 1966 donations of scarves, pairs of gloves and jewellery were added as Christmas gifts for four teenage girls. At the end of 1967 the group shipped a 53 lb. bale of clothing, including many pairs of hand knit mitts. In 1968, two bales were sent to Toronto for overseas relief. In 1969, the ladies decided to hold a rummage sale in Renfrew and send money for blankets and expenses instead of a bale. This appeared to be the end of actually sending a bale.

In Canada's Centennial year, 1967, it was decided to have the history of the church put into a booklet and sold. Although Grace Richardson spent a lot of time in this research, unfortunately, the booklet never occurred. Her efforts were not lost as this author used her notes extensively, being the only information available for some of the decades. As another project, the ladies sold hasti-notes with the picture of the church on them. Anita Kippen and Greta McHugh planted castor beans and geraniums and petunias in the red and white colours of the flag in the church's flower bed.

Mrs. Anita Kippen became president in 1968 and continued through the next year. Membership was 45, with 15 active members. Items of interest included papering a room in the manse, a successful bake sale at Scott's Hardware in Renfrew, and correspondence concerning the UCW's protest about the removal of the Don Messer show from the CBC.

Numerous donations continued to be made to the church and the M&S. In 1964, the church roof was completely shingled, with the UCW providing about one-quarter of the finances. Extra chairs and more kitchen equipment were purchased in 1968. In 1969, the group paid the church's gas bill and compensated Mrs. Arthur Stewart, who had served as organist and choir leader for four years. Annual anniversary suppers continued until the early seventies. In 1968, it was noted that thanks was given to George Quinn for cooking the turkeys. Notes from the annual congregational meeting in 1970, reported that nine meetings were held the previous year.

The UCW continued through the years the church was closed, only to disband a few years after. The annual congregational meeting of January 1976 noted this, adding that it was hoped that it may be revived at a later date. Although there has been numerous talk over the years concerning reorganizing, unfortunately, this has not yet occurred.

Chapter 15 - Young People's Union (YPU)

The most fondly remembered group of the church was the Young Peoples' Union or YPU. It was organized by Rev. Redvers Brown in 1930, the first year he came to the charge. These were the Depression years. Many young people, who had left home to work in other places, became unemployed and returned to live on their parents' farms. Not only was there food, but they could help with the farm work and feel useful. Young Peoples' Union provided an evening out and an opportunity to socialize with others in the same situation.

Also known as the Young Peoples' Club, this organization was not just for the young. As long as you were somewhere between the age of 15 and 115, you could join. Younger teens eagerly awaited the time when they could belong. Membership reached 122 at one point. Even though winter driving was by horse and cutter then and some lived a distance from the village, attendance was high. Grace and Garfield Richardson worked untiringly with the group throughout the years.

In the thirties, the "Club" met every Friday night in the Burnstown Church, with one evening a month being a social meeting. The minister managed to have as many as possible involved. Different groups of people were appointed to set a complete evening's program appropriate to the topic. Papers, debates, mock parliaments, three act plays, choruses, orchestras, costume songs, games, etc. were enjoyed. The interchange visits with White Lake YPU were highlights of the winter. There were opening banquets each year with rewards and honours to the group winning the highest number of points for the best programs of one season. Mrs. Peter Hamilton was the first guest of honour to one of these banquets.

The following news release describes a concert after a contest was proposed between the girls and boys. It occurred in the early thirties, although the exact date is unknown.

Last Friday night the feminine members staged their concert in the church, and now the efforts of the boys in the realm of drama will be eagerly awaited in the near future. There being no chairman, the items on the program Friday night were announced by means of skilfully manoeuvred signs. A chorus by the girls was the opening item. A dialogue, "Taking the census" was particularly well acted by Chrissie McFadyen and Laura Wallace. Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Brown, accompanied by Miss Sybil Hamilton on the piano, sang "Lassie O'Mine." Katie Forrest played a march while make-believe Japanese maids filed up either aisle and performed in drill and motion some Japanese customs on the stage. Miss Ruby Forrest rendered two beautiful piano selections and Mrs. M.R. Brown was heard in a solo. "Grandma's Tea Party" was acted by five girls dressed as old-style grandmothers. All joined in community singing of "Madawaska's Banks." This was followed by a stunt song depicting the fate of the too independent young miss and causing gales of merriment. A piano duet by Minnie Hutson and Katie Forrest was enjoyed by all. In the darkened auditorium before a red floodlight Pauline Johnson's "Cry of the Indian Wife" was dramatized by Mrs. Garfield Richardson. The girl choir rendered another chorus. A tableau, "Night," was acted by Minnie Hutson before a pale blue foot light when that "Sable goddess from her ebon throne, in rayless majesty now stretches forth her leaden sceptor o'er a slumbering world," at the close of which the lights flashed on and with Miss Hamilton at the piano "God Save the King" was sung.

As seen above, local talent was used and developed. Jean Denniston can remember three plays being presented over the years, two of which were named "The Mummy and the Mumps" and "For Pete's Sake." Much time was devoted to music, both instrumental and vocal. Joe Parkins, the school teacher at the Second Line School, was always ready to lead singsongs. Under his and Alice Sharpe's leadership, there was a YPU choir, easily numbering 20. It was also in the early thirties that Rev. Brown composed a song about the church, The Banks of the Madawaska, which was frequently sung at meetings and social events.

The orchestra performed on many occasions. Some who played the violin were Roy and Walter McIntyre, Jock McGregor, Allan Dickson, and Harvey Denniston. Arnold McIntyre, Allan McGregor, and Joe Taylor played the quitar, Grace Brunskill played the piano, and Jack Sharpe played the accordion.

In her book Burnstown Remembered, Margaret Robertson describes adjourning to the basement on social nights "where delicious lunches were served, with many kinds of sandwiches and cakes and tea made in the boiler on the large cookstove. Bella McLaughlan was our official tea maker for years." She also describes the yearly youth gatherings. "Day long rallies were held, spent in devotions and discussions. In the evening there would be competitive plays where prizes were awarded for best performance. It was a sad parting at the end of the evening with friendships renewed yearly at these much enjoyed rallies."

The Burnstown YPU became famous for its debating teams. For several years Christine McFadyen and Georgina McKie won many matches with other youth organizations and in 1938 they participated at the finals of the Bay of Quinte Conference branch. Margaret Robertson and Garfield Richardson coached and accompanied them.

The following October 1938 news release is an example of a meeting.

The Missionary Group were in charge of the program at the Burnstown Y.P. Union meeting on Friday night. Jessie Denniston led the worship service and Christine McFadyen, president, conducted the business period, with Jean McGregor, vice-president, as acting secretary. The nominating committee presented a slate of new group leaders for the coming year, which was voted on and accepted as follows: Christian Fellowship, Myrtle Boyd and Christine McFadyen; Christian Citizenship, Mayme McLellan and Jessie Denniston; Christian Missions, Doris Fraser and Sybil Robertson; Christian culture and literacy, Eileen Lindsay & George Richardson. The resignation of Doris Parsons as secretary, which position she faithfully and efficiently held for the past few years, was accepted and Olive Forrest appointed as secretary.

A dramatic committee to look after the producing of another play by the B.Y.P.U. was composed of Jean McGregor, Garfield Richardson, and Billy Fraser.

The subject of entering the debating contest was brought up and left in the hands of a committee composed of Misses Lindsay and Boyd. The Burnstown Union's last year debating team have gone far and are now booked for the finals of the Bay of Quinte Conference branch.

Isabelle McIntyre and George Richardson are in charge of the club paper for October.

Mrs. G.S. Parsons was added to the hostess committee.

An invitation from Horton Y.P. Union was accepted and plans made for a good attendance at Horton community hall on Tuesday night.

Owing to the district Y.P. Rally in Cobden next Friday night the local Union will meet Thursday night under the auspices of the social group.

Doris Fraser presented a short program in which Miss Boyd gave as a topic a very interesting account of the Anglican Mission School Lac La Rouge Indian Reserve, one hundred and fifty miles north of Prince Albert, Sask., as told by Miss Kilby, a leader of young people's work in that mission. The junior members of the Mission Band sang a chorus. Chrissie McFadyen gave a reading and Alice Sharpe a piano solo.

The YPU did "much to defray the running expenses of the church," both monetarily and otherwise. Rev. George Richardson related the occasion when "the Young Peoples' Club bought the standing trees on the road allowance between Bagot and McNab beside Lot 16 Bagot. They held a bee in the fall to cut wood to heat the church, and hauled it when there was snow for sleighing. In the spring, they sawed it in stove lengths and piled it for next winter." The group also frequently sent money to various missions and special needs in the world. For example, in 1945 they sent $12 to children’s aid in Europe.

At the annual congregational meeting of 1940, YPU reported a membership of 65, having finished a year of various successful activities. In January 1943 they delivered the devotional service of the annual meeting, with Jean McGregor, George Richardson, and Jessie Denniston taking part.

Somewhere after 1945 the YPU disbanded. From the minute book, in January 1948 the congregation held a special meeting "for the purpose of considering the organization of a Young People's group." George Richardson was appointed chair of the nominating committee, with Betty Robertson, Jessie Fraser, Doris Parsons, and Glenn McLachlan to act on said committee. The first meeting was held on January 28, 1948, with Betty Robertson as president. Meeting night continued to be Friday.

In February, the group decided to join the National YPU, setting the joining fee at 25 cents. Weekly meetings covered a variety of topics, according to what group was in charge. Again, there were always lots of music. Besides the hymns sung at the start and end of the meeting, the programme included music between readings and recitations. Various minutes note the orchestra playing instrumentals; the chorus singing; the DeLaurier brothers, Cameron sisters, and others singing duets; and Mrs. Annie Wallace, Betty Robertson, George Taylor, and others giving piano solos.

Debates continued to be enjoyed. In April 1948, the subject was 'Resolved that European immigration is a good policy for Canada.' Duncan DeLaurier and Bob Richardson of the affirmative opposed Marjorie Robertson and Isabel Cameron of the negative. The negative was given the decision.

There were a number of other interesting items that year. After deciding to join the Renfrew County Film Board, Bob Richardson and Earl DeLaurier were sent to learn how to operate the projector. White Lake was invited for a social evening. A play was being organized but minutes of April 30, 1948 saw a motion to "postpone the play until the new bridge is ready." The YPU also looked after the worship service at the Arnprior Presbytery Convention.

After stopping for the summer, the group reorganized in November. Margery Robertson became president and Earl DeLaurier, secretary. In December, $15 was sent to missionaries in China. February 1949 noted another debate held, with the subject: 'Resolved that Canada should have a National Flag.' Mrs. Hugh Wilson and Esther McLaughlin of Arnprior were on the affirmative and Margery Robertson and Bob Richardson on the negative. The negative was given the decision. Somewhere that year the debaters must have won at a district or higher level, as in May 1949 they were discussing getting a shield for the Debating Cup.

That year, minutes noted that they attended the YPU meeting at White Lake and they invited Renfrew and Glasgow groups to theirs. Again after a summer break, the group restarted in October. Norma Cameron was nominated as president but resigned shortly with Marion Forrest elected in her place. Other officers were Norma Robertson, vice-president; Bob Richardson, secretary; and Arthur Stewart, treasurer. At that meeting Marion Forrest suggested that choir practice be held at the close of each meeting. It is unsure if this occurred, as the minutes stop after October 14, 1949.

The next set of YPU minutes start in February 1957. President was Shirley McLachlin with Joyce Wallace as secretary-treasurer. Weekly collection was 10 cents. It was decided at that meeting that Janet and Shirley McLachlin, Joyce Wallace, and Hugh Riopelle would attend the rally in Almonte in March. The group held a social evening at the end of March, with admission being 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. $11 was raised by the event and donated to M&M.

The members at this time were: Leonard Burgess, Bonnie Dodd, Jean Dodd, Robert Dodd, Connie Fraser, Douglas Fraser, Norma Fraser, Janet McLachlin, Shirley McLachlin, Terry McLachlin, Muriel Peever, Hugh Riopelle, Louie Riopelle, Gerald Stewart and Joyce Wallace.

By March, the organization was called the 'High C', rather than the YPU. Rev. Flower, a supply minister, suggested the group close for the summer at the end of May, after inviting them to his cottage for a picnic in July. When the group started in September 1958, it was a joint group with White Lake, with meetings alternating between the two towns. The minutes end in November of that year. It is not known if the joint group continued for a time or if it disbanded.

For thirty years the Young Peoples' Union played a prominent role in the life of the Burnstown church and the surrounding community. Although one can never measure how it touched the individuals spiritually, it is known that it left a lasting and happy impression on those involved.

Chapter 16 - Other Organizations

Mission Band

The Mission Band was the children's organization affiliated with the Women's Missionary Society (WMS). The WMS yearly appointed a superintendent to oversee the work. The girls and boys met monthly, usually on a Saturday afternoon, to learn about other children around the world. Formed shortly after the WMS in 1888. Mrs. Grace Richardson recorded a priceless anecdote of the band's formation.

The Mission Band was organized by Mrs. Andrew Irvine of Pembroke, then Presbyterial Secretary of Mission Bands. Back in those days, when communication was not as it is today, a letter coming from Pembroke to Burnstown might be delayed because of no daily delivery on a Saturday or Monday. At any rate her notice to Burnstown that she was arriving on a certain day to organize a Mission Band, didn't arrive. Mrs. Irvine came to Renfrew finding no one to meet her at the station as she had expected. She went to the Dominion House, made enquiries, and found a farmer, who was about ready to go out through the village with his team and wagon. Upon arriving at the General Store, F.M. McLeod's, where she was most unexpected, was taken into the storekeeper's home and some of his children sent around the village to round up enough women and children for a meeting in the church. She organized the band with the name The Jamieson Mission Band in honor of the teacher who had sacrificed her life about that time saving the majority of her pupils from a burning school. She stayed in the village till morning got another drive back to the station and arrived back in Pembroke with the satisfaction of 'Mission Accomplished'.

Later it was called the Sunshine Band. Besides the superintendent, there was the band leader. The first band leader was Miss Mary Jane McFadyen.. She was made Presbyterial president, the only time prior to 1938 in the history of Lanark and Renfrew when a president was chosen from a band. History repeated itself in 1959 when Margaret Robertson became Presbyterial president while mission band leader.

In her book, Burnstown Remembered, Margaret Robertson describes a typical meeting.

Mission Band was a Sunday afternoon meeting once a month when children gathered to learn about other children around the world and to have an offering for their welfare as well as occasional correspondence with children in far away places. A monthly magazine was supplied to each family to take home, "World Friends". There were very few publications attuned to children so this little gem was well received by the families.

Mrs. Peter Hamilton was leader for many years and was a great friend of the children. The Taylor girls, Anne, Mary and Isabel, were avid helpers and entertained with crafts and music to augment the study program. The afternoon was rounded out with a hearty lunch, sometimes children would have walked a mile or more to the meeting so were ready for a good "tuck in" before the return journey. Occasionally a horse drawn sleigh would deliver the children to the Hamilton house, about 4 miles from the village, an outing, which was much enjoyed.

The children also elected officers. At the time of the church opening in 1900, Mary Anderson was president, Agnes Smith secretary, and Kate Crane treasurer. Little is found on the organization until the late- thirties when glimpses can be seen through the WMS minutes and Grace Richardson's scrapbook.

In 1938, records show an average attendance of 14, with 12 meetings in the year. The president was Doris Fraser, with Jean McGregor as band leader. Others mentioned at the February meeting were Olive and Marion Forrest, Anna and Alma Fraser, and Sybil Robertson. The group held a very successful St. Patrick's pie social, with 65 guests treated to a pie feast after the regular YPU meeting. In July, the group sold wieners and ice cream at "The Old Mill." Around the large camp-fire, there was singing including the old favourite Madawaska Banks. George Taylor and T.J. O’Connor contributed with songs and guitar. An Indian Legend in Pauline Johnson’s poem “Dawendine” was dramatized in costume by Marion Richardson, followed by Freddie Richardson reciting "Mary’s Son." Afterwards, games were played. August again saw the group at "The Old Mill" at their annual picnic with the WMS, where the band sang for the ladies. In November, the band held a successful autumn bazaar, raising $19.60.

In 1940, Evelyne Quait was president, Betty Robertson vice-president, Anna Fraser secretary, and Marion Forrest treasurer. Christine McFadyen was band leader until July, with Mrs.Elizabeth Forrest and Doris Parsons taking over afterwards. In January of 1941, 24 children were present. They had completed one quilt previously and were discussing making another one.

In August 1942 at a family party hosted by the WMS, Catherine McIntyre was elected the new leader, with Jean McGregor as assistant. The mission band sang a chorus, Margaret McLachlan recited, and Norma Robertson and Margaret McLachlan sang a motion song directed by Betty Robertson. A one-act play "Great Possessions," directed by Catherine McIntyre, was presented by seven of the senior girls: Doris and Betty Parsons, Ann Fraser, Jessie Denniston, Marion Forrest, Betty Robertson and Marion Richardson.

In 1957, the Mission Band was still going strong, with Margaret Robertson reporting 20 meetings that year with an average of 19 attending. In 1962, as the Women's Missionary Society became the United Church Women, so too the Mission Band became the Explorers, ending its era of almost 100 years.

Baby Band

Baby Bands were first organized in the Maritime provinces and became nationwide in 1932. It takes in children up to five years of age and was organized to enlist the co-operation and interest of mothers of children under school age in missionary work. The children then graduated up to the Mission Band.

The first Baby Band in Burnstown was in 1940, with Mrs. Mayme Parsons as leader. The inaugural meeting was held in July of that year and 18 names were placed in the Baby Band record book. In July 1941, a family party was held on the Baby Band's first anniversary. Certificates of graduation were presented to Betty Black, Mildred Bernard, Shirley Holmes, and Stacey Robertson.

Graduates in 1942 were Harvey McLachlan and twins, Bobbie and Billy Larone, while Doreen Fraser, Evelyn Wallace, Beverly McIntyre, Billy Black, Edwin Forrest, and twins George and Gerald Larone graduated the following year. An August 1944 news report describes the fourth annual graduation. Jane Ann Wallace and Billy McLachlan, after receiving their diplomas, "marched through an archway formed by the members of the Mission Band to Mrs. Neil McIntyre who presented each of them with a membership pin and welcomed them into the Mission Band."

Baby Bands continued yearly, with a few exceptions, throughout the forties and fifties. In 1957, Mrs. Stella McConnell reported 28 members. As with the Mission Band, the Baby Band ceased to exist in 1962.

Other Children's Groups

Besides the Baby Band, Mission Band, and Sunday school, there are a few other children's groups that need mentioning.

In the twenties, the minister's wife, Mrs. McNaught organized the Burnstown girls into the "The Best You Can Do" club. A Christian Endeavor League was in operation for some time but left no record of beginning, end, or achievement. A Mission Circle was formed in 1935 but lasted only until its leader, Lila Duff, married and moved away.

With the demise of the Mission and Baby bands in 1962, 'Explorers' and 'Messengers' were formed. The first Explorers' chief was Mrs. Agnes McAdam, with Mrs. Annie Wallace as counsellor. Mrs. Doris Smaggus was the first leader of the Messengers, with Mrs. Adele McLeod as her assistant. These groups only lasted a few years. Recently, Junior (under 12) and Senior (over 12) Youth Groups have been started for the charge, although there are very few children from Burnstown attending. As well, Debbie McKeddie and Rev. Anderson conduct a 3-day vacation Bible school in the summer at White Lake for all the children.

World Day of Prayer

It is unknown when the World Day of Prayer started to be observed in Burnstown. The first mention was found in the newspaper clipping of the February 1938 WMS meeting. In March 1940, a newspaper article of the actual event was found. Mrs. G.S. Parsons and Miss Bella McLachlin lead the worship service. Special prayers were taken by Miss Marion Smith, Mrs. Russel McLachlin, Miss Jean McGregor, and Mrs. G.N. Richardson. Mrs. J.D. Robertson gave an inspiring address, followed by a hot lunch served by the ladies of the village. Further mention of a World Day of Prayer in Grace Richardson's scrapbook occurred in 1944. It was held Friday, February 25th, with Rev. McRae giving the devotional address and the Young Peoples' Union participating.

Observance of the World Day of Prayer continued in Burnstown but the numbers attending were becoming quite small. On February 14, 1964, a joint World Day of Prayer service was held in Burnstown with a number of neighbouring churches. Grace Richardson presided, with representatives from each church participating. Thirty-eight ladies signed the record book. That day, a small branch of Inter-Church Council was organized to include three Presbyterian and three United churches to look after future World Day of Prayer services. The six churches were Stewartville Presbyterian, Dewars Presbyterian, Lochwinnoch Presbyterian, Glasgow United, Castleford United, and Burnstown United. A 'key woman' was chosen from each church for 1965, with Burnstown's representative being Mrs. Annie Wallace.

Since then the yearly service has been alternating between the churches. There are now only four churches participating, after the closing of Stewartville and Dewars. In 1969 the date of the observance was changed from the first Friday in Lent to the first Friday in March. This is the date that is continued to be used today, except when an odd stormy or icy night might cause a postponement. The service is open to both men and women, although the major portion of the congregation continues to be women.

Chapter 17 - Music Through The Years

Singing has always been a part of the Burnstown church. Interestingly, though, for the first 50 years there was no accompanying music. Instead, in the 1800s, a "precentor" stood in front of the congregation and led the singing by using a tuning fork. In Burnstown, the precentor was always a Forrest. John Forrest, Sr. was the first precentor, continuing as he had probably done in the Canaan Church. Music was from The American Vocalist, a Selection of Tunes, Anthems, Sentences, and Hymns. John's son, Andrew, and then his grandson, John, followed in his footsteps.

The first inkling that instrumental music might be allowed occurred in 1872. The Assembly, a higher body of the church, had recommended its use but, at a session meeting that year, the elders "were unanimous in their disapproval of instrumental music in the worship of God." It was 13 years later, that the matter was again recorded in the session minutes. In 1885, having softened their stand, the elders were unanimous in favour of having an organ used for the Sabbath school.

Musical accompaniment during the church service did not occur until a number of years later. In February 1893, a vote of 55 to 2 turned down the use of an organ. Finally, on December 1, 1899, "the question of using an organ in the church was then taken up and discussed, and it was agreed that in the opinion of the Session the time had come when the organ might with advantage be used in the Services of the Sanctuary. And that when considered wise from a financial standpoint one might be procured."

The first record of an organ at Burnstown was in 1903, with the ladies of the church purchasing one from the Karu Company for $100. John Forrest remained as choir master for a number of years. On Thursday, March 22, 1922, members, adherents, and friends met at the church to honour him for holding the position of precentor and choir master for 45 years. His high esteem is seen in the following excerpt from an address given by Rev. McNaught:

The post you have so recently relinquished was held successively by your grandfather and father for a long period, both of whom gave to it ungrudgingly of their time and talent; you have followed them in the apostalic succession.

The services you gave to this congregation as precentor were of the very highest. You were faithful in the discharge of it, bringing to it a consecrated voice, a love and an ear to music. In brief your soul was in your task in leading this people in the service of praise in the sanctuary of the living god; you ever sought to impress them with the sacredness, the beauty and part of Christian worship to sing and make melody in their hearts unto the Lord. You have proved yourself to be the minister’s right hand man - and many an unfamiliar tune and hymn have become familiar to us under your wise leadership and musical ability. We hope you will still continue to be an honored member of our choir and give them yet the advantage of your help and experience. These few words, sir, herein written fail to express adequately our appreciation for your faithful services in the capacity herein stated. We love you, respect you, and pray God that he may still spare you in this church and community for many long years to comes as well as to your home, wife and family. You have ever proved yourself to be the friend of every worthy cause in the church and community and have ever been on the side of everythng that pertained to the highest welfare of all. For this the entire community esteem you highly and respect your honoured person.

The names of the organists through the years are fairly sketchy. John Forrest's daughter, Mary Janet, was one of the first organists until her marriage in 1918. In 1925 and the following two years, Kathleen Leckie and Irene McGregor were organists. Mrs. Mabel Kippen followed in 1929 and was organist for many years. Alice Sharpe and Norma Cameron were mentioned in the 1940s. Mrs. Jean Stewart was organist from 1966 to 1973. Mrs. Annie Wallace, Mrs. Annie McAdam, Nancy Forrest, Marie Brydges, Jimmy Mayhew, Mrs. Doris Stewart, Mrs. Trish Chapman and Brent Mayhew are also mentioned in the last 50 years. For most years, the organist was given an honorarium but there were a number of years throughout where not enough funds could be found to pay the organist. On a few occasions, the Women's Association would give a donation.

Until approximately the mid-sixties, there has always been a choir singing in the church, although it certainly fluctuated in size. The organist was also normally the choir leader. The members through the years are too numerous to mention here.

Organs and pianos used in the last 100 years are also sketchy. Note was made of an electric organ first used on June 18, 1967, a gift from Pakenham church. At that service, the "old piano that has served faithfully since 1930 was played at the same time by Mrs. Arthur Stewart. A female choir of 14 sang and friends from both White Lake and Calabogie were present. Mr. Keizer played the organ. It is a fine looking instrument and matches perfectly with the woodwork and pews." In 1994, a beautiful Yamaha electronic organ was presented to the congregation. Mr. Roy Machum, friend of Rev. Anderson, donated his wife's organ, in her memory. When the Sunday school was looking for a piano in the 1980s, the Dale family donated theirs, which still sits in the basement today. Alex Fraser and family also donated a handsome Kimball piano to the church in 1989 in memory of Christina R. Fraser.

Since 1985 our organist has been Phyllis Dool, with Neale Dalton substituting as needed. Starting in the late-eighties, Phyllis was accompanied most services by Bud Sinnema on violin and Neale on saxophone. This was much enjoyed by the congregation. When Bud and his wife, Ida, moved away from the area in 1993, there was a potluck lunch at the home of Jim and Irene Robillard. The congregation presented Bud with a hymnbook, as a token of their appreciation. Neale continues to play his saxophone on Sundays, when he can. Although the church no longer has a choir, Lynne Anderson, the minister's wife, and Sandra McLachlin from White Lake come to a service once a month. With Lynne on guitar, they sing beautifully together, using many songs they have composed themselves.

A number of songs have been written for and about the church. The first was The Banks of the Madawaska, composed by Rev. Brown in the early 1930s. It was sung at numerous occasions, including the many campfires and picnics down along the Madawaska, at "The Old Mill." There was no written music but Betty Clarke (nee Robertson) put the music down from memory in her mother's book, Burnstown Remembered. The second known song, Come to the Church in Burnstown, was written by Mr. Wes Bomhower of Calabogie. It was for a Gospel Hymn Fest held in October 1994 to raise funds for a new furnace. The last two songs were written in preparation for the church's anniversary year. Miss Olive Phillips, at the church's anniversary evening service, sang Centennial Song, which she had written for the occasion. Wes Bomhower wrote another song St. Andrew's United Church of Burnstown in early 1999. All the songs are recorded here, lest they be forgotten.

The Banks of the Madawaska

Our fathers came to this old river,
And resolved that here they'd always stand,
And so they settled down,
And built this hilly town
On the old Madawaska's strand.

CHORUS

On the old Madawaska's banks, my friends,
Where Burnstown ever move shall stand,
For has she not stood
Since the time of the flood,
On the old Madawaska's strand.

They threw the bridge across the river,
Climbed its banks and cleared it for the plough,
A little church they hewed,
From the sturdy lofty wood
That graced Madawaska's brow.

Now our United Church in Burnstown,
With her Young People's aiming for the right,
Are out of work, and win
All the finest things they can,
On the old Madawaska's site.

Written by Rev. M.R. Brown
dedicated to the Young People's Association of Burnstown by their Pastor

Come To The Church In Burnstown

Someone called to say they would like me to play
In the month of October, the twenty fourth day
Said I "I can't sing, but a friend I will bring
And I'll write you a song that perhaps he will play".

CHORUS

Oh come to the Church in Burnstown
On the old Madawaska where history abounds|
There's a beautiful view, Christian fellowship too
Oh come to the Church in Burnstown.

There's a furnace required and everyone knows
The Church will need heat when that cold north wind blows
So come hear the music and join us in prayer
And throw in some loonies or what you can spare.

Burnstown has a history of brave men and bold
Tom McLaughlin and big Alex Taylor of old
They rescued a girl who was drowning back when
Oh God give us strength to be more like those men.

Written by Wes Bomhower, Calabogie

Centennial Song

words & melody by Olive Phillips, Renfrew, Accompanied by Marie Brydges
dedicated to St. Andrew's United Church, Burnstown September 1998

St. Andrew's United Church of Burnstown

REFRAIN

Now the evergreens grow
And the soft breezes blow
Where "shanty boys" once rode the logs down,
And swift is the flow
Of the waters below
St. Andrew's United of Burnstown.

One hundred years now
Where the banks are so steep,
The banks of the Madawaska River so deep,
This church of St. Andrew's
A vigil would keep;
St. Andrew's United of Burnstown

How many good souls
Perchance sat in these pews
In the past hundred years and accepted Christ too?
In this quaint little church
With the wonderful view.
St. Andrew's United of Burnstown.

written by Wes Bomhower, Calabogie
(same air as McDonald's of Glencoe)

Chapter 18 - Community Activities

Besides the many services and social events held by the church over the years, the building has been used for numerous other purposes. As one of the few public buildings ever in Burnstown and the only one remaining, the church has become a centre for community activities.

In her book, Burnstown Remembered, Margaret Robertson mentions a community library maintained in the church. There was an excellent and large assortment of books, with money raised from time to time to buy new ones. A few of these books are still present on a shelf in the basement. Mary Janet Forrest was the librarian before her marriage in 1918. The library probably closed near the end of the thirties, as cars made the town libraries more available.

Situated across the street from each other, the Burnstown school and church enjoyed a close relationship. The church was allowed to hold various meetings in the school, especially during the winter when it saved the effort of starting a fire to warm the church. The school, on the other hand, always held their annual Christmas concerts at the church. Sometimes, the Second Line School, which was at the corner of the second line and the road leading to Hurd's Lake, also participated. Margaret Robertson's book describes readying the church for the event, by removing the pulpit, adding a platform over the choir area, and hanging curtains. Johnny McLeod provided the tree for the occasion, which usually reached to the high ceiling. There are very fond memories of these concerts. Catherine Forrest Weber provided a delightful memory of one concert held around 1940 for this book, which we are very pleased to include at the end of this chapter.

The concerts ended with the closing of the school in the late-sixties, with the local children being transported by bus to the new McNab Public School on the road to Stewartville. In the summer of 1989, on the occasion of Burnstown's school's 100th anniversary, the church was used for the celebrations, as the school had become a private home.

The Burnstown branch of the Womens' Institute (WI) has also enjoyed a close relationship throughout its years. Formed in 1911, it is a non-denominational group with its motto being, "For Home and Country." The WI and the church's ladies' organizations co-operated in organizing youth activities, Red Cross work, and a community welfare committee. The WI has helped the church financially throughout the years. Whenever there was a special canvas for funds, the WI gave. In the eighties, the WI held a special supper in the church's basement and gave all proceeds to the church's water fund. They also donated actual items, such as cutlery and a large coffee perculator for the kitchen.

There is a standing policy in the church books allowing the Burnstown branch of the WI the privilege of using the building at any time. Quilting bees have taken place. Many short courses for the community, sponsored by the local WI, of sewing, crafts and cooking have been held through the years. The most recent was an emergency preparedness workshop in November 1998; an aftermath of the infamous ice storm the previous January. The church was the location of Renfrew South's first District Annual in 1914, an occasion when the local branches gather to discuss items at a district level. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historical event, an WI plaque was placed along the front wall of the church in 1973.

The basement has also been used for meetings and courses by other organizations, such as Calabogie Pro Life, St. John's Ambulance, and the Calabogie and District Snowmobile Club. Bridal and baby shower parties have also taken place there. The church basement has been a polling station for various elections. Due to the sanctuary's great acoustics, the upstairs has also been used for a few concerts, such as one by the Ottawa Valley Brass Quintet a few years ago.

The church was very much ahead of its time in not allowing smoking. Unlike the rest of society who made the decision within the last twenty years, at a session meeeting in 1919 it was decided to have cards printed prohibiting smoking in the church or basement after socials. As well, as far as can be found, there has never been any social dancing nor card playing in the church.

Angels in Cheesecloth and a Badly Stuffed Santa

Barefoot up the aisles of the Burnstown Church we come, school girls transformed into angels, walking reverently towards the Baby lying in the manger. Gossamer girls, with spiky tinsel halos, gowned in filmy cheesecloth over our homemade cotton slips.

"Silent night, holy night," singing mouths turned aside from the flickering flames of the candles gripped in small hands that are not used to being entrusted with fire in any guise. Straight ahead, until the tree looms on our right. One by one, our eyes seek it, unable to resist.

The tree was taller than any tree in the bush. The sparkling star touched the ceiling, as unreachable as the stars that crowd the village skies on clear nights. Tonight the outdoors smell of spruce mingled entrancingly with the colorful odors of oranges and apples, peppermint candy canes, horehound and licorice, maple fudge, chocolate drops, spicy hard candies.

"Radiant beams from Thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace..."

Carefully, up the steps to the stage, where we falter and kneel in front of the Child.

"Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth."

Kneeling by the manger I feel proud and happy that the Baby lying on the straw is the bisque doll with the sleeping eyes my own mother had when she was a child. The doll is robed in snowy white. The cheeks are a lovely warm pink, the wig of dark brown hair falls in soft waves down to the shoulders, but I know the doll is supposed to be a boy for this one night (and anyway boys in the Bible pictures have long hair).

I peek at the other children, Mary draped in someone's old blue curtains, Joseph with his long beard of cotton batting dyed black, the shepherds with their cane-crooks, the wise men in their vivid purple robes. A living tableau, if a miniature.

I knew them all then, the pupils from the one-room schoolhouse across the road. The lovely angels, Doreen Stewart, Margaret McLaughlin, Eileen Deslaurier, Marjorie and Norma Robertson, Mary Cleroux, Delta and Bernice Bernard. Mary the Mother would have been a Parsons, Brydges, Quait, McLellan, Forrest or Fraser. Joseph, one of the Wilkinson boys. Wise men and shepherds, Jim, Donnie and Jackie Larone, Donnie Fraser, Kenny Forrest, Jimmy Cleroux, Duncan and Earl and Howard Deslaurier, Ross and Glen Mclaughlin. The family names in Burnstown hadn't changed much since our ancestors settled here in the last century.

At last, in response to the teacher's stage whisper, we pick up our candles and start back down the aisle. The curtain swings closed behind us, rattling on its brass rings.

"Wind through the olive trees, softly did blow,

Round little Bethlehem, long, long ago..."

Memory fails to get us back up out of the church basement and onto the stage again, but we were there for sure as the concert neared its end and its climax. The children, not more than thirty of us altogether, in our best clothes, stand bolt upright to sing in the chorus.

Outside, Santa is shaking his sleigh bells and my excited stomach begins to ache.

"Here comes Santa Claus,

Here comes Santa Claus!"

And so he does, bouncing up the aisle with snow on his boots, stopping to kiss a woman who blushes, giving an old neighbour a hearty biff on the back. Wide-eyed we stare at the bulging feed sack slung over Santa's shoulder.

Up the steps he bounds with his merry Ho Ho! His hands awkward in the mitts, he plucks a wrapped gift from the sack, peers short-sightedly at the name and announces it in a voice like thunder. Santa is so rambunctious and we are so little.

All too soon the bag is flat empty. Santa starts skipping around, shaking his bells. Any minute now, he'll bound off the stage and...Oh, my goodness, Santa's belly has popped right out of his red suit!

Amazed, unbelieving, we see it lying on the floor. A common, striped ticking pillow. Santa stoops and picks up the pillow, stuffs it into his red pants, and gives his belly a friendly pat. Audience and children laugh until they can laugh no more, for this has been an unexpected treat, an event to be talked about in the years to come.

The older girls told us that this wasn't the real Santa anyway, he was too busy at the North Pole. One child knows who this Santa is. Russell McLaughlin's daughter whispers it. We poke each other and spread the news. Lucky Margaret.

After the concert families walk home together through the pitch-dark night. The lanterns swing in the grown-ups' hands, and we beg to hold the lantern just once, on account of it being almost Christmas.

Homes to our own dark house. With the spurt of a match, the coal oil lamps are lit. We climb the steep stairs to beds which seem a long way off. Under the quilts and the soft flannelette blanket, we clutch the one present we got as a promise of Christmas morning, and the brown paper bag filled with candy, the annual gift of the village adults to its children.

The beloved people of Burnstown, did they know then that along with the candy they were giving us a more precious gift -- happy, happy memories to warm our hearts at Christmas every year for an entire lifetime?

By Catherine E Forrest Weber (remembering the Burnstown Church circa 1940)

Families Through the Years

Chapter 19 - Families Associated With the Church

More family records are available by contacting the author at the address/e-mail below.

Appendix A - Ministers

1849 - 1868 Rev. Simon C. Fraser
1871 - 1889 Rev. George Bremner
1890 - 1893 Rev. Donald Stewart
1894 - 1897 Rev. Ephraim W. Florence
1897 - 1901 Rev. David J. Graham
1901 - 1907 Rev. E. J. Shaw
1907 - 1910 Rev. James M. Miller
1911 - 1915 Rev. Andrew Drysdale
1915 - 1920 Rev. Henry G. Steers
Rev. James Taylor of Braeside (supply minister several times)
1921 - 1930 Rev. Thomas McNaught
1930 - 1933 Rev. Redvers Brown
1933 - 1937 Rev. C. Armstrong Sales
1938 - 1942 Rev. David G. Gault
1943 - 1946 Rev. Duncan McRae
1946 - 1956 Rev. A. E. Jaster
1957 - 1960 Rev. William tenHoopen
1960 - 1964 Rev. Winnifred Bridges
Rev. Donald Sharpe (supply pastor, 1965)
1965 - 1966 Rev. Virgil Plager (died suddenly Nov. 19, 1966)
1967 - 1971 Rev. Robert C. Knight
Mr. Robert Bowker (lay supply 1971-72)
1972 - 1977 Rev. Archie Manson
1977 - 1984 Rev. Fred R. Milnes
1985 - 1992 Rev. Andrew Adams
1992 - 1993 Rev. Katherine L. Cooper
1993 - Rev. Don Anderson

Appendix B - Church Officers

CHURCH OFFICERS - THEN AND NOW

The following are lists of people known to have held various church offices. This information has been taken from various church minutes, financial statements, and, for current years, the yearly telephone lists. There was no information available for the 1930s and only sketchy information prior to that. For the early years, lists of elders were for all points of the charge. The task of extracting the elders for Burnstown was not easy as the names are common in the White Lake area as well. Apologies for any names missed or errors made.

Elders

James Carmichael 1849-
John McLellan 1849-1850
John Forrest 1852-1880
Alexander Fraser by 1870 to 1880
John Wallace 1873-
David Blaine 1881-1887
Joseph Taylor c.1875 to 1897
Robert Dickson c.1875 to 1897
John Fraser 1890-1890
David Taylor 1893-1897
Donald Stewart 1893 to at least 1910
Robert Robertson 1893-1901
Samuel Taylor 1897-c.1916
John Halliday 1897-1911
Archie McFadyen 1897 to at least 1918
James Brown 1897-
John Smith by 1911 to at least 1918
James Stringer by 1911-1943
Joseph Taylor by 1911-1958
Peter Hamilton 1938-1947
David G. Forrest by 1940 to 1948
Jack (J.D.) Robertson 1942-1958
Bert (G.S.) Parsons 1948-1961 (honorary member in 1961)
Garfield N.Richardson 1948-1968
Harvey Denniston 1960-1969, 1972-1995 (honorary member in 1992)
Alex H. Fraser 1960-1965
Arthur Stewart 1960-1969
Lewis McAdam 1965-1968
Billie (M.C.) Fraser 1972-1979
Neale Dalton 1985-1997
Sheila Dalton 1985-1997
Barbara Riopelle 1987-1987
Phyllis Dool 1988- present
Harry Mayhew 1989- present
Irene Mayhew 1989- present
Jean Calberry 1993- present
Shirley MacDougall 1998- present

Secretary-Treasurer

Farquhar McLeod 1900-1912
William L. Stewart 1913-1924
Jack Robertson 1924-1929
David G. Forrest 1930-
Rev. Sales 1937
James G. Forrest 1938-1940
Alice Sharpe 1941-1943
Charlotte Stewart 1944-1966
Arthur Stewart 1967-1969
Jean Denniston 1970-1984

Treasurer Only

Bill Halstead 1985-1986
Brenda Render 1987
Sandra McLeod 1988-1992
Irene Robillard 1993- present

Secretary Only

Irene Robillard 1985-1998
Bonnie Bennett 1999

Stewards

Andrew Taylor 1900-
Farquhar McLeod 1900-
Thomas Dickson 1900-
William Leckie 1900-
John McCallum 1900-
Kenneth Wallace 1900-
Peter McGregor c.1910s
R.A. Stewart c.1926
Alex Wallace c.1926
Jack (J.D.) Robertson c.1926
Peter Hamilton c.1926
Duncan McFadyen c.1926, 1930
Bill (W.A.) Leckie c.1926, 1930
Duncan Kippen c.1926, 1930, 1940-1942
John McDermid c.1928, 1930
Campbell McGregor 1930
John McIntyre 1930
Mrs. Peter Hamilton c.1935 (first woman)
Jack G. Sharpe by 1940-1944
Alex McLeod by 1940-1944
Clarence Smith by 1940-1944, 1955-1957
Willard F. McGregor 1942-1949
James Forrest 1945
Mrs. G.N. Richardso 1945, 1965
Mrs. J.D. Robertson 1945-1947
Alex Stewart 1945-1947
Bert (G.S.) Parsons 1945-1946, 1949-1951
Mrs. Ken McIntyre 1946-1948
Garfield Richardson 1946-1950
Alex Campbell 1947-1949
Arthur Stewart 1948-1950, 1954-1956
Bob (R.J.) Robertson 1949-1954, 1958-1959
Allan McLeod 1950-1952, 1957-1959, 1965-1968
John (J.F.) Stewart 1950-1952, 1958-1960, 1963, 1972
George Richardson 1951-1953
Alex McDermid 1951-1953
Harvey Denniston 1952-1954, 1956-1960
Ronald Wallace 1953-1958
Alex H. Fraser 1953-1955, 1959, 1965, 1969
Billie (M.C.) Fraser 1954-1959, 1963, 1966-1978
Donald Stewart 1955-1957, 1960-1961, 1980-1982
Lewis McAdam 1960-1961
Kenneth McLeod 1960-1961
Campbell Kippen 1960-1962, 1965, 1968, 1981-1982
Bert Holmes 1962, 1979-1986, 1988-1991
Mrs. Ronald Wallace 1963-1964
Robert McDermid 1964, 1967-1978
Willard Deslaurier 1964, 1967
Mrs. Willard Deslaurier 1965
Mrs. J.F. Stewart 1966
Jean Denniston 1969, 1973-1977
Jean McLeod 1973-1977
Bill Barrett 1978-1979
Alex A. Fraser 1978-1981
Ron Tabar 1979
Hugh Render 1982-1987
Brian Garlough 1982-1987
Bill Halstead 1985-1986
Sheila Dalton 1985-1992
Garry Riopelle 1987-1988
James Robillard 1988- present
Stanley Dool 1989-1996
Gerry Papousek 1989-1991
Leonard Freitag 1991-1993
Harry Mayhew 1992-1993
Donnie Inglis 1993- present
Jeff Featherston 1994- present
Rev. Sterling Irvine 1994- present
Claire Poirier 1996- present
Omer Grenon 1998- present

Appendix C - Baptisms

The following is an attempt to list all the baptisms of the Burnstown congregation from 1899 to 1998. The information is taken from the White Lake Pastoral Charge's baptismal record. It was difficult at times to determine which church the child was affiliated with as the records contain a combination of White Lake and Burnstown until 1967, at which time Calabogie is included as well. Until then, it is assumed that anyone from Horton and Bagot township was affiliated with Burnstown, as Calabogie is not included at that time. It is also assumed that anyone from the village of White Lake, Pakenham or Lanark was affiliated with White Lake. The most uncertainty were the people of McNab Township. Apologies for any errors or omissions.

The baptisms have been sorted by family name, father's name, and then by birth order. '?' indicates difficulty in deciphering the name or date. The names are taken exactly as seen on record. If a correction was made to allow the families to be sorted together, the change is indicated in the notes column. The notes also contain other information found in the records, such as where the child was born, if not in the immediate area. In the earlier years, the father's occupation was a farmer or labourer, unless indicated otherwise. In recent years, many times the occupation is not included in the records.

For privacy reasons, the birth and baptism dates have been removed in this Internet edition. If you have an ancestor listed and would like the applicable dates, please contact the author at the address/e-mail below.

Appendix D - Marriages

The following are known marriages that occurred in the church at Burnstown, up to December 31, 1998. The information was excerpted from the official register of the White Lake Pastoral Charge for weddings after 1927. Prior to then, information was taken from the research of Mrs. Grace Richardson and Births, Marriages & Deaths: Abstracts from the Renfrew Mercury, 1871-1900 by Aldene and Les Church.

There were very few marriages listed for the first half of the 1900s, as it was the custom to have a wedding at the manse or at the bride's home, rather than in the church.

John McLellan & Margaret McKeddie
March 19, 1884

Robert McQuarrie & Elizabeth Smith
October 14, 1885

Michel H. Miller & Elizabeth McNevin
November 28, 1893

John Gordon Denniston & Hannah Jane Wilson
August 26, 1905

Shirley Williams & Elizabeth Yuill
January 6, 1909

Silas E. Morris & Annie Leckie
June 30, 1909

Isaac Thompson & Agnes Leckie
June 11, 1913

Pte. William C. Debenham & Emma Ellen Wilkinson
January 12, 1916

Celesta Hamilton & Mary Janet Forrest
December 24, 1918

Robert J. Robertson & Norma Gertrude Eady
June 19, 1946

Francis Peter Russett & Marion Day Richardson
August 16, 1946

Charles Howard & Betty Parsons
September, 1947

David Arnell Hill & Mona Lindsay
November 13, 1947

Robert Craig McNab Headrick & Elizabeth Margaret Robertson
May 20, 1950

Elmer Delemere Armstrong & Evelyne Pearl Parsons
September 17, 1951

Willard Alexander McDermid & Lorna Margaret Richardson
December 22, 1962

Rodney Maton Pettit & Verity Eleanor McConnell
May 14, 1966

Ian McRae McLeod & Veronica Ann Riopelle
October 1, 1966

Alvan James Downey & Connie Francis Renaud
May 27, 1967

Gordon Mervin Gerrie & Marilyn Elizabeth McLeod
June 10, 1967

Lloyd Mervin Roy Pereman & Jane Elizabeth Denniston
June 30, 1968

John James McGregor & Ann Noreen Denniston
June 17, 1972

Randall Albert Nelson Riopelle & Beverley Lynn Pultz
October 7, 1972

David Bertram Holmes & Pamela Norha Katherine Penney
November 4, 1972

Richard Harvey Totten & Deborah Ann McHugh
August 31, 1973

Ian Clive Headrick & Melody Joan Riopelle
May 18, 1974

John William Guscott & Heather Ann McLeod
November 2, 1974

Kip Leo Riopelle & Dianne Linda Bandy
September 20, 1975

Peter Leslie McLeod & Sandra Jean Stewart
May 6, 1977

Burton Kelly Wilson & Faith Alice Riopelle
May 28, 1977

Charles Norman St. Louis & Jeanne Alma Smaggus
February 18, 1978

James Alexander Holmes & Diane Jean Dale
May 27, 1978

Eyvind Bruce Dahl & Linda Diane Poirier
June 24, 1978

Wendell Russell Coe & Charlotte Ann Riopelle
December 21, 1979

Richard John Gill & May Evelyn Winlow
December 22, 1979

Daniel Nelson Riopelle & Ellen Elizabeth Tubman
February 29, 1980

Perry Stewart Watson & Barbara Ellen Stewart
June 21, 1980

Daniel Richard Jaques & Patricia Ann Laing
June 5, 1981

John Archie Cameron & Gail Isobel Puttock
December 4, 1981

Peter Joseph Renaud & Diana Lynn Mayhew
April 10, 1982

Barry Milburn Fraser & Darlene Edna Dupuis
July 10, 1982

Terry Lee Tachynsky & Charlene Alice Riopelle
July 30, 1982

Glen Alexander McLeod & Joanne Kelly Lewis
August 5, 1983

Stephen Martin Ride & Joan Karen Chamberlain
November 25, 1983

Alan Lewis McAdam & Leona Ruth Senack
August 3, 1985

Michael John Joyce & Darlene Elizabeth Vincent
November 1, 1985

Kenneth Milton Essex & Mary Ann Harriet McPhail
December 14, 1985

Harold Walter Adams & Peggy Lee Riopelle
August 30, 1986

Brent McNee McLeod & Tammy Elizabeth Irene Minnie
September 26, 1987

Herbert Maxwell Buxton & Nancy Lee Burton
August 27, 1988

James Murray Lochhead & Catherine Lee Thompson
October 8, 1988

Donnie Wayne Inglis & Joyce Susan Calberry
May 13, 1989

Mervin William Edmond Dupuis & Tammy Darlene Ann Yakaback
July 29, 1989

Peter Duncan Stewart & Roxanna Jean Denniston
August 26, 1989

Barry Alexander Mayhew & Jacqueline Ann Poirier
May 5, 1990

Herbert Alexander McConnell & Denise Nicole Marie Sullivan
September 29, 1990

Michael Raymond White & Carol Anne Speed
March 9, 1991

Mark Huyer & Angela Struyk
July 24, 1993

Jeffrey Featherston & Cheryl Buffam
September 4, 1993

Aaron Randall Riopelle & Kelly Rita Pauline Brown
August 7, 1994

John Paul Calberry & Mary Angela McClure
October 21, 1995

Jeffrey Scott Wright & Karen Dolena Pearce
September 14, 1996

Mark Ernest Anthony Melcher & Constance Jean Stewart
August 8, 1998

Richard William Kenopic & Laura Lee Knight
September 19, 1998

Rob Pettigrew & Donna Frivalt
December 12, 1998

Appendix E - War Veterans

The following are the men and women involved in the various wars. Rather than list just those that attended the church in Burnstown, included are all known veterans in the Burnstown community. This represents the area from Hurd's Lake Road to Jean Denniston's on the Burnstown Road (what was known as the Second Line) and from the Springtown Bridge to the McNab waste disposal road on the Calabogie Road (what was known as Highway 508). Apologies for any names missed.

WORLD WAR I

Charles Fisher
James J. Fraser
Ronald J. Fraser
T.C. Man
John C. McDermid
Donald McGregor
Gordon McGregor
Jackie McGregor
Ernest (Ernie) McIntyre
Robert McKie
Donald McRae McLeod
Malcolm McNevin
Garfield Richardson
John D. Robertson
Thomas Smith
John Taylor

WORLD WAR II

Gordon Anderson
Peter Anderson
Harold Allan Barr
Ralph (Rolfe?) Bernard
Raymond Clemen
Vincent Clemen
Doris Lee Fraser
Milburn (Billie) Fraser
Thomas (Tommy) Fraser
George A. Hutson
Duncan Raymond Kippen
Harold Kippen
Ivan Kippen
Mona Lindsay
Donald Wilfred McAdam
Lewis McCrea McAdam
John McConnell
Allan McGregor
Arnold McIntyre
Ernest (Ernie) McIntyre
Allwyn McLellan
Kenneth McLellan
Johnnie McKie
Norbert (Nobie) O’Connor
T.J. O’Connor
Norma G. Robertson
Robert J. (Bob) Robertson
William (Billie) Roffey
Allan Stewart
Harold Stewart
John Stewart
Jack Wallace
James (Jimmy) Wallace
Morris Wallace
Norman Wallace
Ronald Wallace

KOREAN WAR

Robert Wm. McDermid

Appendix F - Gifts and Memorials

Over the years, the congregation has received many precious gifts and memorials. We are deeply grateful. Unfortunately, it is impossible to list them all, as not all were recorded in the various minutes of the church. We have also not endeavoured to list the many monetary donations in memory of a loved one, unless the donation was used to purchase a specific item. For this, we apologize.

Organs and Pianos
Oak Organ
1967-1994 - By Pakenham United Church. Sold to Charles Howard of Oakville

Yamaha Organ
1994 - In memory of Barbara E. Stout Machum, by husband, Roy Machum, and family

Kimball Oak Piano
1989 - In memory of Christina R. Fraser, by husband, Alex Fraser, and family

Gerhard Heintzman Piano
1985 - In memory of Mr. & Mrs. James A. Gagnon, Mary Jane & Olive Nichol, by Terrance and Audrey Dale

Items in Sanctuary
Display Cabinet
c.1952 - In memory of David G. Forrest, by his wife and family. Built by Allan McLeod

Two Flower Stands
c.1979 - Donated and built by Allan McLeod

Large Bible on Pulpit
Chalice1964 - In memory of Miss Bella McLachlan, by Mrs. N.E. Lindsay

Small Bible on Pulpit
1953 - By the Sunshine Mission Band. President, Janet McLachlin; Secretary, Shirley McLachlin; Treasurer, Gerald Stewart; Leader, Mrs. J.D. Robertson; Gareth Brash; Wayne Brash; Ruth McLachlin; Marilyn McLeod; Shirley McLeod; David Stewart; Alvin Stewart; Linda J. Robertson

Hymn Board
In memory of John C. McConnell, by his wife, Stella. Made by Billy Leckie from an old organ.

Collection Plates
1982 - In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Russel McLachlin, by their children

Baptismal Font
1954 - by Mrs. J.D. Robertson

'The Hymnary' - Small Black Hymn Books
By the BYCD Girl's Club - quantity unknown

Red Hymn Books
1976 - 15 - In memory of John D. Robertson, by his grandchildren
1976 - 7 - In memory of Mrs. David Forrest, by Jim and Elizabeth Forrest and family

Tablecloth for Communion Table
Bookmark for Church Bible
1990 - by Adele McLeod and Claire Poirier

Window Coverings
c.1966 - By Jessie and Billie Fraser

Money Used for Coat Rack
1973 - In memory of Arthur Stewart, by his sister Mrs. Grace Cameron

Music Stand
1996 - By Mrs. Margaret Mackenzie

Candle Snuffer
c.1996 - By Mrs. Jean Calberry

Painting of Church
1994 - By Mr. Roy Machum

Historic Tuning Fork used by Precentor
1989 - In memory of Mrs. Charlotte Stewart, by her family. Case made by Allan McLeod

Historic Songbook used by Precentor
c.1990 - By Mrs. Irene Mayhew

Historic Trowel used to Lay Corner Stone
1998 - By Ms. Kathryn Anderson

Historic 60th Anniversary Plate and Cup & Saucer
1999 - By Mrs. Jean Woods

Items in Basement
2 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks with a Drainage System
c.1964 by Burnstown Women's Institute

Kitchen Stove
1983 - by Marion Fraser

2 Sunday School Portable Room Dividers
1985 - donated and built by Allan McLeod

Vacuum Cleaner
1998 - by Donaldson's Pharmacy, Renfrew

Colour Television
1998 - by Sandra and William McLachlin

Video Cassette Recorder (VCR)
1998 - by G. Steenhuis

Microwave Oven
1998 - by Joyce and Donnie Inglis

Items on Property
Potentilla Bush
c.1993 - By Burnstown Women's Institute

Walkway from parking lot to church steps
1995 - by Mrs. Jean Calberry

Iron railing for steps at parking lot
1997 - In memory of James Calberry, by his wife Jean

Gravel on Laneway
1998 - In memory of James Calberry, by his wife Jean

Bequests
c.1976 - $1000 - by the late Mrs. John (Chrissie) McVicar
c.1978 - $100 - by the late Dr. G.B. Burwell
1987 - $15000 - by the late Marion Jane Smith
1991 - $1000 - by the late James M. McLeod
1994 - $300 - by the late Mabel Elizabeth Kippen
1998 - $5000 - by the late Neil McIntyre

Appendix G - Improvements & Repairs

Over the years, many changes, improvements and repairs have been completed on the building and the property. The following are items gleaned from the various church minutes.

Church Exterior
1914 - repairing church steps
c.1920 - extending church steps to the road after road was lowered
1938 - reshingled roof
1941 - painting church exterior
c.1959 - long row of steps down to the road changed so that the door is approached from either side with fewer shallower steps
c.1960 - school bell installed in bell tower
c.1960 - new church doors by Allan McLeod
1964 - roof shingled with black asphalt shingles ($820)
1980 - exterior & interior windows and outside trim repainted
1985 - reshingled roof and new chimney
1988 - new church doors by Ken McLeod
1988 - bat and pigeon droppings removed and access for pigeons closed off by Jim Robillard (removed at least once previously)
1994 - bell repaired
1994 - steeple repaired and painted by Schiron Construction, Eganville
1994 - exterior of most church windows painted by congregation
1996 - completed painting church windows/white aluminum flashed on all upper window sills by Schiron Construction, Eganville
1996 - roof cornice painted by Schiron Construction, Eganville

Church Interior - Upstairs
1926 - new fixtures to replace acetylene lights after church wired for electricity
c.1927 - repairs to floors after a counterweight of an oak panel door let go and the big door went through the floor of the church and the basement floor
1933 - matting carpet replaced with discarded carpet from Trinity St.Andrew's in Renfrew
1949 - interior cleaned, repaired, repainted and varnished
1949 - new carpet on floor
1960 - new grates for furnace
1960 - windows repaired
1974 - walls of church painted by Mr. Phil Richardson
1982 - new carpet on floor by John Lambert (cost $1688)
1983 - broken window panes replaced
1986 - window glass replaced by Renfrew Glass ($1500)
1988 - electrical rewiring (basement as well), new lighting, and new glass for lights
1994 - programmable thermostat installed to control the upstairs heating
1994 - plexiglass/ weatherstripping added to the window behind organist to reduce drafts
1998 - fixed counterweights and pulleys of oak panel doors
1998 - ceiling and wainstcotting cleaned, plaster repaired and painted, windows repainted by Schiron Construction, Eganville

Church Interior - Basement
1902 - basement finished
1920 - changed furnace pipes
1923 - repairing furnace, including brickwork
1941 - stove from H. Coolican ($30)
1949 - new heating system installed
1957 - gas stove for kitchen
1962 - new cupboards built by Ken McLeod
1962 - basement floor painted
1968 - extra chairs and more kitchen equipment
1974 - new oil furnace (from wood) and extra wiring ($995)
1981 - new furnace pipes and furnace repairs
1983 - new wiring by Brian Garlough and Bruce McLeod
1984 - running water in kitchen
1985 - washroom facilities (septic tank is 800-gallon tank)
1987 - new sink in washroom
1989 - new sink in kitchen and repositioning of old one, tap put outside
1989 - basement repainted from floor to ceiling
1993 - two new oil furnaces installed, one heating basement/other heating church ($8000)
1997 - oil tank replaced and oil tank room cleaned and repaired

Church Property
1914 - repairing stable
1952 - repairing stable
1973 - 6 to 8 feet of land in front of church taken to widen the road.
c.1974 - retaining wall with railing built
1974 - hydro pole removed from lawn
1984 - well drilled (165 feet deep) by Giffin Well Drilling
1987 - repairs to septic system (insulation over pipes to septic tank to prevent freezing)
1988 - railway ties placed around the perimeter to prevent driving over edge
1989 - flower bed placed over septic tank to prevent cars parking over it
1990 - walkway built from parking lot to church steps
1995 - walkway expanded and steps added at parking lot
1997 - iron railing for steps at parking lot

Appendix H - Contract for Construction of Church

Construction Contract

Appendix I - References

BENNETT, CAROL: Founding Families of Bagot, Blythfield & Brougham, Juniper Books Limited, 1993.
BURNSTOWN UNITED CHURCH, LEDGER, 1900 to 1924, containing the list of stipends from 1900 to 1924, financial statements from 1944 to 1964, and other miscellanious financial information.
BURNSTOWN UNITED CHURCH, MEMBERSHIP ROLL, c.1950 to 1998.
BURNSTOWN UNITED CHURCH, MINUTES OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS, 1957 to 1998.
BURNSTOWN UNITED CHURCH, MINUTES OF SESSION, 1957 to 1998.
BURNSTOWN UNITED CHURCH, MINUTES OF BOARD OF STEWARDS, 1985 to 1998.
BURNSTOWN UNITED CHURCH, MINUTES OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S UNION, 1948 to 1958.
BURNSTOWN WOMEN'S INSTITUTE TWEEDSMUIR HISTORY.
CALABOGIE UNITED CHURCH, anniversary book.
CAMPBELL GENEALOGY CHART: Family History of John Campbell from Ena Campbell, Calabogie.
CHURCH, ALDENE & LES: Births, Deaths, & Marriages: Abstracts from the Renfrew Mercury 1871-1900, Renfrew, 1986.
CHURCH, ALDENE & LES: Renfrew Public Cemetery (Thompsonhill or Thompsonville Cemetery), Horton Township, September 1985.
FORREST GENEALOGY CHARTS: Family History of John Forrest from Catherine Forrest Weber, Indianapolis, USA.
FRASER CEMETERY LISTINGS: received from Eileen Brydges.
FRASER, GORDON M.: The Fraser Family & Their Descendants 1836-1989, compiled Aug 1, 1989, 1st revision 1992.
HERITAGE RENFREW: Founding Families of Admaston, Horton & Renfrew Village, Juniper Books Limited, 1992.
HESSEL, PETER: McNab - The Township, Kichesippi Books, Waba, 1988.
HOWARD GENEALOGY CHARTS: Anderson, Wallace, McCallum, and Fisher family charts by Terris C. Howard of Seattle Washington.
JOURNAL OF WILLIAM BELL 1840: from a duotang book "Presbyterian Church History" in Renfrew library.
KENNEDY, CLYDE C.: The Upper Ottawa Valley - A Glimpse of History, Renfrew County Council, Pembroke, Ontario, 1970.
LECKIE BIBLE: containing children of Archibald and Margaret Leckie, (in possession of Shirley Morris, Cobden Ontario).
LEWIS, OLGA AND CECIL: Flat Rapids Cemetery, McNab Township, Renfrew County, June 1993, updated June 1995.
LEWIS, OLGA AND CECIL: Goshen Cemetery, McNab Township, Renfrew County, August 1996.
LEWIS, OLGA AND CECIL: White Lake Cemetery Lot 10, Conc. 3, McNab Township, Renfrew County, 1995.
LEWIS, OLGA AND CECIL AND FRANK MCMAHON: Hillcrest Cemetery, Calabogie, Bagot Twp., Renfrew County, October 1997.
LEWIS, OLGA AND CECIL AND FRANK MCMAHON: Springtown Roman Catholic Cemetery Springtown Protestant Cemetery Bagot Township, Renfrew County, Aug 26, 1997.
MCADAM GENEALOGY CHART: Family Tree of Annie Ross McAdam (in possession of Eileen Brydges) (author unknown).
MCINTYRE SCRAPBOOK: Scrapbook by Mrs. Hazel McIntyre pertaining to community and family history.
MCLACHLIN GENEALOGY CHART: Compiled by Sandra McLachlin, Sept. 1996.
MCLEOD SCRAPBOOK: Scrapbook by Mrs. Adele McLeod of family obituaries.
MCNAB & HORTON CONGREGATION OF THE FREE CHURCH, SESSION MINUTES, 1849 TO 1856: microfilm reel LCM-109 from United Church of Canada Archives.
MCNEVIN GENEALOGY: Information on Alex McNevin, sr. and Alexander Johnston McNevin from Duncan McNevin.
MISSISSIPPI (METHODIST) CIRCUIT, ONT.: reel H-1809; included baptisms in their circuit.
MOORE SCRAPBOOK: Scrapbook by Mrs. Goldie Moore pertaining to Springtown community and some family history of Hallidays and Wilsons.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF PRESBYTERIANISM IN RENFREW COUNTY 1830-1930; Address by I.E. Pedlow to commemorate 100 years of Presbyterianism in Renfrew and District, 1930, from a duotang book "Presbyterian Church History" in Renfrew library.
P.H.S.C. Journal, Article on Springtown Post Office. Philaprint Inc., Dec.. 31, 1990. Number 64 Issn 0714- 8305. (The Postal History Society of Canada).
RENFREW ADVANCE: newspaper clippings.
RENFREW MERCURY: newspaper - clippings & microfilm.
RICHARDSON NOTES: Notes written by Mrs. Garfield Richardson in 1967, in preparation for a booklet on the history of the Burnstown Church but never published.
RICHARDSON SCRAPBOOKS: Two Scrapbooks by Mrs. Garfield Richardson of Press Reports of the Women’s Missionary Society (1938-1945) and the United Church Women (1962-1969).
ROBERTSON, MARGARET: Burnstown Remembered, Burnstown, 1988.
TAYLOR GENEALOGY: Family Tree of Joseph Taylor from George Taylor, Renfrew, Ontario.
TOWN AND COUNTRY: newspaper clippings.
WHITE LAKE CHURCH, Diamond Jubilee of Saint Andrew's United Church White Lake, 1881-1956.
WHITE LAKE CHURCH, Living Our Spiritual Heritage, 1881-1981.
WHITE LAKE PRESBYTERIAN PASTORAL CHARGE, SESSION MINUTES, 1870 to 1912: microfilm reel LCM-109 from United Church of Canada Archives.
WHITE LAKE PASTORAL CHARGE, BAPTISM REGISTERS, 1899 to 1998.
WHITE LAKE PASTORAL CHARGE, BURIAL REGISTER, March 23,1985 to present (contains all three churches in charge).
WHITE LAKE PASTORAL CHARGE, MARRIAGE REGISTER, July 27, 1927 to Nov 8, 1980 (does not include Calabogie).
WHITE LAKE PASTORAL CHARGE, MARRIAGE REGISTER, Feb 6, 1936 to Feb 14, 1993 (Calabogie only until November 1980, then all three churches).
WHITE LAKE PASTORAL CHARGE, MARRIAGE REGISTER, Feb 14, 1993 to present (contains all three churches in charge).

Index

Acetylene lights
Ackland
Adams
Adams, Rev. Andrew
Adare
Adsit
Airth
Alexander
Alexandria
Allison
Anderson
Anderson, Rev. Don
Anniversary
Arbuckle
Armstrong
Arnprior
Arthurs
Ashton
Auld Kirk
Baby Band
Bagot Township
Baillie
Baker
Balance
Bale
Balmer's Island (see Stewartville)
Bambsey
Bandy
Banning
Baptism
Barber
Barker
Barr
Barrett
Barton
Basement
Beard
Beattie
Bechard
Beckwith
Bell (ringing instrument)
Bell (surname)
Bell, Rev. William
Bellamy
Bennet/Bennett
Berlangeut
Bernard
Berndt
Best You Can Do Club
Bible Society
Black
Blacksmith
Blackwell
Blane
Blezard
Boisvenue
Bomhower
Borovijs
Bothwell
Bowes
Bowker
Bowley
Box
Boyd
Braden
Braeside
Brash
Bremner, Rev.
Bridge
Bridges, Rev. Winnifred
Briscoe
Bromley
Brown
Brown, Rev. Redvers
Brownlee
Brunskill
Brydges
Bryson
Buchan
Buffam
Buffett
building committee
Bulpter
Bummer's seat
Burgess
Burns
Burnstown (village)
Burnstown Remembered (book)
Burton
Burwell
Bush
Buxton
Cairn
Calabogie
Calabogie Light & Power Co.
Calberry
Caldwell
Camelon
Cameron
Campbell
Canaan
Cannon
Cardiff
Caretaker
Carlson
Carmichael
Carpet
Carswell
Carter
Castleford
Caven
Ceiling
Chamberlain
Chambers
Chaney
Chapman
Cheesemaker
Child's Day/Children's Day
Chisamore
Chodyniecki
Choir
Christian Education committee
Christian Endeavour League
Church (surname)
Church of Scotland
Clarke
Clemen
Cleroux
closure of church
Coburn
Cochlin
Cockburn
Coe
Cole
Collins
Communion
Concert
Conn
Cooper, Rev. Katherine
corner-stone
Coulter
Coupe
Craig
Crane
Crawford
Crogie
Cubley
Cunningham
Currie
Cuthbertson
Dagg
Dahl
Dale
Dalton
Dawes
Day
Debates
Debenham
Deed
Defrensis
Delarge
Demarsh
Dempsey
Denison
Denniston
Depression
Deslaurier/Delaurier
Deveaux
Dewars
Dewie
Dick
Dickson
Dillenbeck
Dittburner
Dodd
Dodds
Don Messer Show
Dool
Downey
Drysdale
Drysdale, Rev. Andrew
Duff
Duggan
Dunlop
Dunne
Dupuis
Durrell
Eady
Eady, M.C.
Early
Easton
Edwards
Eganville
Electricity
Ellis
Emmerson
Emon
Essex
Explorers
Fairburn
Faith Mission
Farquharson
Featherston
Featherstone
Ferguson
Fetterly
Finn
Firewood
Fisher
Fitzpatrick
Fitzsimmons
Flewellyn
Florence, Rev. Ephraim
Flower, Rev.
Forrest
Foster
Founding Families (book)
Franetzki
Fraser
Fraser Family & Their Descendants (book)
Fraser, Rev. Simon
Free Church/Free Kirk
Freitag
Frivalt
Frizell
Frood
Gaelic
Galant
Gagnon
Galbraith
Garlough
Garvey/Garvie
Gault, Rev. David
Gerrie
Gervais
Gibbons
Gideon Society
Gilchrist
Gilineau
Gill
Gillan
Glasgow
Gold
Goodfellow
Gordon
Goshen
Govier
Graham
Graham, Rev. David
Grant
Green
Greenwood
Gregg
Grenon
Griffiths
Gristmill
Guest
Guscott
Hackbart
Hale
Hall
Halliday
Hallyburton
Halstead
Hamilton
Harkins
Harkness
Hart
Hastings
Hats
Headrick
Hebert
Heck
Henwood
Hickey
High C.
Hill
Hilliard
Hinchley
Hoad
Hodgins
Hogg
Holbein
Holidays
Holland
Hollingsworth
Holmes
Holz
Home boy
Horse
Horton
Hosier
Hough
Howard
Hubbert
Humphries
Hunt
Hunter
Hutchinson
Hutson
Huyer
Hymnbook
Indian
Inglis
Insurance
Irvine
Irvine, Rev. Sterling
Jack
James
Jamieson
Jaques
Jaster, Rev. A.E.
Jenkins
Jennings
Johnson
Johnston/Johnstone
Jones
Jordan
Joyce
Kalucki
Kanel
Kearney
Kearns, Rev.
Keenan
Keizer
Kelly
Kennedy
Kenopic
Kerr
Kippen
Kirkwood
knick-knacks
Knight
Knight, Rev. Robert
Kristijan
Kubisheski
Lachance
Lacombe
Ladies Aid
Ladouceur
Lady Nelson
Laing
Lalonde
Landreau
Landry
Lanphear
Lapierre
Laporte
Larocque
Larone
Latendresse
Lavallee
Lawrie
LeBarron
Leblanc
Leckie
Lepine
Lesk
Lett
Levoy
Lewis
Library
Lifshitz
Lindsay
Livingstone
Lochhead
Lochwinnoch
log boom
Logan
Long Rapids
Lowrie
M&M/M&S
MacDonald
MacDougall
Machum
MacInnes
MacKenzie
Mackie
MacNeish
MacPherson
Madawaska Current
Madawaska River
Madawaska Telephone Association
Maika
Manion
Manley
Mann
Mann, Rev. Alexander
Manse
Manson, Rev. Archie
Map
Marks
Matawatchan
Mather
Matthie
Mayhew
McAdam
McAllister
McArthur
McCallum
McCart
McCartney
McCharles
McClure
McConnachie
McConnell
McDermid
McDevid
McDonald
McDougall
McEwen
McFadden/McFadgen/McFadyen
McFarlane
McFayden (see McFadyen)
McGregor
McHugh
McInnes
McIntosh
McIntyre
McKay
McKeddie
McKenzie
McKeown
McKie
McKinnon
McLachlan/McLachlin
McLaren
McLaughlan
McLean
McLellan
McLeod
McMichael
McMillan
McNab - The Township (book)
McNab Township
McNab, Laird of
McNab/McNabb (surname)
McNaught, Rev. Robert
McNaught, Rev. Thomas
McNee
McNevin
McNichol
McNie (see McNee)
McNulty
McPhail
McPhee
McPherson
McQuarrie
McRae
McRae, Rev. Duncan
McVean
McVicar
Melcher
Meisenheimer
Melley
Membership
Meredith
Messengers
Meunier
Meyer
Millthe Old
Miller
Miller, Rev. James
Milne
Milnes, Rev. Fred
Minnie
Mission Band
Mission Circle
missions
Mitchell
Moir
Monervan
Monk
Montgomery
Montpetit
Moore
Morris
Morrison
Moss
Mulvihill
Murphy
Musgrove
Nagrodski
Narraway
Neilson
New
Nichol
O'Connor
O'Gorman
Oakes
Observer, The
Official Board
oil furnace
organ/organist
Ostler
Ostrom
outdoor service
Pakenham
Papousek
Paris
Parkins
Parry-Dray
Parsons
Paterson
Patrick
Patterson, Dr. Marney
Pearce
Peat
Peever
Pembroke
Penney
Pereman
Perry
Perth (Ont.)
Petrie
Pettigrew
Pettit
pew
Phillip
Phillips
Phipps, Rev. Bill
pianist/piano
Piasalski/Piaseski
Pickering
Picnic
Pierce
Pigeons
Plager, Rev. Virgil
Plaunt
Plumridg
Poff
Poirier
Pokorny
Postmaster
Powell
Precentor
Preparity Service
Presley
Proctor
Publicover
Pulpit
Pultz
Purdy & Letang
Puttock
Quait
Quilt
Quinn
Radtke
Rally Day
Ready
Reeves
Reid
Reider
Renaud
Render
Renfrew
Renwick
Richardson
Richardson, Rev. George
Ride
Riopelle
Ripley
Robertson
Robillard
Robinson
Robisch
Rochester
Roffey
roof
Rooke
Rorrison
Rosebrugh
Ruckstuhl
Russell
Russett
Ryan, Mr. Frank
Salary
Sales, Rev. C. Armstrong
Scammell
Schaly
Scharf
Schemes
Scheuneman
Schnob
School
Scollard
Scott
Second Line
Seeley
Senack
Seward
Shane
Sharpe
Sharpe, Rev. Donald
Shaw
Shaw, Rev. E.J.
Sheds
Shields
Shoemaker
Simpson
Sinclair
Sinnema
Sloan
Smaggus
Smith
Snider
Snowden
Somerville, Rev. John
Sons of Scotland
Speed
Spencer
Springtown
Spruce Hedge Road
Squire
St. Louis
Steele
Steeple
Steers, Rev. Henry Gill
Stefford
Steps
Sterling
Stevenson
Stewart
Stewart, Rev. Donald
Stewartville
Stipend
Stirling
Stobbe
Stone
Storie
Storing
Stringer
Struyk
Stuart
Stubinsky
Suaft
Sullivan
Sunday school
Sutherland
Sykes
Tabar
Tachynsky
Taylor
Taylor, Rev. James
Telephone
Ten Hoopen, Rev. William
Thomas
Thompson/Thomson
Token
Toronto
Totten
Trask
Trowel
Tubman
Tucker
tuning fork
union
United Church Women (UCW)
Utronki
vacation (see holidays)
vacation school
Van Dorp
Van Leyen
Veres
Vincent
Visinski
Waba
Walker
Wallace
Walsh
War
War bride
Wark
Warner
Warren
Water
Waterman
Watson
Watts
Weber
Webster
wedding
welfare committee
Wheeler
White
White Lake
Whyte (see White)
Wickett
Wight, Rev. Wilf
Wilkinson
Williams
Williamson
Willing War Workers
Willis
Wilson
Windows
Winlow
Winters
Women's Association (WA)
Women's Institute (WI)
Women's Missionary Society (WMS or WFMS)
Woods
World Day of Prayer
World Wide Communion
Wright
Wurm
Yakaback
Young
Young People's (YPU)
Yuill
Ziebarth