Calabogie United Church  1882-1982

Some of the students and Ministers who have served the Charge over the past 100 years are:

Rev. Matthew Wilson 1925

S.J. Hughes

C.M. Watson

L.E. Troop

Rev. Taylor

Rev. Heslop

Rev. Craig

D.E. Forsythe

Rev. J.A. MacDonald

R.A. Telfer (lay representative)

C.J.Gall

Rev. Lawrence B. Smith

Rev. Preston Brown

Rev. Edward Todd

Herman Miller

Rev. Everet Simm

N. Cole

N. Osborne

Rev. Henderson

Rev. A.E. Jaster

Rev. W. TenHoppen

Rev. Winnifred Bridges

Rev. V.A. Plager

Rev. D. Sharpe

Rev. Robert Knight

Rev. Archie Manson

Rev. Fred Milnes

Rev. Andrew Adams

Rev. Katherine Cooper

Rev. Don Anderson

The early settlers in the Bagot and Blythfield Township included United Empire Loyalist descendants who came from Lanark County and others including some Scottish descendants of the pioneers who came to Canada under the Laird of McNab.

In the years 1850 to 1924 there were, in the Township of Bagot and Blythfield 62 families who were Presbyterian and 35 families who were Methodist.

The Methodist Church was located beside Hillcrest Cemetery on a half acre of land donated by Thomas Church.

The Presbyterian congregation began construction of St. Andrew's Church on July 1, 1892. On the third Sunday in October 1892 the Church was officially opened and William Hawley, the senior elder at the time, laid the corner stone for the white frame building which would grace the shores of Calabogie Lake for the next 100 years. Calabogie St. Andrew's United Church celebrates its anniversary on the third Sunday in October each year with special services. A more picturesque setting for a church would be difficult to find and has often been remarked on by those who visit the community. The Church was lighted by coal oil lamps and heated with two large wood stoves. It was the responsibility of various members of the congregation to attend at the Church early on Sundays to light the stoves so that the Church would be warm for services. There was a stable at the back and a manse was provided for the Minister and his family.

A recommendation was made under the authority of the co-operating committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, General Conference of the Methodist Church and Congregational Union of the Congregational Church on Thursday, August 30th, 1917 that the Presbyterians at Calabogie discontinue services at Calabogie, if the Methodist Church could supply a place of worship. On July 9, 1918 the following informal agreement was signed between the two Churches entitled "Articles of Agreement - Plan of Cooperation Between the Methodist and Presbyterian Congregations of Calabogie, Ontario":

I. IT IS HEREBY AGREED BY THE PARTIES CONCERNED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CONGREGATIONS SHALL CO-OPERATE UNDER A PASTOR APPOINTED BY THE MONTREAL CONFERENCE OF THE METHODIST CHURCH.

II. THIS CO-OPERATING CHARGE SHALL BE AFFILIATED WITH THE PEMBROKE DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH.

III. THE PUBLIC SERVICES SHALL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS:

EVERY SUNDAY MORNING IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, EVERY SUNDAY EVENING IN THE METHODIST CHURCH. EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT TATTY HILL AND PINE GROVE. ALTERNATELY THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SHALL BE HELD EVERY SUNDAY MORNING IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ALL OTHER SERVICES TO BE ARRANGED AS THE PASTOR IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMITTEE MAY DECIDE.

IV. THE MEMBERS IN FULL STANDING OF THESE TWO CHURCHES SHALL HAVE SIMILAR STATUS IN THE CO-OPERATING CHARGE BUT SHALL RETAIN THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE RESPECTIVE DENOMINATIONS TO WHICH THEY NOW BELONG.

V. SEPARATE ROLLS OF MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE KEPT IN WHICH THE NAMES OF ALL WHO ARE NOW MEMBERS SHALL BE ENTERED AND ALSO THOSE WHO HEREAFTER, ACCORDING TO THEIR CHURCH PREFERENCE MAY UNITE.

VI. IT IS DESIRED THAT THE CHOIRS OF THE TWO CONGREGATIONS SHALL UNITE TO ASSIST IN ALL THE SERVICES OF THE CO-OPERATING CONGREGATIONS.

VII. THE MEMBERS OF EACH CONGREGATION SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT AND ARE REQUESTED TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE MISSIONARY AND OTHER CONNEXIONAL FUNDS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DENOMINATIONS. SPECIAL ENVELOPES TO BE PROVIDED FOR SUCH OFFERINGS WHICH SHALL BE TAKEN WHEN THE PASTOR AND COMMITTEE MAY ARRANGE.

VIII. THE COST OF REPAIRS, INSURANCE AND THE GENERAL UPKEEP OF EACH CHURCH PROPERTY SHALL BE MET BY THE CONGREGATION TO WHICH SUCH PROPERTY BELONGS.

IX. THE HEATING, LIGHTING AND CARE OF THE CHURCHES SHALL BE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE COMMITTEE.

X. A COMMITTEE OF SIX CONSISTING OF THREE REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH OF THE TWO CONGREGATIONS SHALL HAVE CHARGE OF ALL MATTERS, FINANCIAL AND OTHERWISE, PERTAINING TO THIS PLAN OF CO-OPERATION. THE PASTOR SHALL BE EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN OF THIS COMMITTEE.

XI. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL DATE FROM JULY 1, 1918, AND SHALL REMAIN IN FORCE FOR ONE YEAR WHEN IT MAY CEASE, CONTINUE, OR BE CHANGED AS A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE CO-OPERATING CONGREGATIONS MAY DECIDE, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE PEMBROKE DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH AND THE PRESBYTERY OF RENFREW AND LANARK. THE COMMITTEE IN CHARGE SHALL CALL A MEETING OF THE PEOPLE CO-OPERATING, ON OR NEAR THE FIRST OF MAY 1919 TO CONSIDER AND DECIDE UPON THE FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION CONCERNING THIS PLAN OF CO-OPERATION.

XII. IT IS EARNESTLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL MEMBERS AND ADHERENTS OF THESE TWO CHURCHES SHALL CORDIALLY AND HEARTILY

UNITE IN SEEKING TO MAKE THIS PLAN OF CO-OPERATION HEREIN SET FORTH OF GREAT BENEFIT TO ALL CONCERNED, HELPFUL TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AND FOR THE PERMANENT UPBUILDING OF THE KINGDOM OF OUR COMMON LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.

THE ABOVE PLAN OF CO-OPERATION WAS CONSIDERED AND ADOPTED AT A UNITED MEETING HELD IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CALABOGIE, ONTARIO, ON TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1918.

The two churches alternated morning and evening services until in 1925 the Methodist Official Board asked the congregation to decide the fate of the Methodist Church by way of their responses to the following statements:

I believe that it is in the best interest of this community and God's work generally:

(a) That the Methodist Church should be closed;

(b) That it should remain open and the plan of services continue as in the past year;

(c) I will loyally support, to the best of my ability, financially and otherwise, whichever plan the majority approve;

Thirty two people responded - 17 agreed that the Church should be closed; 4 felt that the Church should remain open; 24 agreed to support the Church to the best of their ability; everyone agreed to contribute what they could to the support of the Church either on a weekly, monthly or annual basis. Accordingly, it was agreed that the Church would close.

On June 10, 1925 the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches joined together and formed the United Church. The white clapboard building on the Village side of the Lake was chosen as the site for the newly united congregations because of its beautiful setting.

At the time of Union, the Pastoral Charge was made up of Calabogie, Byers, Ashdad, Pine Grove, Hurd's Lake and Black Donald Mine. The first Minister in the newly united church was Reverend Matthew Wilson, a Presbyterian minister. Since then it has been served by many student and ordained ministers.

Prior to the Church Union in 1925 both churches were served for three years by the same Methodist student, D.E. Forsythe, who later became secretary of the Board of Christian Education of the United Church of Canada.

In October of 1925 there was a petition from the congregation recommending that Reverend J.A. MacDonald be hired as a Minister. The Charge could only raise $750.00 for his salary and a grant was available from the United Church of only $450.00. Reverend MacDonald would be receiving considerably less than the minimum "stipend". He was, however, prepared to minister to the Charge for this salary. The people were very satisfied with the services of Reverend MacDonald while he was with the Charge.

On May 10, 1927, a proposal was put forth that Black Donald not remain part of the Calabogie Charge but be attached to Student Field of Matawatchan to which it was adjacent. On June 14, 1927 Home Missions recommended and Presbytery agreed, that the above recommendation be rescinded and that Black Donald remain in the Calabogie Charge. On October 12, 1927 approval was granted to discontinue Sunday services at Black Donald but pastoral relations were to be continued with some midweek services where it was feasible.

Reverend MacDonald, in February of 1928, requested that he be given a four month leave of absence from June 1 to visit Scotland. Permission was granted and Reverend C.J. Gall came to minister while Reverend MacDonald was absent and was subsequently inducted on July 3, 1928.

Throughout the years following the Union money was scarce and many times the community was canvassed for money to help pay the upkeep of the Church and to pay the Minister's salary. Grants were received from the United Church and from Missions.

In February of 1929 a request was made by St. Andrew's that they be allowed to dispose of the old Methodist Church at Pine Grove which was no longer in use and that the money received from that be put towards circuit improvements. But it was not until October 30, 1931 that permission was granted and the Church was sold for $200.00 to Mr. Wilfred Elliott. The proceeds were put towards repairs of St. Andrew's United Church.

The Church spire was struck by lightning in August of 1930 and some members of the charge were rumoured to have believed that a few "would be Christians" were "getting a message from God to smarten up". It was never reported whether attendance improved on Sundays after that or not.

Lawrence B. Smith was inducted on July 1, 1932 and became the Pastor for the Charge. During Reverend Smith's pastorate, the manse in Calabogie burned down and Reverend Smith was moved to the Wilson Apartments. The Wilson Apartments were located where the Tea Room is today. A new manse was never built in Calabogie. The Ministers were put up in rented quarters or the local hotel and sometimes even in private homes.

On July 8, 1935 Reverend Preston C. Brown was inducted and became Minister.

The interior of the Church was decorated by Mr. Oilsner in 1935; and the members of the community painted the outside of the Church in 1936 carried out other repairs in 1937 and in 1938 put on a new roof. This would appear to have been the first major work done on the Church from the time it was built in 1892.

On July 8, 1938 Reverend Edward Todd joined the Charge as Minister. Calabogie was his first pastoral charge and he was the Minister for one year. When he came to Calabogie he had room and board at Jim Wilson's in Barryvale where he met his future wife. Reverend Todd has retired in Barryvale and he remembers his years as Pastor for Calabogie fondly. In particular he remembers the active Boys Club that he had and the many young men who went off to fight in the War. His mode of transportation, at that time, was a bicycle which he rode to all of his services on Sundays.

From July of 1939 to February of 1940 Herman Miller was the Student Supply Minister under the supervision of Rev. Neal from Renfrew. In February of 1940 Mr. E.M. Simm became Pastor.

Up to 1940 the Pastoral Charge was comprised of Calabogie, Byers, Ashdad, Pine Grove and Black Donald Mine. In July 1940 Calabogie amalgamated with Horton and Castleford creating the "Calabogie-Horton-Castleford" Charge.

1941 brought Reverend Jas. P. Henderson to the Charge. During his pastorate there were discussions held regarding purchasing a manse for the Calabogie-Horton Charge. It was recommended that a house in Renfrew be purchased for the minister for $2,000.00. $1,600.00 would be available from the sale of the manse at Madawaska from the Home Missions Board. However, a manse was never purchased.

There was a motion entertained at a Conference meeting held on May 5, 1942, that trucks could only be used on Sunday for going to church if no other transportation was available. This motion was never passed.

During World War II many special services were held with the orders of service including excerpts from a book by Katherine Hale entitled "The White Comrade" as well as prayers from "Prayers for Men in the Service" written by Clergymen of Canada, England and the United States.

From 1944 to 1946 Reverend N. Cole served the Charge with Reverend Osborn filling in as temporary supply in 1946. From 1947-1957 Reverend A.E. Jaster was the Minister.

In 1947 the Charge joined with White Lake and Burnstown to form the three point charge it is today - Calabogie, White Lake and Burnstown. The Minister and his family then lived in a manse in White Lake.

The shed at the back of the Church was taken down in 1953. The Church floors were also painted. The original design of the Church was always maintained until 1955 when a vestry and choir room were added.

A new oil furnace was purchased and installed in the basement beneath the Church in 1958. The wood stoves were no longer necessary and they were removed.

Reverend W.J. TenHoopen served as Minister from 1957 to 1960.

New cement steps and a wrought iron railing were erected in 1959.

Reverend Winnifred Bridges, the first woman minister for the Charge, ministered from 1960 to January 1965.

The spring of 1961 saw a beehive of activity within the Church. Extensive renovations were underway. New pews and a matching pulpit were obtained from the United Church at Ste. Rose de Laval to replace the originals. Charlie Wilson laboured over the pews to make them fit the Church. The inside was refinished in ash plywood, a choir loft installed and the front remodelled. The "pump" organ was electrified. Mrs. Nellie Box was the organist at the time of the change to the electric organ. The motor for the organ was put in the washroom (or what served as a washroom at the time) in the back room in order to cut down on the noise. The choir chairs and organ were refinished in a natural shade. The building was levelled, a new floor was laid and tiled, the centre aisle to the communion table raised and a cross erected on the wall above. A new ornate iron railing replaced the wrought iron railing on the front steps. This was a total labour of love and commitment largely done by volunteer labour. Many nights 15 men were busy on the church under the supervision of Alex Smith and Doug Stoughton. On Sunday, May 21, 1961, at 7:30 p.m., there was a rededication service with Reverend H. Douglas of Arnprior the guest speaker. What a sense of accomplishment and feeling of pride there was at the rededication service.

On January 21, 1962 the United Church Women was formally inaugurated into St. Andrew's with an Inaugural Service. The United Church Women carried out fund raising events to help support the Church. They are still active in the Church today. One special fund raising event of note was the annual smorgasbord dinner on the lawn of the home of Stewart and Eleanore Ferguson every July. People came for many miles to enjoy the wonderful food, to socialize and catch up on news.

Also during this time a Bible Study group was formed which met every second Sunday night. Some lively discussions were reported.

A Christian education program was started with the aid of Calabogie Public School. The program was held during the lunch hour and there was a very enthusiastic response. A Canadian Girls In Training (C.G.I.T.) group was also set up.

As time went by it became increasingly obvious that there was a need for the Church to have a building of its own for concerts, church dinners, Sunday School and other events. The dream of a Christian Education Building began. During 1964, fund raising events took place; construction started on the 40 x 60 foot addition on November 1, 1964 and by 1965 the building was completed. The building's design was drawn up by Russell Gagnon of Calabogie.

Although the interior of the building still remained to be completed, on June 20, 1965, a dedication service was held. Reverend Winnifred Bridges returned to Calabogie to conduct the dedication service. She was assisted by Reverend Murray A. McBride of Arnprior. The church was filled to capacity. Paul Yakabuski, M.L.A. for Renfrew South, also attended and congratulated everyone on the lovely building. The dedication service was as follows:

The Call to Worship: Rev. M.A. McBride - Interim Chairman

Doxology 625

Prayer of Invocation and Confession

Hymn 674

Responsive Reading 727

Scripture Lessons: Job 28:12-28, Mark 10:13-22

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Solo: Mrs. Stella McConnell

Announcements

Offering

Hymn 490

SERMON: "True Wisdom" - Rev. W.M. Bridges

The Dedication

Conducted at the Entrance to the New Building by the Rev. W.M. Bridges.

Minister: Having prospered by the good hand of God and enabled by his grace and power to erect this educational building to be used for the glory of His name, we do now in his holy presence dedicate this building.

To the glory of God our Father, to the honour of Jesus Christ, his Son and our Saviour, to the praise of the Holy Spirit, Source of life and light.

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister: That the children and youth of today and of future generations may receive Christian education

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister: For the teaching and study of God's Holy Word, and for the Christian culture of all who may gather here

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister: For Christian fellowship and friendship, for men and women who work here in that spirit, and for the well being of the human body as the temple of the spirit of God

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister: That youth may come to know God as their heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and friend

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister: For the training of children in faith and character, for the summoning of youth to serviceable living, for the deepening of our sense of Christian brotherhood and for the furthering of the spirit of good will among all peoples

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister: For the missionary endeavour at home and abroad, for world-wide evangelism and education, till the kingdom of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister: In loving memory of those who wrought here in days gone by, with sincere gratitude to those whose faith and gifts brought us to this joyful hour, and with supplication for all who shall worship here in years to come

People: We dedicate this building.

Minister and

People: We, the people of this church and congregation, do consecrate ourselves anew to worthy service of God in this place. And to the continued service of God and man, we do now dedicate this educational building in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. AMEN

We welcome the Reverend Winnifred Bridges, former minister to this congregation, to the dedication of this new building. She, more than any other person, inspired the vision that has been made a reality by the people of St. Andrew's, Calabogie.

The inside of the Building was completed as funds allowed and was used by the Public School for recreation purposes and, at one time, the large rooms upstairs were occupied by the Municipality of Bagot and Blythfield as their Township offices. It is used today for church suppers, bazaars, and other fund raising events.

Following Winnifred Bridges' departure Reverend Donald Sharp arrived an ' d stayed with the Charge as a supply minister until the arrival of Reverend V.A. Plager in September of 1965. Reverend Plager died on November 19, 1966 and a Plager Memorial Fund was set up to assist the dependents of Reverend Plager.

Supply Ministers filled in from the time of Reverend Plager's death until Reverend Robert Knight joined the Charge in 1967 and he remained Minister until March 18, 1971.

Following Reverend Knight's departure supply ministry was provided until Reverend Archie Manson came in June of 1972.

In September of 1976 the sign on the outside of the church was changed from "St. Andrew's United Christian Church" to "St. Andrew's United Church".

Reverend Manson retired in June of 1977 and presently resides at Arnprior, Ontario.

Reverend Fred Milnes joined the Charge in August of 1977. During his ministry, in 1979, the members of the church once again completed a major restoration of the Church, this time on the outside. The large open bell tower and tall spire were eliminated and a shorter, completely enclosed spire and bell tower were erected. The building was completely insulated and rewired, aluminium storm windows were installed and white aluminium siding put on the exterior. A flower bed and front wall of natural field stone now enhance the appearance of the Church. A well was also dug to supply water to the Christian Education Building. A tremendous amount of work but the results were worth the efforts expended by everyone.

In July of 1984 Reverend Milnes left the Charge and for a year the Church was, once again, served by interim ministers.

In April of 1985 a decision was made by the whole Charge that the manse located in White Lake would be sold and a newer home in the White Lake area purchased to serve as a manse.

On July 1, 1985, Reverend Andrew Adams came to the Charge and remained as Minister until June 30, 1992.

On September 10, 1992, Reverend Katherine Cooper will begin her ministry with the Charge. Her first service will be on September 13, 1992.

There have been many organists who have supplied the ministry of music in the Church over the years including Nellie Box (Mrs. Ambrose Box), Mrs. L.B. (Toots) Nichols, Mrs. Freddy Clemens, Miss Edna Box, Mrs. Anna Robinson (Anna Fleishman), Mrs. Harold Lee (Minnie Wilson), Eleanore Ferguson, Tish Chapman, as well as the present organist, Isobel Kristijan.

Many of the fixtures in the Church today were donated by members of the congregation and, only through the generosity of the membership and community has it been possible to maintain the building for 100 years and keep the Church open.

In the early days, the Church was an integral part of the community. It was a meeting place for families and friends. The Church was supported by donations and events which involved everyone in the community not just those of the Methodist or Presbyterian denominations. Sunday was a family day with families attending Church followed by visiting and socializing, including picnics with games, entertainment and fun for the whole family. Although the Church has underwent many changes over the past 100 years, both structurally and with regard to the size of the membership, it remains an important part of the community and is a place where people can go to find renewal and strength for the coming trials in their day to day life. All those who wish to worship are welcome.