early Muttarts were Roman Catholic, as were the Laceys and Keoughs.

Brought up a Roman Catholic, George Muttart was for a time a lay reader appointed by the priest to read the service prayers in the homes of the faithful at Tryon and vicinity. However, he was converted to Protestantism by Nathaniel Wright in 1793-94. George and his eldest son, Charles, joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1815. The remaining children, with the exception of William, followed his exam- ple.

The North Tryon Presbyterian Church was built in 1858. The Presbyterian worshippers had held services in their homes until that time. The land on which the church was built was bought by David Thomson from John Howatt and later given in a quit claim by David John Thomson to the congregation. The contractors and builders were James and Adam Morrison.

Dr. James McGregor preached in North Tryon in 1794 and visited several times until 1810. Rev. John Keir paid regular visits until 1820. Rev. William Hyde was accepted as minister on October 23, 1822, and stayed with the congregation about three years. There was no resident minister from 1825 to 1867, but Rev. R.S. Patterson of Bedeque was the spiritual advisor for the North Tryon worshippers.

Rev. Allen Simpson, JK Beairsto, J.G. Cameron and others were pulpit supplies during these years. Mr. Cameron was ordained and inducted as pastor of North Tryon and Bonshaw in March 1867. Rev. Cameron served as minister for six years, and was an inspiration to both young and old congregational members. Members of the Presbytery preached in the church following Rev. Cameron’s departure until 1875 when W.A. Archibald, M.A., became the pastor. Rev. J.W. MacLeod supplied for two years beginning in 1877 until Rev. Allan MacLean was inducted in 1880. A manse was purchased during Rev. MacLeod’s ministry.

J.F. McCurdy was inducted in 1894, one year after Rev. MacLeod had resigned. Rev McCurdy was succeeded by Rev. G.C. Robertson in 1899 and Rev. M. Hooper in 1903. Subsequent ministers were: A.B. MacLeod,J.F. MacDonald,Joseph MacKay, and Malcolm MacPherson. The Ladies’ Aid was organized in 1907, and the Sunday School re- mained active during this period.4

There were no musical instruments in the Presbyterian churches in pioneer days. The singing was led by the Precentor. The last Precentor in the North Tryon Presbyterian Church was William Chisholm. Mr. Chisholm had a stutter in his speech which made it difficult for him to speak but he was a beautiful singer.5 A pump organ was purchased when Mr. Chisholm retired. This was replaced in 1961 by a Spinet Hammond organ. Organists have included: Clayton Morrison, Lizzie Chisholm Lang, Jennie Waddell Rogerson, Marion Waddell MacDonald, Vivian Dawson Bartlett, Elsie Howatt MacLeod, Enid Lewis Thomas, Glen Lidstone Thomson, Marion McLennan Jardine, Judy Dawson, Dawn

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