Presbyterian Church around 1900.

When the frame of this church was erected, a terrific wind storm marred progress by blowing down the frame causing much damage to the lumber. Nothing was done until the following spring, when a similar incident took place. The newly replaced frame was again knocked down by a severe thunder and lightning storm which had come up very suddenly. The contractor, Mr. George Jelley of Unionvale, was heard to remark, ”Queer people these Presbyterians must be, even the elements combine to work against them.” Finally, in 1888, it was proven that the elements were no match for the Presbyterians’ determination and the church was completed. In the minutes of the session for the Bloomfield, O’Leary, and Brae Presbyterian Churches, held in Bloomfield May 22, 1888, "It was decided to have no services in the Bloomfield and Brae churches on the day of the opening of the church at O’Leary.” Among those men- tioned as taking a very active part in the building of this first church were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ellis, Jr., and Mrs. Thomas Dennis of Unionvale.

At the first communion service held in the new church on October 21, 1888, the minister, Rev. ].R. Coffin,was assisted by Rev. J.M. MacLeod who was stationed at Kensington. At this service, those who were received into the church by profession of faith were Mr.

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