Community 107

Mr. Cameron was convinced that the Presbyterians must also build in Souris. The Union church was sold to the Rollo Bay Catholic Parish. It was moved to Rollo Bay where it remained until torn down in 1940.

In July of 1876 a Presbyterian Tea Party was held in James McLauchlan’s field, part of which he had donated for a church site. It was on the top of the hill at the north end of what is now known as Church Avenue. The proceeds were used to begin the new church building. Mr. William R. Ding- well (Billy Dick), was the contrac- tor. The Building Committee was Messrs John F. Morrow, John Geddie Sterns, James McLauch- lan, Thomas Perkins, James Keefe, John Garrett and Rev. J .G. Cameron. The structure was par- tially completed when a violent storm on February 21, 1879 blew it down. The Committee, discour- aged but not defeated, decided to change the site of the church. Land was procured from Simon Cheverie. Tenders were called but

Come-y E-S-Dinzwell. they seemed too high; so Mr.

St. James Presbyterian Church. Dingwell and the pastor under-

took the work themselves. The

building, fifty feet long by thirty feet wide, was finished with a plaster

interior, a gallery at one end and a tower. It cost $3,000 and was officially

opened and dedicated on December 20, 1879. The bell was hung three years

later. The first Session was composed of Messrs Franklin Stems, Richard

Burk, Benjamin MacEachem and Harry Brownell. Later, Charles H.S. Sterns and Archibald Currie were elected to the eldership.

The year 1908 marked the incorporation of the Souris Presbyterian Trus- tees and the adoption of “St. J ames” as the official name of the church. This building, with alterations, is the present United Church.

Fires in the early years brought some discouragements to both congrega- tions. The home of Mr. Cameron (the Manse), was destroyed on February 12, 1890; and the Methodist Church was badly damaged on November 20, 1909. The next year the church, beautifully refinished was reopened and re- dedicated on July 31, 1910.

The two congregations had united in Christian witness for many years. This culminated in their coming together as one congregation when the United Church of Canada was formed in 1925.49

The Methodist Church became the United Church Hall after union. It was sold in 1974.

Presbyterian Ministers 1853 to 1925 were Rev. Henry Crawford, Rev. John G. Cameron, Rev. James R. MacKay, Rev. J .P. Polley, Rev. F.C. Simpson, Rev. A.B. MacLeod, Rev. A.D. MacIntosh, Rev. Alexander MacKay, Rev. Emmanuel Lockhart, (1920-1927).