Community 107 Mr. Cameron was convinced that the Presbyterians must also build in Souris . The Union church was sold to the Catholic Parish . It was moved to where it remained until torn down in 1940. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ In July of 1876 a Presbyterian ^■^^■^^H Tea Party was held in James ^^^IJ^ H McLauchlan 's field, part of which '"^^P 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 . The proceeds ^^ i — were used to begin the new church ^^^Jfc^^ B building. Mr. William R. Ding- ^P^ ^^^^ Wa well ( Billy Dick ), was the contrac- l A ifjifrM ' tor- The Building Committee was K aBBf k * Messrs John F . Morrow, John j I ■Qr * Geddie Sterns , James McLauch- a m par 1 Ian, Thomas Perkins , James ^m ^ *fcSP Keefe, John Garrett and Rev. J.G. jM «^ Cameron. The structure was par- ^k ( , tially completed when a violent ^j ^ I a A » storm on February 21, 1879 blew *"■" k aW\ I! ^ 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 they seemed too high; so Mr. 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 Sterns , Richard Burk , Benjamin MacEachern 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 . James" 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). urtesy E.S. Dingwell . St . James Presbyterian Church.