Structural Material 73

THE WILMOT CREEK CHURCH OF COTLAND AND CEMETERY

The people of Wilmot Valley have ne'er been far from the ministra- tions of the church. During the early das of settlement they turned to Bedeque where several churches of varitus denominations were being established. The Presbyterians, the Methclists and the Baptists, all very strict in following their own doctrine, wouj criss-cross each other’s paths as they made their way to church across th fields or the river ice in winter time.

In 1826 that great missionary miniser, Rev. Donald MacDonald, came to Prince Edward Island and during the revival of 1829-30 his in- fluence was felt all across the Island and petple flocked to hear him preach. In his travels, mainly on horseback or on not, he held services in Wilmot Valley and engendered enough enthusiasm hat the people decided to build a church in this community. George Lefurgy and his wife, Hannah Baker Lefurgey, donated one acre of land on the western end of Blueshank Road for the purpose of a church and burying rounds A record of land con- veyance states that the land was sold to Rv. Donald MacDonald (a mis- sionary of the Church of Scotland to Canata) and the elders of the church on March 10, 1858, for the sum of 2 DOUHS. It is thought that the church building, located in the south end of the cenetery, was built previous to this date and it is known that the cemetery was bing used.

The first burial was that of Rachel, wie of James Lefurgey, who died December 6, 1839. Another reference to the arly life of this church is found in William Schurman Loyalist (Page ll4).ACcording to the obituary of William Schurman, who died 1887, it statesthat shortly after his marriage (1835) he was ordained an elder “by his mich venerated minister, the late Reverend Donald MacDonald, under WhOS( ministry he long labored, con- tending earnestly for the faith which was one delivered to the Saints, main— taining by example and precept the spiritual (ignity of the elder’s office“.