History of Presbyta‘ianism

Clifton and Granville remained vacant for more than three years. During that time they called Rev. John McMillan of Mount Forest, Rev. George Mc- Millan, B. A., and Rev. John McLeod of Strathal- byn, but did not succeed in obtaining a minister until May 29th, 1882, when Rev. Alexander Sterling of Scotsburn, N. 8., their present able and devoted pastor, accepted a call and was inducted into the pastoral charge of the congregation. Mr. Sterling was the first minister without Gaelic settled in this charge. There are only a few old people, principally at Granville, with whom Gaelic is a necessity. The young people, even in Gaelic homes, all speak Eng- lish. When the present generation passes away the necessity of preaching in that language will pass away with it. The Gaelic speaking people of Gran- ville were well cared for by the late Mr. Hector Fal~ coner. Scarcely did a Sabbath pass for many years that this good man did not meet with the congrega- tion and conduct religious services with them in Gaelic. He also conducted week day meetings and visited, read and prayed with the sick in Gaelic. Such elders are a great help and blessing alike to the minister and to the congregation. He passed away quietly on the 15th September, in the 85th year of his age. His place in Granville is well filled by Messrs. McLeod and McMillan, members of Rev. Mr. Sterling’s session. The pastor, Mr. Sterling, though advanced in years, is still abundant in labors, which are not confined to his own congregation. His services are eagerly sought in all parts of the island

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