M of Presbyterianlsm

CHAPTER XVIII.

ST. JAMEs’ CHURCH, CHARLOTTETOWN.

In the year I825, the Presbyterians in Charlotte- town and its suburbs, having no place of worship in connection with their own denomination, held a meeting for the purpose of considering the question of erecting a Presbyterian church in that city. As a result of this meeting a subscription paper was opened, and from the enthusiasm of the meeting and the liberal sums subscribed by those present, and subsequently by others who were present at that meeting, the people felt themselves warranted in proceeding forthwith to erect a suitable place of worship. Accordingly, in the following year, 1826, the old St. James’ church (which still stands, and is used as a lecture room and Sabbath school) was commenced, though not completed until the year 1831. It was a large, comfortable and commodious building, and seventy—five years ago was con- sidered an elegant structure. The writer remem- bers of preaching in that old church, when a theo- logical student, fifty-one years ago, and though somewhat nervous, as a country lad might well be when standing before his theological professor and the elite of Charlottetown, yet he cannot forget the impression made upon his mind by the size, magnifi- cence and gradeur of the old St. James.

This congregation originally embraced not only

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