History of Presbyterianism

CHAPTER XXII. PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGES.

(To Rev. Professor Currie, D. D., we are indebted for many of the facts in this chapter.)

The Theological Hall of the Presbyterian Church of the Maritime Provinces is situated on one of the most delightful spots anywhere to be found. It is now more than eighty years since, in humble circum— stances, it sprang into existence. Pine Hill, there- fore, is the oldest theological hall in the Dominion of Canada. In attaining its present state of efficiency it has passed through a variety of changes. Though at times weak and struggling for existence, yet it has never failed in giving to the church a supply of well trained and successful ministers, some of whom have attained a more than provincial or even continental fame.

Pine Hill College had its origin in Pictou, Nova Scotia, in the year 1816. At that time, as far as known to the writer, the only Presbyterian ministers in the Maritime Provinces were Rev. Daniel Cock 0f Truro, Rev. D. Smith, Londonderry, Rev. Hugh Graham, Cornwallis, Rev. George Gilmore of VVind- sor, Rev. John Brown, Londonderry, Rev. Mr. Dick of Douglas. Rev. John Mitchell of River John, Rev. James McGregor, East River, Rev. Duncan Ross, West and Middle Rivers, Rev. Thomas McCulloch of Pictou, and on Prince Edward Island there were

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