About this time the subject of union was earnestly discussed by the two Presbyteries on the Island and overtures were sent up to their respective Synods in June 1870.

The Rev’d. John Moffat, who had been sent out by the Col- onial Committee of the Church of Scotland was inducted into the charge on September 25th, 1872, and was allowed to retire in 1874. After the retirement of Mr. Moffatt the charge was supp- lied by the Rev’d. John Gillis and by Mr. A. V. McLeod, Catechist. Mr. McLeod after his ordination was settled in Vale Colliery until his health failed and death called him to his reward at an early age.

The next minister to be settled in the charge was the Rev’d. William Scott. His induction took place on 24th October, 1876, and after a pastorate of over six years his resignation was accepted by the Presbytery. He was succeeded by the Rev’d. A. W. Mahon and resigned on 30th September, 1894. Mr. Mahon was succeeded by Rev. W. T. D. Moss who was inducted on May 21st but only over St. Peter’s Road, the other congregation having been united with Cove Head. Mr. Moss was succeeded by the Rev’d. Mr. Lay- ton, and by the Rev’d. W. H. Spencer, B.A.

The first church, built in 1830, was blown down by a storm and was replaced by the present edifice in 1864. Thus this year marks the 100th Anniversary of the present building and its 134th as a Congregation.

When the four strands of Canadian Presbyterianism com- bined in 1875 to form The Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Free Church congregation at Marshfield returned to St. Columba Church. The Free Church and Baptist Congregations together with a third body, the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia, had built the church across the road in 1864.

During the pastorate of the Rev’d. W. H. Spencer the gallery was removed and the auditorium enlarged twelve feet in length. The method used was to saw the church in two and move both

ends out. A spire was added and a Scottish thistle placed upon it to enhance its beauty.