14 History of Valleyfield and Congregation

spread over the neighboring congregations and as far west as Strathalbyn. At the July Communion here in 1886 one hun— dred and seventy persons were received into the fellowship of the Church, being the largest number ever to unite with the Church at one time in the history of Valleyfield.

On the Sunday of Communion at this time, one service would be held in the church while another would be held out of doors. As the weather was not always favourable for the outside service the need for a building in which to hold the Gaelic service at Communion time became apparent. Mr. MacLean placed the suggestion before the people and in a short time a building seventy by seventy was built. The contract was let to Donald L. MacKinnon, Brooklyn, for $480. It was built after the style of a skating rink and had a seating capacity of upwards of twelve hundred people. It was used for the Sunday services throughout the summer season. On Communion Sundays, this “tent” and the church which held five hundred, would both be crowded to capacity,

The Place Name of Valleyfield

Upon the opening of the new Church in the fall of 1885, the dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Alexander Sutherland, then minister at Strathalbyn. During the ser- vices of the day, it is said that {either Mr. Sutherland or Mr. Munro, looking over the countryside said “it ought to be called Valleyfield” this suggestion was acted upon and the name changed from Douse’s Road.

Memorial Tablet

The years 1914- 1918, with their heroic sacrifices, bravery and bloodshed are indelibly etched Upon the memories of all Who lived through them. The sons and daughters of Valley— field responded nobly to the call. Some forty-four names are on the Honor Roll amd of these, ten paid the supreme sacrifice. Their names are: William D. MacPherson, John MacPhee, M. N. MacPhee, M. C., Peter MacPherson, WilliamR. Thomp - son, Daniel Ross, John Ross, John M. MacLeod, John Mac— Kinnon, and Samuel MacLeod, Names of undying glory appears as Battles in which these men lost their lives as: Kemmel, Hill 70, Passchendale, Vimy Ridge.

A beautiful oak and marble tablet was unveiled to their honoured memory at a public service held in the church on

July 9th, 1920.

Valleyfield’s Contribution to the World The Community of Valleyfield has made a worthy con-