Scott was thanked for his years of service to the Presbyterian Record, and promptly relieved of his duties. At Assembly , the anticipated dissent was presented followed by an official answer, and the final proceeding was introduced. A motion was made to adjourn. The moderator rose, pronounced the benediction and declared the Assembly closed. As the anti-unionists read their objection, the organist launched into the Hallelujah Chorus full blast to drown out further discussion. As the unionists retired, confident of a new United Church, the dissenters remained, elected a new moderator, prayed briefly and adjourned, to meet later at Knox Church. The Presbyterian Church in Canada was marching forward. Presbyterians 1921 1931 Population Presbyterians Population Presbyterians Canada 8,788,483 1,411,794 10,376,786 872,428 P.E.I. 88,615 25,970 88,038 14,814 As the names imply, the Unions of 1860 and 1875 were uniting forces in the church, bring together various branches of the Presbyterian churches. However the "union" of 1925 was a very disrupting force for the Presbyterian church and almost spelled its demise. On Prince Edward Island the Presbytery met at Zion Church on May 13, 1925, and voiced their objection to the Union. The following protest was made and written into the minutes: "We, the undersigned ministers and elders, members of the Presbytery of Prince Edward Island , beg leave to record our protest against and dissent from the action of the majority of our brethren in this court... We do further protest that it shall be illegal and unacceptable for us to continue to exercise our ministry as office bearers of the Presbyterian Church in Canada , according to the word of God, the Confession of Faith, and the principles and constitutions of the said Church, as if no such action had been taken. And we hereby proclaim it to be our intention to meet together with all other members of this court who shall adhere to us, for the purpose of continuing the said Presbytery of Prince Edward Island as a court of the Presbyterian Church. And we do further demand that all the official records of this body on or before the tenth of June in the year of our Lord, One Thousand nine hundred and twenty five shall be handed over to the clerk of the continuing Presbytery as the only legal person entitled to such records, (authors note - The records did not remain in Presbyterian hands and are now at .) This protest and demand was signed by, William Orr Mulligan, 204 -