MacAualy went to the Pratt house, had prayer, and continued to the church service, where although he did not participate in the service, he sat right up in the pulpit with the Minister. Roddie stated that this was unheard of at that time. This was one example, according to Roddie, of how “We had an ecumenical movement in the community of St. Peters long before anybody thought of the title." (32) Father MacAulay had been quoted as saying, “You can’t tell the Protestants from the Catholics here at the Bay. You haven’t been able to for years. It has a long history." (33)

These positive relations have continued on to this present day. The annual ‘Old Fashioned Christmas Concert” put on in the United Church every year for the past five years is enjoyed by many members of both congregations within the community.

THE UNITED CHURCH WOMEN

Women’s groups with the United Church has its origins with in the “Women‘s Missionary Society (W.H.S.),” which was active on the Island since 1887. The main objective of the group was the support of the Christian Missions in Canada and overseas. There was also a group entitled the ‘Women’s Association (W.A.),” This group combined both mission and local work. Most country churches, however, had no organized W.A., and members of the W.H.S met their needs. Eventually, both organizations were amalgamated into one association, as many saw the benefits of one structure that would work for the total mission of the church. The work of these two groups was continued through “The United Church Women (U.C.W.)," which was formed in February of 1962.

The St. Peters U.C.W. began on February 91h, 1962, with twenty- five members. The activities of the U.C.W. have included visits to the gardens owned by Flora Sutherland, and Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Anderson, which entailed a garden party and afternoon tea. U.C.W. members have done visits to honor and entertain seniors within the community, and visiting the sick and shut—ins over the years. Funds are raised by bazaars, pantry sales, catering to weddings, and travelling aprons.

The money raised by the U.C.W. goes directly back into the community and the church, evidenced by the organ purchased for the St. Peters United Church and donations to the High School and Souris

Hospital.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

After the expulsion of the French, there was no Catholic clergy on PEI for a period of 14 years. (34) After several missionary priests and small log cabin style churches, missionary priest Angus MacEachern founded the Island’s first Catholic Church and college at his home in St.