TO GOD BE THE GLORY

followed a regular weekly pattern. Service began with a lengthy list from the Scottish psalms, sung to the tune of Coles Hill, Irish, Bangor, or Old Hundred while the congregation sat in the pews. The choir in the gallery, led by the precentor, Henry Walker, accompanied. A twenty—five-minute opening prayer followed and the members of the congregation stood with their backs to the pastor. This was followed by another psalm (no “human hymns” were tolerated), scripture reading, announcement of a text, and the sermon of at least one hour’s duration. Occasionally, after an intermission in which a light meal was prepared and eaten, a shortened version of the entire service was again conducted using other psalms, prayers, and a different sermon.

The year 1868 was a pivotal one in the early growth of Summerside Presbyterian Church. The debt on the church was eliminated with the proceeds of a successful “tea" held at the Drill Shed. During the same year a Men’s Missionary Society was formed under the direction of Hon. James Muirhead, Donald Montgomery, Thomas Brehaut, Thomas Frizzell, Joseph Linkletter, and Arthur Milligan. In October the Women’s Missionary Society was formed. Existing sources suggest that Mrs. James Muirhead (Zilla), with the assistance of Misses Burns and Blackader from Halifax, were the organizers. Early members included Zilla Muirhead (the first president), Mrs. Neil MacKay, Mrs. Neil MacKelvie, Mrs. Archibald MacKelvie, Mrs. John Green, Mrs. Benjamin Darby, Mrs. Lydiard, Mrs. MacSween, Mrs. Thomas Brehaut, Miss MacMillan, Miss Janet Muirhead, Miss Annie Muirhead, Mrs. James Sharpe, Mrs. William

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