Presbyterianism in Summerside 1853-2003

Picturesque Canada, p. 854

The Northern Light in 1880

attending Presbytery meetings in Nova Scotia. He was carrying the minutes and records of Session from Summerside Presbyterian Church for Synod inspection.

In 1883, during Rev. Dr. MacKay’s tenure, a re— vised act of incorporation was instituted. Seven duly elected church trustees were installed: William H. Brown, Joseph Linkletter, Theophilus J. Clark, Daniel Stewart, Neil Sinclair, David Montgomery, and Neil MacKelvie. Also during his ministry Rev. Dr. Neil MacKay encouraged a greater ecumenical fellowship among the various religious denominations. In 1883 the Presby- terian and Methodist congregations in Summerside conducted a joint Union Sunday School Picnic at Freetown. A special train brought five hundred people to the gala event.

The concept of interdenominational cooperation continued long after Rev. Dr. MacKay’s departure. In 1906 the great fire of Summerside destroyed St. Mary’s Anglican Church. At their following Annual Meeting on

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