Presbyterianism in Summerside 1853-2003

rejoicing with them in those spiritual possessions com— mon to us all, which are beyond the reach of earthly calamities.” It is believed that some of the Presbyte— rian records were being kept in a church officer’s vault and were also lost in the fire. These documents along with those lost in 1881 on the Northern Light have left a significant gap in the early records of Summerside Presbyterian Church.

In early 1908 the church inaugurated a new method of receiving weekly contributions using enve- lopes for each family in the congregation. This practice is still carried on today. The idea was promoted by Rev. Mr. Strathie in an effort to have more money available to the Board of Managers early in the year for the op— eration of the church. Previously, most of the church’s income came in toward the end of the year through pledged subscriptions from members of the congrega- tion. This often left the church in the difficult position of having to resort to short—term borrowing in order to meet its obligations before year’s end.

A new manse was built on Central Street in 1911. Rev. H. J. Fraser, inducted on March 26th, was the first minister to occupy it. He replaced Rev. R. G. Strathie who had been called to Zion Church in Charlottetown the previous year. The former manse on upper Central Street was subsequently sold and moved to the corner of Granville and Cambridge Streets.

In 1917 Rev. George S. Mitchell was inducted as minister of the Summerside congregation and he re— mained until 1926. Rev. C. J. St. Clair Jeans became pastor in 1927.

The continued viability of Summerside Presbyte-

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