Central United Church

brought an overflowing congregation to the church on that glorious and memorable day. The first organist was Miss Jessie Jenkins. During the Dedication Service, Rev. Boothroyd read a list of donations and gifts to the church, and the names of the donors. These gifts included: Stained glass window — Women’s Missionary Society

Church Organ - Young People’s Society

Communion Table — Mrs. Mary (Gibson) Tibbetts of Boston

Offering plates and communion cabinet - family of the late Mr. John A. Stewart

Communion Set - Mrs. Ludlow Jenkins

Pulpit Bible and Communion linens — family of the late Mr. & Mrs. Duncan Darrach

Three-piece Pulpit set - Mr. & Mrs. Clark of Mount Stewart

Baptismal Font - Mrs. John T. Ferguson

Choir Chairs — Mr. & Mrs. John T. Ferguson

The first wedding performed was a double ceremony on June 26, 1929 when two sisters, Amelia Pearl and Edith Jane Vessey, daughters of Wm. Eddy and Amelia J. (Stewart) Vessey of Dunstaffnage, married William Donald Cooke and Elmer Thomas Brown, respectively, both of Little York.

The first funeral service from the new church and first grave opened was that of John A. Stewart, son of Christy (MacLaughlan) and John Stewart, who died January 7th, 1935.

Many changes have taken place over the years, from gas lamps to electric lights, a pump organ to an electric organ, piano and sound system, new pews, stained glass windows, and structural changes including a parlor and washrooms; and in the lower level, a church hall complete with kitchen facilities.

It is interesting to note that at the 50th Anniversary held on November 20, 1977, Rev. Donald Boothroyd, son of the first minister at Central United Church, was the guest speaker.

Ministers of Central United Church

Rev. F.E. Boothroyd 1927—1931 Rev. G.A. Christie 1931-1937 Rev. J .A. Nicholson 1937-1947 Rev. J .H. MacCallum 1947-1949 Rev. John Douglas 1949—1952 Rev. J .M. Sproule 1952—1957 Rev. F.H. Littlejohns 1957-1958 Rev. G.A.D. Elliott 1958-1963

Rev. Frank Lacey 1963—1969

(N ow called York-Covehead Pastoral Charge) Rev. Fraser MacDonald 1969- 1976 Rev. J. Elmer MacLean 1976- 1981 Rev. John Foster 1981- 1990 Rev. John Patterson 1990-1997

Rev. R. Huchinson (supply) 1997—1998 Rev. John Foster (interim) 1997-1998

Rev. Joy Noble 1998-

Central United Church currently shares the services of a student intern with York-Covehead Pastoral Charge.

Beth Johnston, daughter of Mark and Charlotte Johnston, is the first member of Central congregation to be ordained into the ministry of the

United Church of Canada.

The following is a list of dedicated men and women who have faithfully served Central United Church as Elders at different times since 1927 and have since gone on to Higher Service with the Lord. Their good works, time and talents will never be forgotten.

Mr. W.J. Gibson Mrs. Lila Gibson

Mr. W.E. Vessey Mr. John R. Thompson Mr. J .T. Ferguson Mr. Alex Scott

Mr. A.C. Foster Mr. Ernest Foster

Mr. Herbert Thompson Mr. Leigh Frizzell

Mr. W.W. Wood Mr. Harold Heartz

Mr. G.H. Johnston Mr. Allan Miller

Mr. W.W. Gibson Mr. Irving Thompson Mr. Herbert Dennis Mr. Albert (Jr.) Boswell Mr. W.J. Jenkins Mr. Hayden Birt

Organists who have served at Central United Church from 1927 are as follows: Jessie (Jenkins) Carver Isabel (Thompson) Ferguson

Hilda Dennis Mary Ferguson Ethel Gamhum Marjorie Wilson Pearl Foster *Viola Thompson Ruth Lacey ‘ Joan Thompson Dianne Patterson Karen Clow

*Viola (Mrs. Irving) Thompson served faithfully as organist for over 50 years.

The Ladies’ Groups The Women ’s Missionary Society. Mrs. John T. Ferguson served as the first President of the WMS at the time of the Union. Meetings were held once

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