HomeMy WebLinkAbout430"Article taken from The Pickering News, June 6, 1952.
ERSKINE MEMORIAL DAY, SUNDAY JUNE 8
Ninety-Eighth Anniversary
Nearly one hundred years ago about sixty devout Scottish pioneers proposed to build a
church. Some of them wanted to build on one site; others preferred a different location,
so with typical Scotch infrugality they decided to build two churches one on the second
Concession northwest of Dunbarton, and one elsewhere. The concession church was
completed in midsummer, 1854, and cost approximately one thousand dollars.
Within less than a year it was free from debt and had been officially named The Erskine
Church.
Previous to the opening of the Erskine Church, the pioneers had been holding services
in an old log schoolhouse which then stood on the western corner and across from the
present church. It is recorded that one collection at the schoolhouse amounted to
fifty-two cents. While those sixty Scots were devout they were also thrifty.
Erskine Church still stands, a sacred, sturdy monument to the staunch-hearted pioneers
who planned and built it. In 1932 it was moved back from the roadway and set upon a
cement block foundation. Otherwise it is practically unchanged. Its sill timbers and
joints are sound, and its walls, flooring and roof supports as good as new. Its pulpit,
pews and precentor's box speak eloquently of the loving hand-craftmanship which
produced them.
The softwood pews have been worn smooth by the many worshippers who have used
them—worshippers whose wakefulness was none too subtly assured by a narrow
moulding built into the pew backs exactly where it could produce the most discomfort to
anyone inclined to drowsiness.
There is a beautiful and well-kept cemetery in the church yard, where many famous
pioneers are sleeping their last long sleep. Here, too, are the graves of several men
and women who were active during the McKenzie Rebellion of 1837, for as early as
1832 the plot was used for burials. Much of the early history of Pickering Township was
made by those whose names may be deciphered on the patina-covered headstones
and markers which dot this hallowed ground.
Once a year a Memorial Service is conducted at Erskine Cemetery. This year's service
will be on this coming Sunday, June 8, at 3.00 p. m., when the church's ninety-eighth
anniversary will be commemorated. Rev. George Dix, will conduct the service.
Usually the church if filled to overflowing for this event, so loudspeakers are set up on
the church grounds in order that the large outside congregation can share in the
ceremony.
Everybody is welcome to come and join in this annual service.
The church is located on the corner of Fairport Road North and the Second
Concession. You are invited.
"