Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout459"Article copied from the Pickering News, February 11, 1887, page 1. DUNBARTON. The fine new church erected by the Presbyterian congregation of this village was formally dedicated on Sunday last. In the morning and evening Rev. Dr. MacLaren, of Knox College, Toronto, and in the afternoon Rev. Mr. Matthews, of Pickering, delivered excellent sermons suitable to the occasion to large congregations. On Monday evening the opening soiree was held. Three tables running the entire length of the building were laid in the basement, and from 5 to 8 o'clock the ladies of the congregation were kept on the jump supplying the wants of the large number of people who pressed their way thither. Of the spread too much praise cannot be given. The tables fairly groaned beneath the weight of edibles provided, and everything was of the most tempting kind, reflecting the greatest credit on all concerned. Shortly after 8 o'clock Rev. Mr. Craig called the assemblage to order and asked the choir for an opening selection, after which Rev. Mr. Abraham, of Whitby, led in prayer. In his opening remarks the pastor extended a hearty welcome to those present, who, notwithstanding the unfavorable weather, had come from all parts of the county. It was one of the happiest moments of his life. When he assumed the pastorate about four years ago he little thought that they would be gathered together at the opening of a new church edifice in the village of Dunbarton to-night. He was greatly pleased with the energy and push displayed by his congregation, and at the successful termination of their labors in the erection of the edifice in which they now met. He had great pleasure in introducing to the audience the chairman of the evening, Mr. J. D. Edgar, ex-M.P., of Toronto. Mr. Edgar, on, coming forward was received with applause. He said he considered it both an honor and a pleasure to preside over such a large and intelligent " "audience as he saw before him. He was more accustomed to being present at the opening of Parliament than at church openings. In Parliament they had a Speaker, and he presumed the reason why he was called the Speaker was because he had nothing to say. His duties, therefore, in presiding on this occasion would be very light. He was pleased to be present at the opening of this very neat little church, which was a credit not only to the place but also to the pastor and people. As the program contained a lengthy list of speakers, he would at once proceed to call upon Rev. Mr. Abraham, of Whitby, for an address. Short and appropriate speeches were also made by Rev. Mr. Eastman, of Oshawa; Rev. Mr. Matthews, of Pickering; Rev. Mr. Kippan of Claremont; Rev. Mr. Fraser, of Bowmanville, and Rev. Mr. Cameron, of Pickering, all of whom congratulated the pastor and people of the Dunbarton congregation on the neat and commodious edifice erected for the worship of God, and wished them all prosperity in future. The choir of St. Andrew's Church, Whitby, gave several choice selections of music during the evening, which were greatly appreciated by the audience. The pastor then read a brief statement of the finances. The cost of the edifice was $4,100, which did not include the gratuitous work done in hauling material, etc., by the membership. This would run the amount up to at least $5,000. They had in subscriptions and collected in cash $3,470, leaving the small balance of about $600 yet to be raised. He did not propose to ask for subscriptions at that time, but if any person felt disposed to contribute to the building fund they could send the amount in to either Mr. George Parker, Mr. J. Holmes, or Mr. Wm. Dunbar, Sr. He felt deeply gratified to the several rev. gentlemen who had at considerable personal sacrifice left their homes to be present on this occasion, and moved, seconded by Mr. Peter Nesbit, that a cordial vote of thanks be extended to the speakers of the evening, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Jonathan Holmes said that all had listened with pleasure to the singing of the choir and he therefore moved, seconded " "by Mr. Wm. Taylor, a vote of thanks to them for their services. This was carried without a dissenting voice. Dr. Black, of Uxbridge, in moving a vote of thanks to the ladies for the efforts put forth by them to make the affair a success, paid them a well-merited compliment. He said that on such occasions as this the ladies were the first, middle and last of the undertaking; it was impossible to get along without the help of the ladies. It was impossible to tell what a congregation could do until they were brought to the testing point, and in the erection of this beautiful little church he had no doubt the ladies had done their share of the work, not only in providing the very excellent spread which those present had partaken of down in the basement, but also in raising the money necessary for the erection of the church. He moved, seconded by Mr. John McIntosh, a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies of the Dunbarton congregation. When the chairman put the motion it was carried amidst loud applause. Mr. D. Ormiston, in a short speech, moved that the thanks of the audience be extended to Mr. Edgar, who had so ably and with such acceptance presided on this occasion. Rev. Mr. Craig, in presenting the vote of thanks, said he wished it distinctly understood that Mr. Edgar was invited to preside on this occasion because he was a gentleman and not because he was a politician. Although not personally acquainted with him, he had heard a good deal of him, and was pleased to say that his anticipations had been fully realized. Mr. Edgar returned thanks. Mr. John Parker, in moving a hearty vote of thanks to the Building Committee, said that they were entitled to every praise for their unceasing labors in connection with the erection of the church. Had it not been for their energetic action the church would not have been there to-day. The motion was seconded by Mr. George Gourley and carried unanimously. Rev. Mr. Craig then thanked the audience for their attendance. People were " "there from Scarboro in the west to Bowmanville in the east, and from the lake shore to the sand hills of Uxbridge, and he was grateful to them all. After a closing selection by the choir. Rev. Mr. Abraham pronounced the benediction, and the proceedings were brought to a close. The new church is of the modern gothic style of architecture, material of red brick,. with cut stone facings throughout. The size is 40 x 52 feet, with basement full size of building. Off the main part of the basement is the; vestry and class rooms; height of ceiling 10 feet. Two furnaces warm the building. The main or audience room has a 28 ft. ceiling, and the pulpit and fittings are in ash. The seats are semi-circular in form, and will accommodate 290 people, not counting the draw seats. Four six-light chandeliers light the building very nicely. Six very handsome stained glass windows, with two circulars, from Elliott & Sons, Toronto, afford plenty of light. Mr. A. A. Post, of Whitby, was the architect; Mr. Deverill, of Whitby, was contractor for the mason work, Mr. Thos. Henderson, of Dunbarton, the carpenser work, Mr. Jas. A. Hilts; of Pickering, painting and glazing, and Mr. Joshua Bundy, also of Pickering, the galvanized iron work, all of whom, we understand, carried out their contracts very satisfactorily. There were over 450 people present on Monday evening. The collections on Sunday amounted to nearly $150, and the proceeds of Monday evening were $120, besides which the ladies realized quite a nice sum from the sale of articles at their bazaar. Messrs. Forsyth Bros., of Pickering supplied a handsome Bell organ for the opening services, for which the congregation feel deeply grateful. "