Memories of the East Nottawasaga Presbyterian Church

My Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Fraser, often told our class about her mother-in-law walking to East Nottawasaga Presbyterian Church from Banda (2.5
km south of Avening) to attend Sunday services. Wanting to be among her own kind, she would set out from Banda on Saturday morning to walk the distance.
She would be made welcome at a friend’s house near the church. There she was given a bed for the night. On Sunday morning her husband, having attended to the farm animals, drove to the church with a horse and buggy. The couple attended the church service and returned home in the afternoon.

I have often thought of that pioneer woman as I have driven on Fairgrounds Road. It was a sad day recently when I read of the demolition of the East Nottawasaga church. To me it was a beautiful piece of architecture set in the landscape and I will alwaysmiss it. The history of this church first appeared in Nottawasaga: The Outburst of the Iroquois published by the township council to mark their centennial in 1934.

In the beginning the rural Presbyterians from west to east were together as one congregation. East Nottawasaga built their church in 1854 but stayed connected to the charge with West Nottawasaga.

“The site for the cemetery and church was donated by Neil Paul and his wife, Isabella Campbell. The building was first a frame one but later was brick clad. Rev. J. Campbell continued as minister until his death in 1864, In 1866, Rev. Alex McDonald was ordained and inducted and continued to minister to the people until 1873, when the congregation was joined by Purple Hill (Creemore) and Dunedin. Re. Duncan McDonald, who was minister and served his people faithfully and well until 1882. Rev. J. K. Henry was called and inducted in 1883 and continued until 1900.

“The congregation was mostly Highland Scotch and services were often conducted in the Gaelic. When communion season came each summer special preachers were engaged. Rev. Mr. Currie, father of the present minister in 1934 came at times and Rev. Carmichael of King was often on hand to preach in the Gaelic. Many still remember those venerable men on a stand under the beech tree in the cemetery. The English was used in the church. All joined together in the church for communion.

“It has been stated that when the original Nottawasaga Presbyterian church was divided, West Church was given custody of the Communion Roll and the Baptism Registry. The East church got the Communion Service and the Marriage Register.”

Perhaps someone is aware of where these records may be found.

Helen Blackburn is a retired teacher, avid gardener and a long-time contributor to The Creemore Echo. She writes about local history.