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Trinity United Church 2013 Built 1873-74 Joined the United Church of
Canada in 1925 and renamed “Trinity United Church.” 5555 Front Road, Amherst
Island |
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Wesleyan Methodist Church of Stella April 4, 1874 British Whig Mr. John Ferguson sends some facts in connection
with the flourishing church, which we condense: the Island has formerly
attached to the Bath Wesleyan Circuit and was a burden to the clergymen of
the circuit until, in 1872, by the strong urging of the Rev. G.R. Sanderson, chairman of the district, a
missionary preacher was appointed there. The Wesleyan community then was
small, but it is increasing and from the first has been supporting the
missionary and other charges. Within one year it raised $840 for a new
church, which as already reported was dedicated in
November Last by the Rev. M. Sanderson. It is a fine edifice, 23 x 40 feet,
with spire. The interior is well furnished. The first tea meeting was held on
Jan’y 30th last, (Mr. D. Fowler
presiding and Rev. Messrs. Chalmers, Kines and Lidstone making addresses,) and an amount to cover the
total cost of the building and land was subscribed in the open meeting. The
members have also secured an organette through Mr.
Jas. Purdy. Last month there was a very successful series of special meetings
at the church. The Rev. Dr. Taylor has promised the congregation a lecture on
behalf of the organ fund. The Amherst Island church is one of the most active
in the province. |
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Annual Meeting of Stella Church Trinity Had a Very Successful Year – The Officers Elected May 1, 1926 Kingston Whig Standard The annual meeting of the United Church of Canada,
Stella, was held in that church on Monday evening, April 26th. Although
there is much sickness in the congregation and community there was a good
attendance. The meeting opened with praise and the minister read the
scriptures and led the congregation in prayer. After the election of the minister
as chairman and Mr. H.S. Patterson as secretary, the congregation proceeded
to the business of the meeting. Encouraging reports were read from all the
organizations of the church and marked progress was shown in every department
of the church’s work. The Ladies’ Aid report gave evidence of the usual fine
record of devoted service and strong financial support to the church. The choir
continues to render excellent service in church praise and is also very active
in contributing to the financial success of the church. The Sunday School report given by the superintendent
showed reorganization and improvement in that department. The congregation
has been greatly reduced in numbers by a strong vote against church union,
but the finances of the church are in sound condition and the treasurer
reported that in his twenty-eight years of office as treasurer of the former
Presbyterian and co-operating congregation; the disbursements of the church
had never been so promptly met. The full allotment to the congregation for
maintenance and extension fund was paid before the due date. Messrs. S.L. Pringle, William Cochrane and S.K.
Tugwell were elected trustees of the church. By unanimous vote of the
congregation, the local church was named “Trinity church” of the United Church
of Canada. The following members constitute the official board
of Trinity church congregation; Messrs. S.L. Pringle, William Cochrane, S.K.
Tugwell, William Montgomery, Robert Saunders and Hugh Filson. Elders: Messrs
H.S. Patterson, E. Filson, W.A. Scott, W.P. Tugwell, E. Fleming, George
Brown, W.J. Glenn, William Montgomery, R. McMaster. John Glenn and R.
Fleming, Stewards. Mr. T. Cochrane is Sunday school superintendent and Mrs. W.
Montgomery president of the Ladies’ Aid. Mrs. W.P. Tugwell is organist and choir
leader. Rev. R.G. Fry, B.A., B.D., is minister. The minister addressed the congregation with words
of encouragement for their faith and zeal in the cause of Christ and the
brotherhood of mankind. They had sought to do that which was best for the
community and ”best for all,” and were urged to continue the example of those
who sought not their own but their neighbour’s good. At a meeting of the official board of the church,
Mr. R. Fleming was elected representative to Presbytery for the ensuing year.
The building committee reported progress and arrangements were made for
laying out and digging the foundation of the new manse for the church. |
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Anniversary Service at Stella Church June 27, 1933 Kingston Whig Standard Anniversary services were held in Trinity United
Church, Stella. Rev. J.R. Watts delivered forceful, inspiring messages both
morning and evening. At the morning service the pastor, Rev. William Parker
read the history of the last sixty years as it related to the life of the
church. The material for this interesting account he procured from various
sources and capably arranged for the occasion. He traced the history of the
church life from it s beginning in 1872, when visiting laymen preached in the
old log school house, No.1. In 1873, the present
church building was erected and dedicated to the service of God in 1874. It
was named the Wesley Methodist church of Stella. Work continued
energetically, the membership, increasing each year. In 1918, co-operation
between the Methodist and Presbyterian bodies began, during the ministry of
Rev. James Cumberland of the Presbyterian Church. This co-operation continued
until the formation of the United Church of Canada. This church entered the
union and shortly afterwards the name was changed to Trinity United Church,
which name it still bears. To celebrate the anniversary, the Women’s Society
prepared and served a sumptuous supper in Victoria Hall. An enjoyable and
interesting program followed. |
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July 13 1951 Kingston Whig Standard |
