South Fredericksburgh Churches Hayburn

Hayburn 2.4.03

Deed

March 26, 1867

South Fredericksburgh, Part Lot 1, Concession 2, ½ acre

Joshua Cadman & Catherine M. Cadman [his wife]

Members of the Wesleyan Methodist Congregation

and the Trustees of the Diamond congregation of the Wesleyan Methodist Church:

William F. Diamond, William F Hall, John Hawley, Baltus Diamond, Henry Rikley, Joshua Cadman, James A. Diamond

½ acre – sum of 1.00

Commencing at the East side of Number one road near a cedar tree

and at a distance of one hundred and ten feet east; thence north one hundred and nineteen feet;

thence west one hundred and ten feet to number one road;

thence south one hundred and nineteen feet to place of beginning.

1878 Meacham’s Atlas; Site of Hayburn Church

The Hayburn Church

Often Referred to as “Number 1 Church”

It is said that the church was erected shortly after the land had been transferred to the Church Trustees by Joshua Cadman in 1867.

“The Hayburn United Church on the Adolphsutown Charge, which has been dismantled and sold, was a beautiful church built in 1867 and situated in a lovely spot on the shores of Hay Bay. It was of timber construction with clapbords on the outside. The first clergymen were three circuit riders: Edward Barroff, William Edwards and W.W. Miller. The original buliders were Messrs Diamond, Peterson, Dorland and Platt.

The pulpit was on the east side of the church, but in 1898 some changes and repairs were made and the pulpit moved to an alcove on the south side. The building committee at that time were Messrs. Henry Rikley, James L. Loyst, James T. Loyst, John White, George Spencer and Sheppard Mullett.

The ladies of the neighbourhood formed an organization about the year 1895 called the Ladies Aid. They were responsible for helping with parsonage requirements and charitable donations. Later the name was changed to Women’s Association and through the years tea meetings, social evenings and potluck suppers were held to raise money for numerous projects. In 1962, the organization was changed in name to United Church Women or U.C.W.”

Written history of Hayburn Church

“A frame, white painted clapboard Church was built and also sheds for the horses which drew the vehicles of the congregation. The interior layout of the church building was unique, with the pulpit and the choir area in an alcove on the south side and with the pews facing the pulpit in semi-circular order. The ceiling was panelled in separate sections, each about 10 or 12 feet square with adjoining squares in different patterns. The boards comprising the squares were laid north and south or east and west or diagonally in two ways, making a very attractive design.”

‘Two Centuries in Hayburn’ by Donald Hough

“Down on the corner at the Bay was Hayburn Methodist Church. It was beautiful inside. The ceiling was quite unique – varnished narrow boards, laid in squares. The pews were arranged in curves from side to side. Everyone seemed to sit in the front. There was a box stove in the corner and a kitchen to the east with a wood stove. Also to the north were sheds where horses were tied during the service. Years later these sheds were used for suppers, teas, etc. In winter I remember my Dad used to go to the Church and build a fire in the stove on Sunday morning. He would sit there until service time to get the Church warm. Then, only about ten people came! I remember the preacher walked from Conway at times. When I became old enough (maybe nine), I built the fire and stayed until service time. Most of the people walked to church at that time.”

‘Hayburn 1911’ Ruth M. Dickson

In April of 1898, S. Mullett was receiving tenders for the ‘rebuilding’ of the Methodist Church at Hayburn.

The Hayburn news of Sept 2 1898 mentions that the “new church being rapidly pushed forward and Mr. McDonald, who has the contract, is making a very successful job.”

The church was ‘entirely renovated’ and re-opened October 23 of the same year. It was announced the Rev. W.J. Crothers, M.A., D.D., chairman of the Napanee district would preach at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m and that a free-will offering (silver) would be taken at both services.