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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1938-08-25, Page 7THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE THUBSOAY, AUGUST SMS, 1988 Meeting Houses in Devon Colony Spread Rapidly Coining of Missionaries to South Huron Warmly Welcomed by the Settlers. Local and “Saddle Bag” Preachers, Often Uneducated, Were Earnest In Ministry By W- H. Johnston in the London Free Press As far as churches and religious services and leaders were conserned, the Devon district in South Huron was similiai* to other settlements throughout the province. Clergymen/ filled with the missionary spirit ap­ peared on the scene and received a warm welcome from the lonely set­ tlers. Finding his reception so kind and heartening, the missioary’s first inquiry was for a place to hold a service. This was not hard to find, since almost everyone was ready to offer his cabin for the purpose. Gen­ erally one of the largest was chosen, one in which a family resided. If he arrived early in the day, a service was held that evening, and invitations were sent out to all the' neighbors, and when the evening houi’ came the cabin was generally crowded with an eager, expectant congregation. The minister,-used to speaking on such occasions, brought a message of cheer, coupled with exhortation, and frequently the nucleus of a con- giegation was formed at the first gathering. Early on Scene In the Devon district the English Church clergy were early on the scene, .as they followed up’ their people from the old la'nd. The Meth­ odist preachers wefe active, too. Their number was limited, but they were assigned a large territory for each minister, and they frequently extended their efforts far beyond the assigned field. One of those early circuits stretched from Lucan to Clinton, a distance of 30 miles from south to north, and indefinite­ ly from east to west. These men were known as “saddle bag preachers,’.’ because they rode on horse back, carrying a few books in a bog by‘the saddle. Their cir­ cuits were so large that services were held abou three weeks apart, but a warm welcome generally awaited them. These were the days when there were five active bodies of Methodists working in Canada-\^the Wesleyan, Episcopal, Bible Christians, Primi­ tive and New , Connexion, and of these, the first three were at work in Devon district. The older people tsill remember the enthusiasm, and untiring energy of the early preach­ ers and are not surprised that Meth­ odist churches were soon more num­ erous than, school houses. Many Churches In an area 12 to 15 miles from north to south were found the fol­ lowing list of churches, or meeting­ houses, as they were called at that time. On the Stephen side of the London road were Providence, Fair­ child,. Crediton, Sharon, Dauncey’s and Ebenezer. On the Usborne side were Devon, Eden, Whalen, Zion, Sunshine, Elim- ville, Bethesda, Bethany, Kirkton, Woodham and two in Exeter with a number of others extending out to St. Marys. ■Some may wonder how services could be held regularly in so many places. At first they were not, but in an incredibly short time log churches were built, and a number of laymen, known as local preachers were pressed into the work. These men were generally unedu­ cated, but often their simple, impas­ sioned addresses resulted in declara­ tion of conversion. Dr, Vining, a local preacher, living in Exeter, was in constant demand to preach over a large territory and in later years his name was often mentioned in loving terms. FIRST CHARGE IN HURON UNDER NEW MOTOR LAW -GODEI'CH,—First chagre in Huron County under the new section of the Criminal Code respecting reckless driving, was laid against Bernard Cousins, Colborne farmer, who.also is charged with drunk driving. The new reckless driving section of the code, passed at the last session of the legislatude, carries a two-year maximum jail term. Cousins was given his liberty for two weeks on $300 bail to allow him to finish harvest. DRILLING FOR OIL ' STARTS IN HULLETT TWP. CLINTON—The belief long held by older residents of Huron .County that there is oil in great quantities hidden away below the surface in this locality is about to be put to the test,, The company formed here re­ cently has had another experimental tests with the electrical nil indicator when indications that there is oil on the farm of Joseph Mann, Hullett- township, was demonstrated and fol­ lowing that a contract has been en­ tered into by the company and con­ tractors Jackson and McKillop to have drilling operations started at once. The equipment will be on the spot this week and it is expected that from fifty days to two months’ drilling operations will be required to reach t'he oil deposit. Various strata formations will be drilled through and the nature of the for­ mations will be a (governing factor in determining the length of time required. While at the present stage of pro­ ceedings there is no one becoming excited about it, the hope is freely expressed that oil in paying quant­ ity will be struck. If so fortunate a happening should cOme about it would mean a boom not to Clinton alone but to all Huron Cunty. COURT CLEARS THRESHER OF DAMAGE TO ROADWAY GODERICH— Damage caused by spiked tractor wheels to the shoul­ ders of a newly-iconstructed stretch of road between Bayfield and Grand Bend highway, Traffic Officer Webb in the prosecution of W. F. Jamieson a thresher. The traffic officer saio that already procincial graders ano road workers were out repairing , havoc done by these tractor-drawn outfits. It was the first prosecution of its kind in this county and evidence de­ veloped that there is a difference of opinion between threshermen and the department of highways. “The farmers, too, have some rights,” said Magistrate Makins as ho hesitated and finally declined to convict. He urged threshers to use discretion. The defence called three witnesses to prove that the attaching of pro- • tector bands on spade Lugs of trac­ tors was a slow and costly job. It would use up two hours a day on short hauls, said Mr. Jamieson and in this he was corroborated by P. Ireland, another thresheman. The traffic officer pressed for a conviction but t'he .magistrate said that things had not yet reached the stage in Huron County when farm­ ers would be penalized foi* going about their work trying to unake a living. ‘ LONDON GIRL IS NAMED TO LUCAN SCHOOL STAFF LUCAN — Miss M. Winters, Lon­ don, has been engaged by the Board of Education to take the place of Miss E. Blake, who resigned from the high school staff to accept a posi­ tion in Preston. Suffer No Longer from Headaches It is hard to struggle along with a head that aches and pains all the time. In nine cases out of ten persistent headaches are caused by some de rangement of the stomach, liver or bowels. Burdock Blood Bitters removes the cause of headache by regulating the digestive and biliary organs, corrects acidity, regulates the con­ stipated bowels, tones up the liver, and promotes a perfect circulation of pure blood to all portions of the body. Get rid of your headaches by taking B.B.B. & , The T. Milburn Co., Ltd., Toronto, Ont. Uie Inside and Outside on Wood and Cement H. S. WALTER, A. SPENCER & SON, Exeter Hoiisall Editorial 1 I. VJ JFb 1 We have reaped an abundant harvest. , ******** Our farmers are our best spenders, Pastures and meadows are looking unusually thrifty, ******** Not barriers between Canada and the United States. It’s just as well not to keep dynamite sticks in the garage. ******* r We’re in the cycle of good harvests. Let us take the hint. That heat wave was pretty hard for humans to endure, but it was great for the corn. ******** Gold is the standard of value in business because it is the best commodity in the world for that purpose. ******** Japan is rationing sternly to pay for the war in China. The war lords are not tightening their belts for this purpose. They make the war. The people spill their blood and starve. ******** NO TIME TO TAKE HER EASE Yes, the U. S. promises “to stand on guard" for Canada. But let no one be deceived. The U. S. will stand by Canada on the grim but reasonable condition that Canada maintains her self re­ spect among the nations of the world. ******** That was a great word by President Roosevelt at the opening of the Thousand Island Bridge. “If we can make this bridge serve the interests of our respective countries, why not do like­ wise with the water that flows under the bridge?” “There are difficulties in the way of such a project!” someone urges. True, but is is the duty of our statesmen to overcome precisely such difficulties. ******** Czechoslovakia has reaped a splendid harvest. That is noth­ ing new, as the people of that country are outstanding for their thrift and frugality and enterprise. All over their country you will find large barns and good farm homes and the people hard at work. Between their times of hard service in their factories and on their farms they spend a due amount of time in military training, with the result that right, snug little country possesses not only the most thriving countryside on the continent, but the best drilled army you can find. Yet it is that country Hitler would bully out of its very existance. Can the world allow such a tragedy to take place? ******** A FULFILLED PROPHECY When Lord Dufferin; outstanding gentleman and diplomat, was Governor General of Canada, relations between the beavei* and the eagle were not as cordial as they have been in later years. It was the fashion then to do a little international twitting, as Lord Dufferin was not long in finding out. However, he rose equal ' to such occasions, as the following incident "exemplifies, when he referred to Miss Canada as delightful colleen and to Uncle Sam as a hobbledehoy. “He may be loathe to make approaches to the lady he thinks so much of, but he’ll punch the head off any o trier fellow who ventures to become too familiar with her.” And there you are! President Roosevelt said at Kingston that what the republic could do it would do to promote Canadian interests. ****$*** DANGER IS REAL Folk are inclined to be cynical regarding the political situa­ tion in Europe. For instance, ten days ago was the occasion set as the time for the great explosion. That period past and the war dogs still were in their kennel. Let no one imagine, however, that the period was not one frought with extreme danger. Had not the best statesmen on the continent wrought night and day to the limit of their patience and ability, the guns would have been roar­ ing. The passing of the hour of terror without the lightning was an occasjon for thankfulness rather than of disappointment. Oc­ tober is now thought of as the month for the outbreak. May our statesmen be able to get us by once 'more without bloodshed! Every crisis safely got by means growing sobriety of thought and control of passion. While .two madmen occupy the place they do in Italy and Germany, there is no forecasting of what may be the news any morning. & * Sp * ¥ * * Did You Know That- - Ant-eaters tongues are 2 1-2 feet long. • * # * One person in every four iu the world is a Chinese. * * You cannot bluff a pretty girl by telling her there are microbes in kisses, * * * Fifty per cent, of the people have not enough to eat. * * * There’s a time to sleep and a time to eat; but never yet was a time to quit. ♦ » s* Canada has the largest hotel in the British Empire. (Royal York at Toronto)* * * AVe cannot buy keys to the ele­ phant’s trunk or yeast for the sun­ rise. * * * From nature we come and to her we return. Here is a life of struggle —against storms, fire, droughts and floods, yet, in -her ever changing form, she is the inpsir^tion of man in all of his struggles. S. J, S. ONTARIO BOARD DEFERS DECISION ON PARKMILL LOAN Opposing Opinions Voiced on Pro­ posed $8,000 Outlay on Rink and Community Hall PARKHILL — After R. S. Colter, K.C., chainmail, had warned that a “time must come when taxes on the property owner must be .reduced,” the Ontario Municipal Board sitting in the city hall recently defer­ red a decision on the application for approval of an $'8,00 0 debenture is­ sue to cover the cost of the proposed construction of a skating rink and community hall in Parkhill. Fred (Laughton, ex-M.L.A., clerk of Parkhill, voiced t'he views of those in favor of the undertaking, while Norman Newton, resident of Park­ hill, and present crown attorney, re­ presented the opposition forces, while several businessmen appeared ni protest. A decision of the board will be delayed pending receipt of a report from solicitors covering certain leg­ al angles. The construction of the rink or community hall wasn’t authorized by a vote of the electors although the majority was only 19. Mr. Colter was more seriously interested in the tax obligations and spent some time questioning both sides as to what demands were being made. It was stated that the. 193 8 tax rate of 44-mills was among t’he high­ est in the town’s history. “How long can yo.u expect the people to. pay such a rate?” asked the chairman. Opposition forces contended that the original cost of $8,000 would be considerably increased through main­ tenance charges. Mr. Newton said that whille the building might be des­ cribed as a community hall, it would probably not be used for that pur­ pose. “Anyway, have yop ever seen any such enterprise completed for the estimated cost?” Mr. Newton asked. The board’s finding will not be presented until reports from soli­ citors are obtained. Making Canada A Better Place in Which to Live and Work A Series of Letters From Distinguished Canadians on Vital Problems Affecting the Future Welfare of Canada Specially Written for Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association and Addressed to the President, George w, James, of Bowmanville LETTER NO, 17 Dear Mr, Editor; I was very pleased, indeed, to hear that you are president of so influ­ ential a body as the Canadian Week­ ly Newspaper Association. They are a fine lot of fellows as I learned personally a couple of years ago when they met here. But as for giving advice to- men wiho are specialists in their own field, I am afraid that I am not quit? senile enough yet to try that. There is one thing, however, that I have always thought about weekly news­ papers. They ought to be the safest and most lucid guides to public opin­ ion in what might be called “the small town or city” areas. We daily chaps get to know our cosmopolitan populations fairly well by dint of (MILD STRUCK BY CAR NOT’ SERIOUSLY HURT ISE A'FORTH—Some excitement was caused on Main Street Wednes­ day morning when Mary Lou Sills, little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Sills, ran out from behind two park­ ed cars in front of the Bank of Com­ merce and was thrown to the ground by the rear bumper of a moving car driven by Mr. Crawford, Dublin 'ho­ telkeeper, She was fortunate to es­ cape with a few bruises and after being given medical attention was able to be about again in a little while. The same morning a car driven by the Misses Hugill, of town, while backing out of a parking space in front of Thomas Dickson’s store, collided with a car driven by John Hey, of Zurich, damaging his head­ light, fender and a tire. REDMOND PICNIC The Redmond picnic held at Grand Bend was an enjoyable affair. The original home was at Fansville, three miles west of the village of Hensail, where the parents, Charles and An­ nie Rousome Redmond, farmed for many years and where the various members of the family were born. rubbing them t'he wrong way and hearing about it. But I feel at sea as regards, say Bowmanville -or Rich­ mond. The weeklies could hold a mirror >up to local opinion in such fashion as to enlighten their brethren of the dailies, not to mention politicians, statesmen—if any,—publicists and other parasites who live by guessing which way the public wind is blow­ ing. As for guiding that wind, they are in the beet position to do it, If the local editor is not the most influential man in his community, he ought to be ashamed of himself. In any case I wish you and your association every sort of luck. ^Sincerely yours, A. R. CARMAN, Editor Montreal Daily Star Little Demand for Western Horses A fair crowd attended the sale of some twenty Clyde, Percheron and Belgian horses, which was held at the farm of Mr. Anderson, just east of Seaforth on Monday. The car- lod, which was consigned to McNeil & Nairn, auctioneers came from Simpson, Sask. The horses were of good quality, perfectly quiet and had no brands. The demand for horses at this time of year, however, held up the bidding and prices were not satisfactory. Gut of the twenty horses, 8 were sold, the top price being $106.00—Clinton News-Record ri Keep a day or two - Sept. 12-17 * EXCEEDINGLY WELL DONE Queen’s University has recently conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws upon President Roosevelt of the United States. In quite as true a sense the President of that mighty people has accepted the offering of this degree from Queen’s University. Both Uni­ versity and President Roosevelt are great. I?nt great and sig­ nificant as was the occasion greater still was the speech of the President on accepting the degree. Dignified, not a word out of place, not a single light word in all the utterance. It was char­ acterized by a statesman’s outlook and appreciation of world af­ fairs. Every sentence breathed good will and understanding of Canada’s destiny and of a University’s duty in times like these. No address ever brought more good will to Canada from a nation outside her borders. “Canada is a nation within the British Em­ pire,” said the President. “Should any nation threaten that re­ lationship I assure you that the United States will see to it that those bonds remain unbroken. That is what the President meant only he said it far more eloquently. The members of the great Anglo Saxon have at last drawn together the flags fold within fold, their hearts ‘united in the solemn purpose of greatly serving every child of Adam. He is an enemy of the race who seeks to put them asunder, * * * * * * * * WELCOME MESSAGE For many a 'day the rest of us have wished that the United States would get into the line with all those who stood for the security of the world. We never doubted the good will of that miglity people but we realized that sooner or later she must throw her all into the scale in behalf of all that makes for the world’s welfare. She seemed to be standing on the sidelines while she Should have been putting in her best licks for the good of the race. We were not of those who said U.S. meant Uncle Shylock, though we did think she should have stood beside Arthur Balfour when he spoke of the cancellation of the world’s war debts and beginning all over again after the world’s strange combination Of colossal blunder and colossal disaster. But now Cordell Hull, her really great Secretary, has point­ ed out that the United States must get into the world struggle with the rest of the democratic nations. For her to remain isolat­ ed is for her to invite destruction. She must stand with, the na­ tions that stand right, he points out, or be drawn into a maelstrom from which she cannot but emerge twisted, broken, ruined. His great message has in it at once the ring of the judgement day and of hope. We know too much of history to place a great deal of confidence in the words of men whose breath is in their nostrils. All flesh is grass, we know very well, but we honour the man like Cordell Hull who reviews the world situation from his high place and who resolves, highly, that he and his people shall do their duty. The United States, France and the British Empire make a fine combination as they unite in the interests of freedom and good will, May the day grow brighter. DWELLING NEAR VARNA ® DESTROYED BY FIRE Fire completely destroyed the large residence on the farm of Al­ bert Robinson, near Varna. The Den- inson residence, some 60 rods away, firemen. Threshers working on the firemen. Thershers working on the farm started a fire when they came in for dinner and were in the yard wheh the fire was first noticed. The building, a frame one, was soon a mass of flames and despite the splendid work of the Brucefield fire brigade, .'could not be saved. purchases Property LUCAN—iSupertest Petroleum Co. has purchased the McFalls property on Main street now occupied by a livery barn, and it is understood a new service station will be erected. Celebrates Birthday On Monday, Mrs. Thomas John son, of Zurich, celebrated at her home her 91st birthday. Mrs. John­ son has been a resident of Zurich for over 60 years. She enjoys good health and takes her daily walk. Mrs. Johnson was born in Baden, Ont., and has four daughters. Her many friends iu the district wish many years of good health and hap­ piness. The ceiling in the Jones’ bedroom was faulty, aud one night a chunk of plaster fell and struck Jones as he lay in bod, He rose, yawned, rubbed his eyes, and said: “AH right, dear, I’ll get tip.” ONTARIOLONDON The week of Western Ontario's own big exhibition PRIZE LIST - $32,000 Speed Events Daily—-Night Horse Show—Photography Salon Dog Show—Superb Grandstand Spectacle—Hobby Fair Carnival Midway—Hundreds of Exhibit^ W. D. JACKSON, Secretary Teaches Farley To “Draw Long Bow” Keen appreciation of the won­ derful playground Canada possesses in the Canadian Rockies was expressed by Jim Farley, postmaster-general of the United States and organizer Of the Demo­ cratic Party, who spent a pleasant few days with his daughters Ann and Betty at the Banff Springs Hotel. While at the mile-high playground, they took part in the various activities Usually enjoyed by the international colony there and thoroughly explored the sur­ rounding country by motor. Mr. Farley, who is noted for the fact that ho can ball people by their first names years after a single meeting, will have a hard time forgetting Jacob Two Young Man, chief of the Stoney Indian tribe, snapped showing him how to handle a bow and arrow in the accepted Indian style. Interested in the spectacle of their daddy taking orders from anyone less than President Roosevelt himself aro Ann, loft, and Betty.