The Huron Expositor, 1975-06-26, Page 67wnat you
see in this issue?
(lily Frances Huston)
The year 1975 will be
remembered by the congregation
of ggrnondville Church, as the
one when two important events in
its long history were recalled:
The Anniversary on June 8
commemorates the beginning of
the United Church of ; Canada,
June 10, 1925.
The other one to be held later
this year, will be celebrating the
140th Anniversary of the church
in Egmondville, built by the
pioneers of this community.
The Moderator, Rev. W. K.
Howard, has written about
anniversaries, entitled '4 It
Hnppens Every Year". He says,
"All churches have them, part of
'the church history, is what
happened in those days before
Presbytery admitted its
existence. Just to say, we are fifty
years old, doesn't tell the whole
story."
Many churches in south
western Ontario have long
histories. 'Long ago they were-
started through the efforts of the
pioneers themselves. • We are
fortunate to have historical
records about the beginning of
the Egmondville-Church.
Redden '
We learn that as a result of -A
petition asking to have a minister
settled among them,. the first one
was inducted in 1835. A church
was finally opened in 1850, on.
land donated • by Constant Van
Egmond, where the Egmondville
Cemetery is. • fi
was used for 29 years,
until the present one was opened
in 1879. The work done by the
nine ministers during the ninety
riears between 1835 and 1925 is
an interesting story.
Rev. W. D. McDonald had
been inducted in 1922, and
became the first minister of the .
Egmondville United. Church. His
first annual -report in March 1926,
gave encouraging report's of work
done by 289 members.
Rev. Charles Malcolm became
pastor in 1929, • and the one
hundredth anniversary was held
in 1935. Many of the sons and ,
daughters of the pioneers, were
able to attend. Services were held
for three Sundays also an "At
Home" and "Garden Party".
A Centennial booklet had been
printed, containing a complete
history, and pictures of the
ministers, who had served the
church since 1835.
After Mr.Malcolm resigned in
1936, the church was fortunate to
have Rev. A W: Sheph,erd for two
rats, Rev, A. W. Gardiner for 15
years, Rev. W. E. 1141roy for 3
years and Rev. lir. J.Semple from
195610 1960. Each one using his
talents to help promote the work
fo the United Church..
Rev. J. H. Vardy became
minister in 1960 and the one
hundredth and twenty-fifth
anniversary was held in
September. Rev. Harold Snell,
President of the London
Conference , was the guest
minister.
In 1962, the new organization,
the U.C,VV. was launched taking
the place of the Womans'
Missionary Society, started , in
1888, and the - Womans'
Association. This new
organization has continued to be
very successful each year,
carrying out its aim, "to unite all
the women of the church, for the
total mission of the church".
Since 1964, "Rev. A. Scott wis
the minister for two years,
followed by Rev. D. L. Steven for
4 years and our „present
minister, Rev. T. E. Hancock
since 1970. These ten ministers
will be remembered for their
leadership, and encouragement
to each-organization-and .erson
for the past fifty years,
Few Left
Very few of the descendants of
the pioneer families are left, but
they along with others, who have
moved to the area are as anxious
as the pioneers were to have a
church in the community.
By co-operation and volunteer
work giving time and money,
many renovations and
improvements have been made.
We are also grateful for the
increased support given to the
Mission and Service Fund.
Some of the work for .the past
fifty years has been recalled but
we are especially thankful for the
work being done for the young
people, '• through the Christian
Education Committee, with Mr.
Hancock as chairman, and the
leaders of each group.These
young people are enthusiastic
about their life, love projects and
each year on Christian Youth
Sunday present their gift to -the
Mission and Service Fund of the
Church. •
We hope and pray that the
interest now being taken by our
young people" in the United
Church of Canada may continue
as they grow older and take
•responsibilities, now .looked after
by the oldee
Egmondville United Church, opened in
February 1879, with the now demolished
church tower.
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6 THE HU ON :EXPOSITOR, JUNE 26, 105