HISTORY OF BOWMANVILLE
Part 21
By Mr. J. B. Fairbairn, P. M.
In the cosmopolitan population there was a small number of Presbyterians who united together and formed the root from which the present congregation sprang. In 1834 a committee was appointed to canvas for subscriptions with a view to building at as early a date as possible but it was not until March 26,1842, that the whole was brought to completion and the place fully paid for. It stood on one of the most central and sightly places in the village. The Disciples church is now on nearly the exact spot. Many a worker at present engaged in the same good undertaking may think he has a arduous task but he does not know the A, B, C, of what the leaders in those remote times had to undergo. The subscription list was a curiosity. Five pounds was the largest sum given by any individual, other amounts were from two pounds to a shilling and the list included contributors from Pickering to Cobourg. Considering the scarcity of money and the hard fight many were making in this new country it was a
liberal showing. Troublous times were soon to overtake the little band which followed the teaching of John Knox. The disruption came in 1842-43 and divided forces and resources. Both parties claimed he church property. Before the thing was finally settled and while it was in possession of the Free Church, the Rev. Mr. Steele was called and inducted in 1845. In the meantime they were ejected at the instance of C. Bowman for the property had reverted to him, the trustees having failed to carry out the provisions of the deed. Mr. Steele resigned in 1849.
The Free Church party, although in a large majority, could not make any compromise and were compelled to build a new place in which to worship. They were not to be defeated and went at it with energy, many making great sacrifices. The result however was that they were enabled to call a minister and when the new building was ready for occupation in 1851, John Smith, the one chosen, took possession of the pulpit. For financial reasons they had united with Enniskillen and for 25 years Mr. Smith did good and faithful service in the cause of his Master. He took up the temperance reform and was a powerful accession to the ranks already in the field. He was found in the firing line at every point in the contest. He was popular with all the different battalions in this war against the mighty evil. He was from the Emerald Isle and endowed like many of his country men with an eloquent witty tongue. Many a meeting was aroused to enthusiasm by his burning, earnest appeals. He left
us in 1876 and spent the rest of his days in Toronto, where he died in the harness. His memory is cherished yet y some who knew him. His good works, both in the church and in this great reform followed him.
The Episcopalians were also in active work in the early history of Bowmanville. Their first building was a frame one, but afterwards one of brick was erected. This was remodelled about 1852 and is the church at present in use. It has been in continuously occupied since the first sermon was preached with its walls. Many a tempestuous hour it has experienced but like the great church of the home land, it is made of sound and staunch material. Dissenters think her in many things too conservative, but I am sure all must feel deep sympathy with the historic body of Christians who have done such noble service for our common Lord. The Rev. I. S. Kennedy, was the Rector during my boyhood, and a most lovable man he was. He did not side with the democratic element. The many political changes arising from responsible government he strongly opposed. He was and out and out Conservative and took an active part in those questions that were the subject of controversy and discussion, but in
all the practical duties of a Christian minister he was not wanting. Kind and most generous to the poor he was a cultured Christian gentleman. He was appointed secretary to the Church Association and went to Toronto. There was a pathetic ending to his life. He had received a letter from England when a resident here. Either the writer had small pox at the time or else the letter had passed through the hands of some one having the infection. Years afterwards, when looking over some old letters he handled it, caught the dread disease and died from it. A few words about his successor, the Rev. A. Mcnab, D. D., who for so long held the rectorship. He was born near Belleville, was educated for the Methodist ministry, land was for some time Principal of Victoria College, Cobourg. Owing to changes in his theological views he went over to the Church of England and was appointed to the charge here. The residence was at the Wilmot’s old church, Clarke. After the separation of Darlington and Clarke for
ecclesiastical purposes he lived here and built the fine house now owned by Mrs. McConachie, concession St. He was long a remarkable figure in our midst, perhaps the best looking man in the place, very sociable, and unfailing in his attendance upon the poor and suffering of his congregation. As a personal friend I found him true and faithful to the last. His son Alexander is a well-known preacher and lecturer in Toronto.
The Disciples, as they were then called came into existence as an organized sect, at an early date, having accepted the teaching of Campbell, then at the height of his fame. He certainly was one of the keenest controversialists of the age. Among those who indorsed his views were the late Senator Simpson and Charles Lester. They, with others worked with persevering energy and laid the first stones in the foundation of this new, and at that time, novel superstruction. It’s infant struggles were carefully fostered and now there is a flourishing congregation and a beautiful church. Charles Lester is still an exponent of the views he then held and has through a long life been an example of what a true disciple of the great Teacher should be. May his bow remain unstrung for some time to come!
The Bible Christians, a branch of the Methodists, at the early date I am writing about had a separate corporate existence, and as large numbers came here from Cornwall and Devonshire, England, which was the home of the sect, it was only to be supposed that they wanted a union with their co-religionists, in order that their peculiar tenets should be taught and observed. They were numerous among the arrivals early in the forties and many of the inhabitants here and in Darlington claimed allegiance to them, ranking among the most intelligent and well-to-do of the population. They soon made arrangements to have some of their own preachers to work in this promising field . They labored abundantly and finally built a large edifice now occupied as an evaporator. One of their most prominent men was J. Hicks Eynon. He threw himself into the work and worked unceasingly. His wife also took an active part . They lived for a time in a small frame house near Mr. Thos. Hoar’s, and oft
en she could be heard out on he street when they were having a prayer meeting. They were not ashamed of the gospel they believed. They were long called "ranters", I suppose from the earnest way in which they taught and preached. No man was better known throughout all this region that Father Eynon. He had great personal influence with the adherents. He drew up their will’s and was looked up to for advice in temporal as well as religious matters. He lived to be an old man and spent the evening of his life in Bethesda. Amongst his coadjutors were many strong men. Jacob Gale, father of Mr. James Gale, editor of The News, was a workman who needed not to be ashamed. Our friend, the editor, must have breathed a religious atmosphere for he served his apprenticeship in the office of the Observer, then the organ of the body under the care of the late well-known Rev. Cephas Barker. Another was Rev. Paul Robbins who after his retirement lived here and died in the mid
st of his numerous friends. His son now holds a prominent position in McGill Normal School, Montreal. The last name I will take time to mention is that of one who has been highly honored in the ministry, Rev. Wm. Joliffe, now over eighty years of age, whose praise is in all the churches. In the after glow of the setting sun, his powers are still such as to enable him to expound the great doctrines of the Christian faith as well as in the earlier years of his life. Surely if it can be said of any man that he has fought a good fight and has kept the faith and will wear the crown. It can be said of him. The Bible Christians wisely entered into the union and lost their distinctive badge.
The Roman Catholics have still the small brick church which they first occupied. They have never had sufficient strength to have a priest of their own. They have the occasional ministrations of the Port Hope Father who comes in cases of emergency.
The Primitive Methodists, who had also seceded from the parent body, erected a church and had many capable men. The late George Haines, Esq., was a leading member and loyally supported the determined effort they were making for co-equal representation in the courts of the church. There were also associated with them the late John Higginbotham who officiated as local preacher, and my old school fellow, locally known as "The Wandering Boy", Thos. Hoar, who never puts his hand to anything that he does not do with all his might. Among the clergymen who took a first place were the Rev. Mr. Nattress, Rev. Mr. Goodman, Messrs, Hughan and Dyke. They were zealous promoters of the good cause and different from their brethren only in matters of church government. They to were absorbed in the great amalgamation which now makes a compact army fighting under the Methodist flag better able to carry on aggressive work against the evil surrounding them and to posit
ive service in helping to evangelize the world, than if they remained separated as they were.
Next - Bowmanville and Darlington History Part 22
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