ST COLUMBA CHURCH HISTORY
“The first members of the Church of Scotland parish of Lochiel Township, Glengarry County, were Gaelic speaking settlers who had come to the township from Glenelg, Inverness-shire, in 1796.
The congregation was organized by Rev. John McLaurin (d. 1833) of Breadalbane, Scotland, who came to Lochiel Township at the end of 1819, after completing his studies at the University of St. Andrew’s and receiving ordination from the Presbytery of Edinburgh, 27 October 1819. Under his direction, a frame church was erected at Lochiel and a stone church at Vankleek Hill. During his ministry at Lochiel, he also taught the Ottawa District School at L’Orignal, and was transferred to the ministry of Hawkesbury and L’Orignal in 1832.
At the time of the disruption, part of the congregation sided with the Free Kirk and seceded to the new (Free) Canada Presbyterian Church in 1943. In 1862 the “Auld Kirk” adopted the name of St. Columba’s Church, Kirkhill. In 1863-1865 a new stone building was erected to replace the wooden structure of 1822.” (quoted from Archives Canada)
LOCHIEL: THE SETTLERS AND THEIR CHURCH
Lochiel Township took its name from the many Cameron families who settled there. The first organized settlement was in 1794. That was when the Glenelg party arrived in the present Kirk Hill district to hew out homes from the bush.
The Glenelg party had a very adventurous journey. They were mainly MacLeods, MacGillivrays, Macintoshes, MacCuaigs and McLennans — 40 families in all — and in early April 1793, they left Greenock, Scotland in a ship which was chartered by Captain Alexander MacLeod of the family of Moale. As Great Britain was then at war with France, Captain MacLeod armed his ship with cannon and provided muskets and broadswords for his able bodied men.
Finally, after a tedious voyage of 18 weeks, they arrived at St. John’s Island now called Prince Edward Island on October 18th, 1793, with a foot of ice on their decks.
Early in April, the following year, Alexander MacLeod and Big Norman MacLeod engaged two French schooners at St. Mary’s Bay, in which the devoted undismayed and unfaltering emigrants made their way through the ice that filled the river to Montreal.
From thence they came up the river to Lancaster in bateau, portaging and carrying their effects on their backs past the numerous rapids on the route. A few of them including John Ban MacLennan and Alex MacLeod, settled in the front of Lancaster, but the majority of the party took up land in the vicinity of Kirk Hill in Lochiel Township. For many years the settlement was known as Glenelg, in memory of their old home and the present name, Kirk Hill, was given after the building of the Kirk in 1820. In May 1796, 18 other families came out of Glenelg and settled in the 6th and 7th Concessions of Lochiel.
Until 1819 the Township of Lochiel had no other Protestant ministers than those of Rev. John Bethune and his successor at St. Andrew’s Church, Williamstown. In that year Rev. John McLaurin came out from Scotland and took his abode among the Presbyterian settlers of Glenelg. He put up a small wooden Church in their midst, and here he continued until shortly before his death in 1833. In 1843 the controversy over patronage, which resulted in the disruption of the Church extended to Canada and divided the congregation of Kirk Hill. Consequently a new Free Church was erected near the site of the old one.
The first sacrament in Lochiel was celebrated in 1822 by Rev. John McLaurin assisted by Rev. John McKenzie of Williamstown, and Rev. John Barclay of Kingston. The building of the new Church had commenced but the edifice was not finished, so the service was held in the open air. The next communion was in 1854 when 374 approached the table. Some of these came a distance of 100 miles on foot.
The Lochiel men were among the first to enlist in the war of 1812 and the troubles of 1837, and 1838. In 1812 besides the Glengarry Light Infantry, two regiments of Militia were raised in the county.
PLANNING THE NEW CHURCH
A meeting of the Parishioners of the Township of Lochiel in the County of Glengarry in Upper Canada in the Presbyterian Church there in connection with the Established Church of Scotland convened in the Parish Church of said Township for the purpose of taking into consideration the necessity of building a new Church in said Township. It was on the 27th day of February, A.D. 1862.
It was moved by Captain Duncan MacGillivray and seconded by Donald Dewar that Rev. John Darroch do take the chair and that William MacLennan do act as Secretary.
— Carried
It was moved by Captain Duncan MacGillivray, seconded by Donald Dewar, that the increase of the Parishioners and the decaying state of the present Church require the erection of a new one forthwith.
— Carried
It was moved by Captain Duncan MacGillivray and seconded by Archibald MacMillan that the materials to be used for the intended New Church be stone and that the size be seventy – two feet long by forty – five feet in width
— Carried.
It was moved by Norman MacLeod and seconded by Roderick MacLeod that a subscription list be opened for the said purpose and that a building committee be appointed empowered also to receive and collect such subscriptions and that the same do consist of :
Colonel Archibald MacBean
Allen Morrison
John Cameron
Neil MacDonald
John Macintosh
Norman D. MacLeod
Andrew Fraser
Norman R. MacLeod
— Carried
It was moved by Malcolm MacGillivray and seconded by Donald Fraser that the said Committee do meet again in said Church on the fifth day of May next to report progress.
— Carried
On the fifth day of May the said Committee met with other members of the Church and it was moved by John ‘Cameron and seconded by Malcolm MacGillivray that the intended New Church shall be called “St. Columba. Church”.
— Carried
It was moved by Donald MacLeod and seconded by Neil MacDon¬ald that the Committee do issue notice of tenders for the erection of and finishing said Church according to specifications agreed on.
— Carried
It was moved by Ewen MacMillan and seconded by Donald MacIntosh that the sums to be subscribed for shall be made in three equal portions payable on the 10th days of January next A.D. 1863, 1864 and 1865, and that Ewen B. MacMillan be treasurer and that Colonel Archibald MacBean be secretary for the said purpose and that no less a number than five of the said Committee shall constitute a quorum.
— Carried
On the 23rd day of June all the Committee again met in the Church and it was moved by Captain Duncan MacGillivray and seconded by Malcolm MacGillivray that plans and specifications with probable costs be laid before the Committee.
Norman MacLeod laid a plan and specification before the Committee and stated that they had advertized for tenders and some had been received with that of Thomas Ferguson of Vankleek Hill being found the lowest.
The treasurer was instructed to pay Norman MacLeod 11 pounds five shillings for the said plan.
It was also moved by Andrew Fraser seconded by Norman R. MacLeod that the treasurer be paid ten dollars a year for his service, and moved by Andrew Fraser, seconded by John MacIntosh that the treasurer give security to the Committee in the sum of Five Hundred pounds and Two Hundred and Fifty pounds.
At the next meeting July 1st, 1862, it was agreed that the basement and double windows be dispensed with.
— Carried
It was moved by Norman D. MacLeod seconded by Allen Morrison that the tender of Thomas Ferguson be accepted at his offer of Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Dollars.
On the 11th day of July 1862 the Committee met in the Church, Mr. Thomas Ferguson being present. The contract was entered into signed and sealed by all parties.
The terms of the contract are —
1. That the said Church be completed and finished according to the specifications and plans on or before the 1st of December A.D., 1864.
2. That Mr. Thomas Ferguson be paid for the same $5,870 – 1/3 on the 20th of January next, 1/3 on the 20th of January, 1864 and 1/3 remaining part on the 20th of January A.D., 1865.
REV. JOHN DARROCH AT PRESBYTERY
At the regular quarterly meeting of the Presbytery of Glengarry, held at Cornwall, on the 12th day of February, 1862, Rev. John Darroch intimated that his Congregation at a meeting, recently held, had resolved in view of accommodation and comfort to. build a new Church to cost about $6,000 that they proposed themselves raising $4,000 but, as it would tax them to the utmost of their ability, he asked the permission of the Presbytery to solicit the friends of the Church for aid. The Presbytery rejoiced to hear that it was the intention of the Congregation of Lochiel to build a new Church, cheerfully endowed Mr: Darroch’s application, and earnestly recommended to the favourable consideration of the members of the Church, throughout the Province the case of the Congregation of Lochiel, who amid well known trials in their history had unwaveringly adhered to the Church and its cause and who themselves had liberally contributed to the General Schemes of the Church.
REV. JOHN DARROCH’S LETTER 1865
In October 1865. Rev. John Darroch requested space in the columns of “The Presbyterian” to acknowledge the assistance shown the Congregation at Lochiel, and to make known the present state of progress.
The amount of Collections made, independent of the Congregation.
Scotland $ 816.25
Montreal (including Quebec and Lachine) $ 409.50
Ottawa and Arnprior $ 147.48
Belleville $ 33.04
Kingston $ 111.45
Martintown $ 22.50
Lancaster and Williamstown $ 61.90
Jos. Croil, Esq. $ 10.00
R. W. Cameron, New York $ 137.00
A Friend $ 20.00
TOTAL $1,769.12
From Festivals and a Bazaar $ 441.62
$2,210.74
“To the very many donors who have contributed to this amount we feel called upon to take this opportunity of giving a public expression of sincerest thanks.”
Rev. Darroch could not, however, at this time report the completion of the work but that, “it is now in a fair way towards it.” It. is now being closed in, so far as to encourage the hope that the close of the Fall will leave it in a condition fit for use during the coming winter. We may state that Divine Service was held under the new roof the first Sabbath of this month. I may conclude by stating that the building thus far is the admiration of all, both as regards the plan and the execution of the work and if completed according to the design, and as carried out thus far, will make ample amends for a temporary delay.”
Lochiel, October 1865 J. DARROCH
ST. COLUMBA A NEW NAME FOR THE
LOCHIEL CHURCH
The new Church was named after the Irish Missionary to Scotland, Columba of Gartan County Donegal, who at 43 led a colony of monks to the Island of Iona which had been granted to him by the King of Dalriada, Northern Ireland.
Columba was born in 521 and studied under Finian of Moville and Finian of Clonard and in 551 was ordained a priest. He founded a number of Churches in Ireland and the famous monastery at Derry (Daire Calgaich).
On arrival at Iona he erected a Church and a monastery and in 565 applied himself to the task of converting the Picts. By his preaching his holy life and miracles he converted the whole of northern Scotland and established many monasteries there, with Iona becoming the mother house.
The last years of his life were spent at Iona, where he was already revered as a Saint. He died on June 8th, 597.
On May 5th, 1862 the building committee met with other members of the Church and it was moved by John Cameron and seconded by Malcolm MacGillivray that the intended new Church be called St. Columba Church. This motion was approved and carried and the Lochiel Church, in connection with the Church of Scotland in Canada became St. Columba Church, Lochiel, Canada West.
THE SPIRE 1889
The task of finishing the work on the new Church was entrusted to the hands of Rev. Duncan MacKenzie, 1887 – 1908. The Trustees of the Church at their September meeting in 1888 authorized Mr. MacKenzie to collect for the building of the Spire. Three months later at the annual meeting, Rev. MacKenzie submitted his report which showed that $875.00 had been subscribed and that $62.00 was already in with 17 families still to be heard from. A building Committee was formed and empowered to superintend the finishing of the Church, with a spire. At the next quarterly meeting it was reported that $1,045 had been subscribed and that the contract had been awarded. The Spire was to cost $1,300. By the close of 1889 it was reported that $1,119.66 had been paid to the contractor and the following year 1890 it was reported that the Spire was finished and clear of debt. Also that $11.00 had been paid to George Macintosh for putting in steps to the door of the Church. The Weather vane was set in place by George MacIntosh.
THE LOCHIEL CHURCH
IN CONNECTION WITH THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH IN SCOTLAND
The first minister at the Church at Lochiel was the Rev. John McLaurin, who came from Breadalbane, Scotland. He was a Student at St. Andrews and was ordained by the Presbytery of Edinburgh on October 27th, 1819. He came to Lochiel at the close of the year and began the task of erecting a frame Church. He remained at Lochiel until the 12th of July 1832 when he became the minister of the Church at Hawkesbury and L’Orignal. He died at L’Orignal in 1833. Mr. McLaurin was followed by Rev. John McIsaac who came to Lochiel in August 1835. He received his education at Glasgow University and. was a man who possessed “the gift of tongues”. He referred to his Church as “the most landward Church in Canada West”. To the grief of many he returned to Scotland in 1845 and was inducted into the Charge at Oban, where he died in 1847. The Church was then to experience a long vacancy and it was not until June 1854 before she was to have another minister in the person of the Rev. John MacDonald. His ministry with the congregation was of a brief duration. Next came the Rev. Donald MacDonald in September 1856 who remained for three years. He resigned his Charge in 1859 and returned to Scotland to the Isle of Skye. In 1861 the Rev. John Darroch was inducted into the pastoral charge at Lochiel and it was under his guidance that the new Church was built. The old frame Church was taken down in 1863 to make room for the new stone edifice. At the time of the building of the new Church there was also a good brick manse with five acres of land attached and a glebe of 50 acres.
UNION 1911
After public notice had been made from the pulpit, the Rev. D. N. MacPhail opened a congregational meeting in the Church at 1 P. M. October 18th, 1911. The meeting had been called by the Session to allow the congregation to decide for or against Union with the Presbyterian Church in Canada which had come into existence in 1875. As many of the members of the congregation wished more time to consider the matter at hand the meeting was adjourned until November 8th.
On November 8th the members cast their ballots but the voting resulted in a tie and the Moderator, Rev. MacPhail refused to cast the deciding vote and another meeting was suggested.
On December 5th the congregation was again called together in the Church. This was the annual meeting and the congregation had been well informed that matters pertaining to the future of the Church were to be discussed and all were requested to be present. It was pointed out that if the congregation were to unite with the Presbyterian Church in Canada it was to be understood that the congregation was to remain a separate one. That there be no change in the running affairs of the congregation and that the Church retain the name St. Columba, but with the address Kirk Hill instead of Lochiel. It was also stated that when the application be made to the Presbytery of Glengarry that these stipulations be plainly laid before the Court. The vote was then called for and by a show of hands the congregation unanimously agreed to join the Presbyterian Church in Canada. This vote ratified a show of hands at the Sabbath Service held December 3rd, 1911. After the vote had been declared carried the Moderator, Rev. D. N. MacPhail stated that if any were dissatisfied they make a motion to reconsider, however there was no such motion. Mr. John A. MacGillivray and John It. Macintosh were appointed to represent the congregation before Presbytery of Glengarry.
UNION 1925
The question of Organic Union involving Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches was brought to a head in the Fall of 1924. During the summer months the Congregations listened to supporters from both sides and in December preparations were laid for the casting of the vote. At the annual Congregational meeting December 22nd the Congregation elected a returning officer and two scrutineers and set the voting dates.
On January 6th, 1925 the poles were closed and the ballots counted. The result was unanimously in favour of remaining Presbyterian.
For union- 11
Against- 131
The result of the vote showed that the men and women of St. Columba wished to remain with the Church of their fathers. A result of the Union vote was that fifty – four men and women joined the Church by transfer of certificates.
THE UNION – LEST WE FORGET
“Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His Commandments or no.” Deut. 8:2.
Israel had been led from Egypt’s bondage by a long, hard journey through the Arabian desert, and in the freedom and comfort of Canaan they were not to forget that journey nor Him who had led them nor His purpose in leading them.
That purpose was not merely to bring them from one land to another, from serfdom to freedom, from Egypt to Canaan. Forty days and less would have sufficed for that journey. The distance was not great. His higher, greater purpose was to lead them nearer to Himself, to fit them for their destiny as His chosen people.
God is ever the same. He leads His people, in His loving care for them, often by a rough hard road from worse to better things. From seeking satisfaction in things of this world and making these things life’s chief end, He leads them by the road of disappointment and sorrow to put their trust in Him, where only can be found true rest and peace. All down her history He has lead His Church through trial, nearer to Himself.
He has in these latter days led the Presbyterian Church in Canada from threatened bondage to clerical and official despotism into a larger liberty. He has led her through years of wilderness with its deserts of discouragement and its oases of peace and rest; — with its fiery flying serpents of reproach, confiscation and loss, and its manna plenteous in the fellowship of kindred minds standing for freedom and for truth; — with its pillar of cloud and fire, its conviction of right, leading steadily on — “o’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,” — and with the morn of freedom we may again hear the voice Divine. “Thou shalt remember all the way the Lord. thy God bath led thee, to humble thee and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments or no.”
EPHRAIM SCOTT
Montreal, 1928
REMODELING 1927
In the Spring of 1927 extensive remodelling work was done on the interior of the present Church. The center pulpit was removed and the seating capacity reduced. The area created was turned into a vestry, choir room and a chancel, with the choir stalls within the chancel and the organ in the center rear. The pulpit then occupied the right front side of the chancel. Also at this time the gallery was closed in and became the Sunday School Room. A false ceiling was also installed which covered the high beams and lowered the roof which greatly reduced the echo.
The task of remodelling was undertaken by W. J. Wills of Ottawa at an initial cost of $6,800. The Congregation was called upon to share in the expenses of this work and from the records it would seem that they were wholeheartedly in favour of the work being carried out for in two days the members subscribed a total of $8,207.00.
A Service of Rededication was held on Sunday, June 26th, 1927 with the Rev. Dr. W.D. Reid of Stanley St. Church, Montreal, being the guest speaker. Every seat in the Church was filled and many stood throughout the Service, some of whom had come a great distance to be present at that memorable occasion.
During the Service the four memorial windows in the Chancel were dedicated and a beautiful flower holder with pedestal was presented to the Church.
The following evening the Ladies of the Church put on what has been so often repeated “a beautiful Supper.”
In the last decade the men and women have laboured together in their effort to beautify this House of Praise. A new carpet was laid in 1958 which covers the whole of the Chancel, the front of the Church and the three aisles. In 1961 Aluminum Storm windows and doors were added, while this year 1962, the ‘Ladies have made possible the complete redecorating of the interior and the new floor, by their conscientious and faithful work. To them go the grateful “appreciation” of the Congregation.
HISTORY OF ST. COLUMBA 1962 TO PRESENT
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PRESENT CHURCH EDIFICE, 1962
The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the church building took place on three Sundays.
On September 30, the Rt. Rev. Dr. K. Ross Cameron, Moderator of the 88th General Assembly and minister of Dovercourt Road Presbyterian Church, Toronto, was the guest preacher. On this day, a plaque containing the names of the ministers who served from 1909 to 1962 was unveiled to commemorate this anniversary.
On October 7, the Rev. Dr. W. Stanford Reid, minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and Professor of History at McGill University was the speaker at a morning and evening service. Dr. Reid preached at Kirk Hill during his student days and both his father, W.D. Reid and his uncle, Allan S. Reid had been special speakers in the past.
Officiating on October 14 was the Rev. H. Keith Markell, Professor of Church History at the Presbyterian College in Montreal. The booklet, Historical Sketch of St. Columba Church, Kirk Hill, Ontario, A Centenary of Worship, 1862-1962 was written to record the progress of the church over the past century. Its dedication reads as follows: “This booklet is written to commemorate the building of the New Church at Lochiel, in Glengarry County, Canada West, 1862, and it is dedicated to the memory of the men and women who sacrificed so greatly in order that this edifice which now occupies the East Hill at Kirk Hill may be enjoyed by their descendants and others as they Worship the God of their fathers.”
CANADA’S CENTENNIAL YEAR, 1967
Celebrations, activities, and events of all kinds were held across Canada in 1967 to mark the 100th anniversary of Confederation. St. Columba congregational projects for the Centennial Year included re-pointing the stonework and planting shrubs and trees on the church grounds. The Young People’s Society held a very successful social.
This year also marked the 148th anniversary of the founding of the St. Columba Congregation and the 105th anniversary of the building of the stone church. To celebrate this event, morning and evening services were held on May 28.
At the morning service, new church doors, a brass lectern and Bible, and two brass vases were all dedicated. The minister, Dr. William McLean preached the sermon entitled, “Church and Nation”, in which he called for a renewal of loyalty to the nation, an increase in fraternal goodwill among all groupings of Canadians, and a re-consecration to our Christian Faith.
The evening service took the form of a “Hymn Sing” under the joint direction of Lloyd MacCuaig, organist, and Mrs. Wm. McLean, choir director. Special numbers were performed by the choir and a trio composed of Donald MacGillivray and his daughters, Barbara and Nancy.
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGREGATION, 1969
A special service was observed on October 19, 1969, to recognize 150 years of congregational life at St. Columba, and to honour the memory of Rev. John McLaurin, pioneer minister.
A bronze plaque recalling his life was unveiled by Mrs. Neil A. (Cassie) MacLeod. Rev. William McLean, who had recently retired as a minister, preached the sermon mentioning that the plaque had been applied for as long ago as 1966. He spoke on the past and future of the church, counselling his listeners not to be afraid of change since change is inevitable. Also taking part were Neil A. MacLeod, Clerk of Session; Rev. Lloyd Hilton, Rev. James A. McGowan, Rev. Kenneth MacDonald, and Rev. L.S. Sutherland. The inscription on the plaque was read by Grant MacGillivray.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CANADA CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL, 1975
In preparation for the 100th anniversary, it was felt within the Presbytery of Glengarry that it would be helpful if congregations were to visit and worship with each other, learning something of the history of particular congregations and getting to know each other.
The first event was the Centennial Rally held at the Maxville Fairgrounds on June 30, 1974. The many activities included booths, discussion groups, folk music, pipers, a hymn sing, and both an afternoon and evening service. Churches in the Presbytery at this time were Avonmore, Cornwall, Cote St. George, Crysler, Dunvegan, Finch, Gravel Hill, Ingleside, Kirk Hill, Lancaster, Martintown, Maxville, Monkland, Moose Creek, St. Elmo, and Vankleek Hill.
The second occasion took place on July 29, 1974, when members from the congregations of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Cornwall, and Kirk Hill United Church joined with members of St. Columba in worship. Rev. W.L. McLellan conducted the service jointly with Rev. William Scott; Rev. T.A. Rodger preached the sermon and Mr. Everett Rush was the soloist accompanied by Mrs. Sullivan of Cornwall. Mr. Lloyd McCuaig played for the congregational praise. An anthem rendered by the St. Columba choir was taken from the new Book of Praise. An estimated congregation of 400 attended and this experiment in worship was considered a great success.
160TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGREGATION, 1979
Several functions were held during the year to mark the 160th anniversary of the St. Columba congregation, beginning with a Watchnight service on New Year’s Eve to launch the start of this important year in the church’s history.
On the Saturday evening, April 14 of Easter weekend, a congregational banquet was held in the church hall of Knox Church, Vankleek Hill. Major R. Grant MacGillivray acted as MC for the entertainment of the evening which included violin selections by Darrell MacLeod; Highland fling dance by Kirsty, Bonnie, Beth, and Katie MacLeod; ‘Flora MacDonald’ dance by Sandra MacGillivray; saxophone number by Alan MacLeod; and, solos sung by Melissa Howes accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Carmin (Doreen) Howes. Rev. Robert Martin, the guest speaker, gave an informative talk on St. Columba and Iona. The Doxology and Benediction, pronounced by the Moderator, Rev. Ross MacDonald, brought to a close an evening of good fellowship and inspiration.
At the Sunday morning worship service, a beautiful banner was unveiled and dedicated to commemorate the founding of the congregation in 1819. Musical selections were presented by the junior and senior choirs.
On June 17, the congregation enjoyed a great choral performance by the Knox Crescent Kensington Presbyterian Church Choir from Montreal. Children’s activities took place in June.
The first “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” at St. Columba was held on August 5 with the sermon preached by Dr. Donald MacMillan. Attendees showed their clan connection by wearing kilts, tartan skirts, scarves and ties. Bagpipes were played. This special service continues to this date.
A church picnic and family day were enjoyed on September 9.
To mark the climax of the 160th anniversary year, the Rt. Rev. Dr. K.G. McMillan, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and General Secretary of the Canadian Bible Society, was the invited guest. At this evening service on October 21, the original communion vessels and the cabinet were dedicated.
- COLUMBA INDUCTS FIRST WOMAN MINISTER AND FIRST WOMAN ELDER
Karen Hincke was first assigned as a missionary minister to St. Columba in 1982. Two years later in 1984, she was inducted as the first woman moderator of the Glengarry Presbytery on January 8 and first woman minister at St. Columba on April 11. Margaret Newton was nominated as St. Columba’s first female elder in 1983.
SHARED MINISTRIES
The idea of joint worship first surfaced in 1965 when the Kirk Session of St. Columba sent a proposal to the Kirk Hill United Church Session to engage in joint services for the months of July and August. Thus began the sharing of worship between the two congregations and it continued with as many as 15 services annually along with joint session and communion services. Also, in 1968, the General Assembly indicated: “The policy of the General Board of Missions at the present time is to request Presbyteries in the Church to seek the cooperation of other denominations in maintaining a ministry in rural areas by mutual cooperation and allocation of territories, and that in many cases Presbyteries of the Church have entered into such mutually cooperative agreements.”
This led to discussions in 1978 of a possible shared ministry between the East and West churches and, in 1991, a call was extended by both congregations.
Rev. Kate Ballagh-Steeper answered the call and stayed until April 1993. In January 1994 the Rev. Joan Drummond of Ottawa began an interim appointment to the joint pastoral charge of Kirk Hill United and St. Columba Presbyterian churches. She remained in this charge until the end of June 1994.
Our Presbyterian Presbytery dissolved the ministerial arrangement with the United Church Presbytery and recommended joint ministry with Kenyon Presbyterian Church, Dunvegan, Ontario. This new arrangement was accepted by the congregation and, until this day in 2025, that partnership is working well.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CHURCH
Numerous upgrades were completed both inside and outside of the church in the 1980s and 90s. With the drilling of a well in 1985, water was piped into the church and a bathroom installed the following year. Also, at this time, the vestry was converted into a heated office. The three stained-glass windows in the sanctuary were restored in 1988-89 by Blue Glass Studios of Cornwall. The windows were covered with Lexan panels to replace the old aluminum storm windows that were no longer sealing out drafts and had become difficult to open. In 1994-95, interlocking bricks were laid along the west side of the church to enable wheelchair accessibility and two furnaces were installed.
A major project of repointing the stonework on the outside of the entire church began in 1999, with the exterior east side and part of the north wall completed at a cost of $19,859. In 2000, the remainder of the north front and the bell tower were completed at a cost of $16,284. Finally, in 2003, the west side and south end were completed at a cost of $15,572. Costs were well above the original estimates.
Unfortunately, in 2001, a major water leak led to the repair and painting of the interior of the church as well as sanding and varnishing the pews and the floors. The front doors, rotted over time, were replaced and installed by Glengarry Windows and Doors in January 2008.
Church members were shattered by the theft, in April 2011, of three stained-glass window panels from the east and west windows. Damage was done to two panels of the stained-glass window in the chancel. Thanks to pictures that Carlyle MacMillan had taken of these windows, exact replicas were funded with generous donations by the community and past and present members of the congregation. Studio du Verre from Montreal was issued the contract at a cost of $24,900. The frames for the new windows were constructed by Ian MacMaster. It is interesting to note that the price of one of the original windows installed in 1902 cost $85 with a shipping fee of $5 from Montreal.
In 2014, major repairs were made by Kingston Ecclesiastical Refinishing to the damaged plaster of the west cornice moulding in the Sanctuary and Sunday school room, the choir loft ceiling, and the kitchen. A three-year storm window replacement project began in 2015 and involved refinishing the frames and replacing cracked glazing with the end result of new storm windows providing greater energy savings and improving the ventilation in the church.
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGREGATION, 2019
Four bicentennial events took place in 2019 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the congregation. On May 12, St. Columba and its sister congregation, Kenyon Church, welcomed the Rev. Daniel Cho, Moderator of the 144th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada along with his wife, Esther. The Chos were treated to musical offerings by Taylor Hambleton, who sang two Celtic songs, and fiddler, Robyn Howes. Rev. Cho’s meaningful message was entitled, “Love, the Bottom Line.”
A sold-out Victorian Tea and Fashion Show was held in the Dalkeith Recreation Hall on May 18. Many attendees dressed in period costume and donned hats or fascinators. A delicious lunch featured three-tier plates loaded with fancy sandwiches, scones and sweets. Following lunch, guests were treated to a Victorian fashion show and musical entertainment by Gary Carpenter.
The June 2nd service at St. Columba was very special as it doubled as a 200th anniversary celebration and the launch of St. Columba Presbyterian Church: Celebrating 200 years, 1819-2019. On this day, the church was decorated with various tartans in keeping with the strong Scottish heritage in the area. Historical artifacts, loaned by church members, and early church documents were on display. Individuals dressed in period costume added to the ambience of bygone days. The guest speaker was the Rev. Jean Franklin Harms who delivered the Message: “I Will Build My Church.” Rev. Jean had attended St. Columba in her formative years. Former student minister at St. Columba (1960-1963), the Rev. Leo Hughes offered Prayers of Adoration and Confession. Darrel MacLeod acted as precentor while the Lord’s Pray was recited in Gaelic by Donaldson MacLeod. The anniversary book was then presented by Audrey Nixon Crawford, chair of the book committee. This hardcover commemorative book illustrates the important events in the church’s history and includes information on the various organizations within the church, such as the Ladies’ Aid Society, Sunday School and Young People’s Society. It contains a list and description of In Memoriam gifts, artifacts, banners and plaques and records the names of the men and women of St. Columba who served in the First and Second World Wars. Also featured are the memories and pictures of past and present church members, some of whom are direct descendants of the original Glenelg, Scotland, settlers. The dedication reads as follows: “This book is written to commemorate the founding of the Presbyterian Congregation in 1819 at Lochiel in the County of Glengarry. It is dedicated to the men and women who have contributed to the spiritual well-being of the people who have called St. Columba home for the past two centuries. May the goodwill and fellowship of the church community continue to be enjoyed by future generations as they worship together under the Gaelic words Tigh Dhe (House of God).” An “international link” was formed as the congregation welcomed Jean Macrae who travelled all the way from Glenelg, Scotland. Sporting a white cotton bonnet and tartan shawl, Jean gave an interesting talk about the Parish of Glenelg. The Campbell Trio – Gabrielle and her talented children, Rachel and Noel wowed the congregation with their beautiful music and song. A highlight was Bill Connors’ accompaniment on the church’s antique reed organ to “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” Following the service, a delicious lunch, along with a 200th anniversary cake, was served under the big tent. The Campbells, once again, treated the attendees to an hour-long performance which was followed by a slideshow of colourful photos collected from over the years.
The fourth bicentennial event featured Concession 23, an award-winning Canadian bluegrass band based in the Ottawa area.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY AWARD FOR CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY BOOK, 2021
It was announced at General Assembly that St. Columba had been awarded the plaque in the congregational history category for its 200th anniversary book, St. Columba Presbyterian Church, Kirk Hill: Celebrating 200 Years, 1819–2019.
SPIRE REPAIRS, 2023
St. Columba had its spire repaired and painted on September 1st, 2023. Our spire was damaged by the high winds on August 10 which ripped and loosened some tin and moldings high on the steeple. The repair work required a 140 foot crane to hoist the workers up to the level required to fix the damages. Having the crane available, we had the opportunity to re-paint the spire as well as repair the damages.
1962-present (to be completed)