Trinity's History in Poetic Form

Written by:  Catherine Junkin

​

May we pause to reflect, and thus recognize

Accomplishments of our ancestors, their dedicated lives,

So many willing hands in the days of old,

Glorified God to the fullest with their labours bold.

 

This holds true many times we do recall,

Men worked together to paint Trinity’s halls.

God sees our labours, be they small or great

And the fellowship developing in challenges we take.

 

Anniversaries are shared keepsakes we do still hold

For the senior members and those new to our fold;

As we pause to reflect of what Trinity means to each one,

Some memories return to their Nursery time fun.

 

Early settlers responded to special needs at hand

For spiritual leadership in THIS, their new land.

They met in their homes, worshiping by candlelight;

Singing God’s praises late into the night.

 

In 1857 Methodism was established in our town,

Rev. Ash, a saddleback preacher rode up trails and down.

Soon local leaders began making great strides,

Three years hence a frame church building was their pride.

 

Smaller churches were established in the area too,

They’re fondly remembered by former members few,

Bethel, Zion, Eden, St. David’s and more.

Our Sunday School rooms bear these names on their door.

 

Twenty years later Trinity was enlarged, “twas clear”,

With a porch, windows, lath, plaster, and brick veneer.

Interesting to note pews purchased in 1879

Now found in our gallery, still look very fine.

 

Ladies always responded, and did their share

With deep Christian faith, they demonstrated much care.

Facilities then, left much to be desired

For quilting and suppers, as the wood stoves they fired.

 

It’s hard to imagine Trinity’s impact on the town,

With horses and buggies carting large families around.

Today we have Mary’s and Joyce’s; to name only two,

Still working together as Christ would have them do.

 

Congregationalists, Methodists and Presbyterians joined force,

In 1925 the adopted the UNITED course.

Our Latin emblem, “That All May Be One”’

Still relates to our timely Canadian Conundrum.

 

We honour former ministers, dedicated and true,

Working to accomplish what God wished them to do,

Many fond memories of them will ne’er depart,

From the special corners they won in our hearts.

 

Folks may recall Rev. Miller, strong on devotions,

And Rev. Hopkins, sharing his English notions.

Rev. White was friendly, a gentleman of the day,

All honouring God for blessings along life’s way.

 

Rev. Braham had visions of expanding Trinity halls

In ’64 the Fund Raisers were envisioning new walls,

Later this enthusiasm was put on hold for a while,

And expansion plans simply remained in a file.

 

Bev. Butler, a mild man, visited and gave pastoral care

With strength to individuals, he was networking there.

When he left, Mac McAuslan was our stabilizing force

With Biblical Knowledge contributed, he kept us on course.

 

A new manse was built for the next preacher man,

Soon Bentley’s moved in with five in their clan.

Ed’s enthusiasm we’ll remember, and Evangelism too

How he loved Baptisms, holding babes in full view.

 

I’d be remiss if at this time we railed to relate

Of the expansion, completed to Trinity in ’78.

A wing of office, kitchen, Sunday School and Sanctuary

Was dedicated that year at the November Anniversary.

 

Overwhelming was the funding and support you must hear

As the debt was completely wiped out the next year!

No record of dedicated hours of free labours remain,

But pride in accomplishment was the Church Family’s gain.

 

During Ed’s ministry many precedents were set,

Trinity Hall became Bethlehem, and at Christmas then,

Crowds flocked to share in this stable worship where

Live animals, birds and actors depict the Nativity there.

 

An Easter Sunrise service began in ’79,

Early risers attended and the weather was fine.

Proclaiming Jesus had risen again through prayer and song,

Then breakfast was enjoyed by the well chilled throng.

  

Over the years Sunday School has played a strong part

With memorization of Commandments engrained early in hearts.

Perhaps such roots affirmed their values sublime,

Giving strength to see justice, resist evils of the time.

 

Music has inspired worship all through the years

With strong senior choirs aided by junior dears.

Melodies ring out tenderly and with joy abound,

As anthems remind us of God’s care all around.

 

Let’s honour choir directors in their service of song,

Names too numerous to mention, but memories linger on.

Jim Dickson, Carol Smith made the organ from their hearts speak

And then Elva Simpson with a soft touch and manner so meek.

 

Numerous speakers we all remember well,

At times parishioners have caught forty winks, folks do tell.

We pray for God’s forgiveness and tolerance too,

Since they did choose to join in worship with you.

 

The Wiegand family arrived next, Larry, a golfing fan,

At funerals and weddings related well to all clans.

Poet Walter Murray came to rattle our chains,

In mission and service, he anticipated great gains.

 

September ’92 Elizabeth came to our charge,

A welcome went out from Bobcaygeon at large.

We awaited spiritual leadership from an Irish Canadian lass,

And in canoeing skills…do YOU guess she’ll pass?

 

At New Years, Ellijah arrived at Trinity

Now two ordained ministers to share responsibility.

This was the first attempt at team ministry.

It wasn’t the answer, we experienced controversy.

 

So ‘twas time to regroup and move ahead once again.

Bob Mattheson came, and for a short time held the rein.

Next John McKibbon was claimed to be man of the day,

But plans disintegrated; soon he went on his way.

 

Paul Boughton was summoned to calm turbulence here

And to assess needs for presbytery without fear.

His time passed quickly, soon a young man applied.

Allan Reeve was welcomed and new concepts he tried.

 

At this time refurbishing of the sanctuary took place

To paint walls, fix roof, give the room a new face.

A committee was struck and moved ahead with a plan,

Upgrades were deemed very satisfying to most of the clan.

  

Trinity Church has a special richness we must tell,

Retired clergy membership once four, now one serves us well.

These men devote their lives to further God’s plan,

Sharing their experience wherever they can.

 

Time promoted many changes in two thousand and ten,

Allan answered a call for George Street then,

So he moved to Peterborough and therein took the lead.

A committee was struck to fill Trinity’s need.

 

Many applicants responded to Trinity’s call.

They chose Rodney Smith-Merkley, both young and tall,

He arrived with wife Suzanne, and children three,

The focus became inclusive of Bobcaygeon’s community.

 

For six years, the shepherding of this flock he did take,

Reaching out to the Indigenous at nearby Curve Lake,

Committees have sprung forth, new leaders at the helm,

Sharing concerns both where they arise and when.

 

During Rev. Rodney’s sabbatical in two thousand seventeen,

A soft spoken newly retired man came on the scene.

Rev. Bob Root feeds our spirit in his gentle way,

Warming hearts with his sincere message on Sunday.

 

Now in 2020, Andrew Macpherson’s the man

To provide leadership to the Trinity Clan,

And this is our 160 Anniversary year.

We pray these celebrations can end with a cheer.

 

Time has dictated changes to Trinity membership galore

Through the years many new faces were welcomed at our door.

We grieve some members no longer here feel a need,

They’ll be valued Christians wherever their paths lead.

 

We also salute former members who are no longer alive

Praising God for contributions that helped Trinity survive.

Let’s thank God for these memories we all hold dear

As we seek His sustaining guidance in the coming years.

 

Changes are an immanent part of our human race

As the world changes we strive to keep pace.

We pray for sensitivity, tolerance and respect in our throng

As we explore more contemporary methods of worship and song.

 

As we gaze to the future filled with anticipation

Let’s draw strength from our roots and the Biblical nations.

Hold fast to our dreams, as Christ pilots from above

Let’s walk in God’s light in our service of LOVE.

 

Catherine Junkin

Written on Request for Anniversary in 1992

Revised and Updated in 2000, 2018 and 2020.

​

A COMMEMORATIVE HISTORY

Of TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

 

A Congregation of the

 Bobcaygeon-Providence Pastoral Charge

Lindsay Presbytery

Bay of Quinte Conference

The United Church of Canada

 

 

Written By:

T. CLAYTON TAYLOR

Introduction

 

In this continuance of Trinity Church history, marking the 120th. Anniversary of the building of the first church in Bobcaygeon, we have dealt mainly with the physical aspects of progress over the years.  No doubt there are errors and omissions for which we ask your kindly forbearance.

 

We have not attempted to name those many heroes of faith, who have left their influence and impression on our lives, for which we thank God.

 

It is thus a challenge to those who remain to keep first and foremost in our objectives the real purpose of the church, to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth.

 

In the words of the writer of Hebrews:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.”

 

T. Clayton Taylor.

 

 

 

The people of Trinity Church, Bobcaygeon, have always cherished their heritage.  Several times in the history of the congregation, its heritage has been recorded in printed form.  Now, to commemorate the 120th. Anniversary of the building of the first Methodist church in Bobcaygeon, the Church board decided to produce this new and updated record of our history.

When the Board members wanted someone to write this new history, their obvious choice was Clayton Taylor.  Clayton has been an active and faithful part of the leadership of the Bobcaygeon Pastoral Charge through more than half of its history.  Baptized and

Confirmed in St. David’s Church, Clayton has been a member of the Trinity Choir, with a few periods of absence, since 1914.  In 1943, he was appointed Recording Steward of the pastoral Charge, an office which he held until 1978.  From 1954 until 1978, Clayton represented the Charge at Presbytery and Conference.  Through the years he has served in many other ways as well, as a member of the Session, various committees of the Board and the 1978 Building Committee.  Currently Clayton is secretary of the Combined Board, Honorary elder and back in the Choir praising god each Sunday.

With this history we give thanks for all that God has done through the life and work of faithful men and women in the Bobcaygeon area.  We praise Him for those He has chosen, past and present, and for all that he promises and expects as we go forth, in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

(Rev. Ed. Bentley, October 1980)

 

 

The village of Bobcaygeon, surveyed by Thomas Need in 1832, is situated on three islands lying on the narrows between Sturgeon and Pigeon Lakes.  It apparently received its name from an Indian source meaning rapids or running water.

 

It was in 1857 that Methodism began here.  In that year, the Rev. James Ash, a saddleback preacher was in charge of the Bobcaygeon Mission, which extended to within four miles of Lindsay, east to Nogies Creek, north to Kinmount, and west to Fenelon Falls. 

 

On May 15th., 1858, the first Quarterly Board Meeting was held for Bobcaygeon area of Mr. Ash’s parish, which included Dunsford.  George Bick was elected Recording Steward; other members were Thomas Taylor, James Rapley, James Thurston.  Seven ‘classes’ were formed each presided over by a leader – “the chosen men of God”.  These classes were Bobcaygeon, Taylor’s, Thurston’s, Agnew’s, Bick’s, Ellis’s, Junkin’s.  In 1858 other members were received; among them, Samuel McLelland, in whose home the first Sacrament of Communion was celebrated.  That home also boasted the first oil lamp in Bobcaygeon.  Samuel McLelland was also the first Sunday School Superintendent.  Other class leaders and local Preachers were – William Cosh, John McFeeters and John Junkin.

 

In July 1858, Rev. John Dowler succeeded Mr. Ash, and it was during his pastorate that the original “Trinity” Church was built in 1860:  a frame building seated with planks and lighted with candles.  Thomas Taylor was the contractor, assisted by Wm. Kennedy, Wm. Robinson and Alex Trotter.

 

In 1861, Mr. Dowler’s parish had become so large that he was sent an assistant, a student, Nathaniel Burwash, who became a great educator and Chancellor of Victoria University.  The Bobcaygeon Charge continued to have student assistants until 1915.

 

In 1874, the membership stood at two hundred and thirty-four, and Dunsford became a separate circuit.  The original Methodist Church in Dunsford was built in that year.  This building is the Church Hall currently being expanded.  The Bobcaygeon Circuit then consisted of the following appointments; Bobcaygeon, Bethel, Silver Lake, Lawson’s, McFeeters’, Ventress’s, Ingram’s, Bobcaygeon Road.  Lawson’s became Eden; McFeeters’ – St. John’s; Ventress’s became Zion, Nogies Creek; Junkin’s Providence.  Over a number of years, several churches were built to serve these outlying points.  At one time there were four Methodist churches in North Verulam.  Apparently, Bethel had the first church on the Bobcaygeon Mission, a log building known as Knox’s built in 1859.  It was replaced in 1895 by the frame building which continued to be the worship center as part of the Bobcaygeon charge until 1915 when it was added to Fenelon Falls.  The Zion Church at Nogies Creek was built in 1885 and closed in 1938.  The Fairbairn Church, also known as Robinson’s, was also built in 1885 and closed in 1963.  Providence Church was built in 1890 and services are still being held there.  Eden Church was built in 1898, closed in 1958.  St. John’s, South Verulam, was built in 1905 and closed in 1963.  St. David’s, South Verulam, built in 1892 as part of the Dunsford circuit, was named after the patron saint of Wales by John Lewis, who gave the land on which it was built. 

Owing to decreasing numbers, the church was closed in 1928 with most of the members transferring to Bobcaygeon where the influence of that little church is still felt, as seven of the former and present elders claim St. David’s as their original church home.  In almost all cases before these churches were built services were held in the schools or in private homes.  The names of these country churches have been preserved in the present building by having the Sunday School classrooms named for them.

 

Perhaps here would be a good place to point out that several of these locations once served by the little churches have now become development areas for retired and retiring people who have transferred their membership from other centres and have greatly enriched our congregation both in number and in participation.

 

In 1879 the church in Bobcaygeon was enlarged by adding 15 feet to the length, a new porch added, new windows and frames, lath and plaster inside and brick veneer outside, and a new roof.  A pulpit was installed and new pews purchased which are still in use in the gallery of the new church.  The total cost of that renovation was one thousand dollars, half of which was borrowed at 8 1/2 % interest.

 

The records of that time show the first ladies organization.  They met to plan ways and means to raise funds to furnish and decorate the church, which was done by holding socials in the homes at a charge of 15 cents.  In this way over $100 was realized.  According to information gleaned from Bethel records, a parsonage and stable were built in Bobcaygeon in 1859 before the church was built.  However, in 1881 it was decided not to repair it but to build a new house, the cost not to exceed $750.  John Kennedy was given the contract at $740 and two years later a new stable and woodshed were built.  In 1892, the Trustees purchased a lot adjoining the church from Miss M. Cresswell for $200.

 

During the pastorate of Rev. H. W. Foley, the Sunday School Room was built in 1912 at a cost of $1,200.  Miss E. McLelland, a daughter of the first superintendent donated $300 toward the cost.  The Sunday School has played a very important part in the life of the Church, under the leadership of many devoted men and women.  Following Mr. McLelland as superintendent, were Jas. A. Purdy, Geo. W. Taylor, Thomas Staples, Harry Van Oudenaren, Tommy Smith, Claude Junkin and the present leader, Robert Prescott.

 

Evangelistic Campaigns, were held in 1908 by Crossley and Hunter, in 1926 by Crossley and Leonard, and in 1939 by Gilbert and Leonard.  In these revivals Christians were made and lives re-dedicated to the service of their Master.

 

Mention must be made of those who entered full-time service in the Ministry.  The records give the names of six candidates for the Ministry.  J. Roland Bick, a grandson of the first Recording Steward; W. J. D. Huston;

L. Hopkins; John Green; Frank Magson; David Staples, son of Joseph W. Staples, for many years an officer of Trinity.  Rev. Frank Whitely, while not a Bobcaygeon resident, made his decision to enter the ministry while teaching school here.

The ministry of Music has also been an important part of the Church’s history.  Mrs. A. McIntyre, nee McLelland, was apparently the first organist.  Other organists were Mrs. Sara (Wright) Nicholls, Miss Clara Dunn, Mrs. Ferne (Wright) Malcolm, George E. Richardson, and notable, Mrs. Florence Pardy from 1929 to 1961.  Since then, the position has been held by Glenn Taylor, Mrs. Ruby Smith, Mrs. Gertrude Goodham, Sharon Taylor and Mrs. Marjory Flynn, and our present very capable organist, James Dickson.  Marion Dickson also does a splendid work with the Junior Choir.  Perhaps some of our older members would want the Cosh family to be remembered in this history.  They were a very musical family; at one time could produce a male quartet of Cosh Brothers.  Space does not permit the mention of many others who so willingly gave of their talents in the Service of song.

 

Trinity Church has been re-decorated and renovated many times in 120 years, but the first in the memory of our older members was in 1919 when Rev. J. M. Whyte was pastor, with the Ladies Aid paying for the decoration; and in 1920 the Diamond Anniversary was celebrated on two successive Sundays, October 24h. and 31st.

 

In 1938, when Rev. James Leach was the minister, the Church was again re-decorated and a new lighting system installed, with the Women’s Association again paying for the decorating.  Time and again the records show the Women’s Organizations carrying the financial load, coming to the aid of troubled treasurers with their hard-earned donations made mainly by serving dinners for weddings, different societies, and the Annual Dinner at the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair. 

Incidentally, that affair was first organized by the ladies of St. John’s, first in a tent, then in their own building, and as now in the Community centre.  Early in the 1940’s the Communion Table was presented to the Church in memory of George Wilbert Taylor, Recording Steward for 33 years, Sunday School Superintendent for many years, Sunday School Teacher and representative to Presbytery.

Going back again to improvements – in 1944 the Memorial Windows were placed in the Sanctuary by several donors, chief of whom was Mrs. A. McIntyre.  In 1946, the Sunday School Hall was extended by 20 feet, providing more classroom space, kitchen space, and more room for serving meals.  In 1947, Dr. Thomas headed a campaign to purchase a Hammond electric organ.  In 1958 washrooms were installed; also two oil furnaces to replace the old wood burner which had outlived its usefulness.

 

In 1964, when the Rev. John Braham was pastor, after experimenting with two morning services, it was realized that the present facilities were inadequate, and a campaign was organized to erect a new church.  A building Committee was named with Dr. W. D. Thomas as Chairman, Ruth Thompson as Treasurer and Doreen White as Secretary.  Rev. Stephen Wilks and Rev. John Wilson at Head Office came to lead the campaign, and pledges were made toward the cost of erecting a new building estimated at that time to be from $100,000 to $125,000.  The Brotherston property adjoining the church was purchased; architectural plans were drawn up, and although Presbytery requested that 25% of the cost should be pledged before construction, it was felt that 50% should be the minimum. 

However, escalating construction costs and interest rates forced the congregation to delay plans and an Improvement Plan for both Sanctuary and Sunday School Hall was initiated.

 

In the meantime, after spending thousands of dollars in repairing and renovating the manse, it was still uncomfortable and inconvenient.  Therefore, in 1975, after several bequests had been received, it was decided to build a new manse.  By far the largest bequest came from the estate of Mrs. Mary E. Bick, widow of Rev. J. R. Bick, who donated her home on Riverside Drive to Trinity Church.

The old manse was offered for sale and a buyer agreed to move it the Eden Church property in North Verulam, which he also agreed to purchase.  However, he was unable to finance the deals and after several weeks of frustration a disorder, the building was demolished and construction began on the new modern four-bedroom manse.  While construction was still in progress, the new minister, Rev. Ed. Bentley arrived, and he and Mrs. Betty Bentley offered valuable suggestions which were incorporated in the building which was completed at no cost to the congregation and almost $300 of a balance which was turned over to the Manse Maintenance Fund.  Since then, other improvements have been made.

 

Also in 1976 it became necessary to purchase a new organ and in a short time the fund was oversubscribed, and the Baldwin Organ was bought and later installed in the new sanctuary.

In 1977, a survey was made of the area served by Trinity Church and questionnaires sent out which showed 40% of the residents claiming allegiance to the Untied Church and most expressing support of plans for enlarged facilities.  An Architectural Committee was named with Jack Jacques as Chairman, whose experience in draftsmanship and construction made him the logical choice.  The different organizations in the Church were asked to submit their needs and preferences in a new building.  A number of churches were visited to see new construction as well as renovated buildings and many ideas and suggestions were brought to the attention of the Committee.  Three priorities were emphasized:  economy of construction ad maintenance; flexibility; and historicity; and with these in mind a Building Plan was presented to the Annual Congregational Meeting in January, 1978, and after thorough discussion it was approved almost unanimously by the large representation of the congregation.  This Committee then contacted Ashley 333 Ltd. of Oshawa, experienced church contractors, and received an estimate of cost which seemed reasonable and also received permission from them to use as much volunteer labour as possible, which saved many thousand of dollars.

The old church hall was demolished, and construction began on the new building.  Despite some unavoidable delays, the Sanctuary, though not entirely completed, was ready for the Dedication Service on November 5th. 1978.

 

A fund Raising Committee was named early in 1978 with Harry Van Oudenaren as Chairman, securing pledges of varying amounts over a period of 3 years.  In the meantime, the original building fund from 1964 had been growing, and with the pledges coming in, most of the construction costs were paid as the accounts, came in, and by the time of the dedication Service, 70% of the objective of $240,000 had been received.  Special mention must be made of the outstanding efforts of the United Church women to raise funds for the new church over the years.

 

With many people bringing forward their 1980 and 1981 pledges, by the time of the first anniversary of the Dedication the entire indebtedness was wiped out, with less than $1500 having been paid in interest.  $5,000 was turned over to a new Property Fund for further needed expenditures, viz. landscaping and improvements to the Old Sanctuary.  Some landscaping had already been done and plans are underway for other improvements.

It is impossible to record the hours of labour donated by so many of our Church Family, but we have tried to keep a record of special gifts made, in a Remembrance Book in the Narthex.  Perhaps it would not be out of place here to name one special gift, the bequest of Mrs. Ellen Henderson, an Elder, Treasurer for twenty years, and a long-time member of the Choir.  Her gift was used to install the organ speakers in the new sanctuary.

As we mark the 120th. Anniversary of the construction of the first Trinity church building, we praise God for all the people who have been a part of this Church Family through the years.  Today, as it was 120 years ago, Trinity Church is a growing, active, caring Church Family working together to bring about the Kingdom of God here on earth.

 

 

 

Ministers of the Bobcaygeon Pastoral Charge

 

Ministers:                                           Student Assistants

 

1857             Rev. James Ash

 

1858-61        Rev. James Dowler        N. Burwash

 

1861-63       Rev. David Hardie           A. Hardie

 

1864-65       Rev. Joseph Stinson        W. R. Barker

 

1865-68       Rev. G. McNamara         J. H. Robinson

 

1868-70       Rev. Wm. Sheridan        W. Sloan,

                                                               D. Winters

 

1870-71       Rev. Wm. Richardson     Robert Oliver

 

1871-72       Rev. Robert Godfrey      W.J. M. Craig,

                                                              W. T. Dyer

 

1875-78      Rev. John A. Jewell        John Shelley

 

1881-84      Rev. W. H. Emsley         D. Balfour,

                                                            H. Houck,

J. Reed

 

1884-87      Rev. G. P. Steele             G. Carpenter,

                                                             A. L. Adam

 

1887-90      Rev. Andrew Wildon      G. Raley

                                                              G. Clare,

                                                              A. Malott

 

1890-92      Rev. Richard Duke          C. Adams,

                                                               F. J. Anderson

1892-94      Rev. Thomas Snowdon   J. Magahey

H. Rowe,

P. Neville

 

1894-95      Rev. S. Sing                    G. Gardiner

 

1895-96      Rev. S. Malott                E. B. Cooke

 

1896-99      Rev. J. W. Shier              S. C. Moore

                                                            A. H. Foster

                                                            F. H. Howard

 

1899-02      Rev. G. Horton             E. W. Morgan

                                                           G. R. Maunder

                                                           E. W. Tink

 

1902-05      Rev. James Batstone    A. Maunder

                                                            J. E. Robeson

                                                            G.C.R. McQuade

 

1905-07      Rev. C. H. Coon             J. O. Totten

                                                            C. Mark

 

1907-11      Rev. H. W. Foley            A. L. Phelps

                                                          W. P. Woodgar

                                                          F. Staples

                                                          Mr. Biggs

 

1911-13      Rev. W. E. Honey           R. E. Stewart,

                                                          W. J. H. Smyth

 

1913-15      Rev. W. H. Webber        O. L. Hargrave

                                                          C. W. Wiley

         

                     

 Single Circuit

 

1915-18                Rev. P. H. Neville

1918-22                Rev. J. M. Whyte

1922-27                Rev. a. Carmon Hie

1927-31                Rev. M. L. Hinton

1931-34                Rev. G. W. Gardner

1934-38                Rev. James Leach

1938-47                Rev. C. C. Miller

1947-52                Rev. S. Littlewood

1952-57                Rev. R. C. White

1957-61                Rev. R. C. Hopkins

1961-62                Mr. W. M. Sedgewick

                             (Rev. J. F. Lane)

1962-69                Rev. John Braham

1969-75                Rev. A. M. Butler

1976-76                Mr. G. F. McAuslan

                             (Rev. W. J. March)

1976-83                Rev. E. W. f. Bentley

1984-91                Rev. Larry Wiegand

1991-92                Rev. Walter Murray (supply)

1992-95                Rev. Elizabeth Praamsma (Ministry Team)

1993-95                Rev. Elijah Lumbama (Ministry Team)

1995-96                Rev. Bob Matheson (supply)

1996-98                Rev. John McKibbon

1998-00               Rev. Paul Boughton (supply)

2001-11                Rev. Allan Reeve

2011-12                Rev. Jean Wilson (supply)

2012-18               Rev. Rodney Smith-Merkley

2020-22              Rev. Andrew Macpherson

2022-                   Rev. Dr. Bob Root

 

 

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

A CHRONOLOGY

 

1857 - Arrival of the Rev. James Ash,

  first saddleback preacher

 

1858  - first Quarterly board Meeting

          - first Celebration of Communion

          - Arrival of the Rev. John Dowler,

  first resident minister

 

1859  - First Bobcaygeon Manse built

          - first Church on circuit erected at Knox Farm

 

1860  - Original Methodist Church in Bobcaygeon     

            erected

1874  - Dunsford became separate circuit

 

1879  - Trinity Church enlarged and renovated

 

1881  -Second Bobcaygeon Manse built

 

1885  - Zion Church erected at Nogies Creek

          - Fairbairn Church erected

 

1890  - Providence Church erected

 

1892 - St. David’s Church erected at Dunsford circuit

 

1898  - Eden Church erected

 

1905  - St. John’s Church erected

 

1912  - Trinity Sunday School Hall erected

 

1928  - St. David’s Church closed

1938  - Zion Church closed

 

1944 -  memorial windows placed in Trinity Church

 

1946  - Sunday School hall enlarged

 

1947  - First electric organ purchased

 

1958  - Washrooms and oil furnace installed

          - Eden Church closed

 

1963  - Fairbairn Church closed

          - St. John’s Church closed

 

1964  - Trinity building Fund established

 

1975  - Sanctuary renovated

 

1976 – Existing organ purchased

          - Existing Bobcaygeon Manse erected

 

1978  - New Trinity Church erected

 

1979  - Mortgage burned at first anniversary Service                                                                                                                        

TRINITY CHURCH AT 160

Words: Walter Murray

Music: “Home on the Range” (O Give Me a Home)

 

1.   Oh give me a place where a church glows with grace,

      and the old and the young like to play.

      May Trinity be where we all are set free

      and our faith is not cloudy all day.

​

Chorus

Home, home in our church,

with no colours or creeds seen as wrong.

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

and all orientations belong.

 

2.  At one sixty years our vision now clears

     while the COVID still plagues us like sin.

     Though Jesus once died and his followers cried,

     now his Spirit gives life deep within.

 

3.   Six churches around our Bobcaygeon were found

      in the Methodist faith way back when.

      They joined Trinity which is why we can see

      many changes occur now as then.

​

Chorus

Home, home in our church,

with no colours or creeds seen as wrong.

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

and all orientations belong.

 

4.   We now wear our masks as we carry on tasks

      that we once used to do face to face.

      Now ‘drones’ bring the cross as a comfort for loss.

     And we all find in Andrew God’s Grace.

 

5.   How often at night when the heavens are bright,

      we give thanks for our Trinity Strong.

      We celebrate now, and the Spirit shows how

      to continue creation’s Love Song.

​

Chorus

Home, home in our church,

with no colours or creeds seen as wrong.

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

and all orientations belong.

 

Editor’s Note: Walter says he knows there were 7 churches that joined Trinity,

but he needed a one syllable word!

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