Note: Photos will be added at a later time.
HISTORY OF BALLYDUFF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Established 1853
637 Ballyduff Rd, Ballyduff, ON
Ballyduff Presbyterian Church Mission Statement, adopted at the congregational meeting of February 18, 2001:
“The mission of the Ballyduff Presbyterian Church is to maintain the present facility for worship, preaching the Word, and community involvement that can be relied on to be here in Ballyduff as our children and their children grow, open to the families of the area, present and future.”
The information produced in this history of Ballyduff Presbyterian Church is from my memories and by researching some facts. I apologize for any errors or omissions.
I am grateful for and appreciate the help Keith and Betty Rodel provided with word processing and insertion of photos.
Written by Vaneta Preston, 2020
History of Ballyduff Presbyterian Church
Records are limited in respect to the early history of Ballyduff Presbyterian Church. The church was erected in 1853 on property owned by Evan Porter. This frame structure was built on the 6th concession, lot 11 in the former Manvers Township which is now part of the City of Kawartha Lakes. After the congregation had met in homes and the school for a number of years, the early settlers decided a church was needed. In order to finance the building of the church, four men of the community volunteered to help. Each one was planning to donate 10% of their wheat crop but only one man had a good crop and donated the entire share.
The early church was the focal point of the community. Church activities included lawn socials, strawberry suppers/festivals, garden parties, box/basket socials, plays and concerts. Large crowds attended these events. The local people entertained with plays, recitations, readings and music. Many of these activities took place in the church shed. Today there are still rings remaining that were used to stable horses in the shed.
In the early Presbyterian Church no musical instrument was permitted. T.H. Lethangue led the singing in the church. Through time an instrument was permitted to be used in the church. For a number of years, a pump organ which was made by the Dominion Organ and Piano Company, Bowmanville, Ontario was used to accompany the hymn singing. Some of the earlier organists have been Ada Armstrong (Fallis), Betty Siverns (Preston), June Farrow (Kerr), Winnifred Strong (Stuart), Velma Hoy (Halloran) and Jeanne McMahon-Taylor (Coulter). Eventually organists/pianists Sylvia Amsbury and Shirley Scott were able to play a piano or an electric organ. On many occasions other organists/pianists in the area helped with the music. Today Garry Marnoch is the organist/pianist with Perry Grandel filling in when Garry Marnoch is unavailable.
Pump organ made by the Dominion Organ and Piano Company
It was quite common for the families to pay for seating. In 1887, Mr. McCabe asked to pay ten dollars per annum for a seat so that he could bring his family with him and know where he was going to seat them. It was agreed he could have his choice of seat and he then paid the ten dollars.
Several years ago the church held two worship services on Sundays which were well attended. At the anniversary service on Sunday, November 30th, 1951, the electric lights were switched on for the first time and dedicated. Mr. Herbert McCombe, a student minister, preached at two services to a full house.
Some early ministers were: Rev. G. McKay, Rev. W.C. Windel, Rev. Victor Walker, Rev. W.H. Ferguson, Rev. Ronald Campbell, Rev. A.S. McLean, Rev. W.H. Fulton and Reverend Fred Swann. The church has had several student ministers throughout the years. Some are Ernest Herron, Herbert McCombe, Morley Mitchell and Alex Inglis.
Some early names of families attending the church were: Porter, Lethangue, Lathangue, Finney, Clark, Parker, Holmes, Greer, Davie, Ward, Stewart, Mitchell, Halloran, McCabe, Gainor (Gaynor), Chapman, Preston, Fallis, Gilbank, Gray, McCullough, Strong, Williamson, Urquhart, McGill, Bannister, Cain, Harrison, Benson and Mahood.
Church attendance became very low and the church closed for about ten years with services held only on special occasions. Previous to the closing of the church, Ballyduff, Nestleton-Cadmus and Janetville churches had been a three-point charge. They shared a manse at Nestleton. Eventually, however, Janetville closed, leaving Nestleton-Cadmus and Ballyduff as a two-point charge. Then Ballyduff closed and when Ballyduff began regular services again, each church operated independently but shared the same minister. In the late 1970s, there was a renewed interest in the community to get the church active again. A former minister, Rev. Fred Swann, was approached to help. Services were held monthly. It was apparent to have the church renovated and redecorated, a committee needed to be formed to start work on this ambitious project. The committee members were Rev. Fred Swann, Joyce Pett (Allen), Barry Armstrong, Lorence Britton, Lloyd Clark, Norm Stacey, Keith MacDonald, Bryan Myles, Ken and Catherine MacKenzie. Plans were made for fundraising for investigating the extent and cost of the work to be done. The committee did hold annual pork barbecues. Ballyduff Church plates were purchased and sold mainly by Margaret Finney (Wright) and Winnifred Strong. The church was grateful to Rev. Fred Swann and Ivan Pollard in the renovating and redecorating of the church. Rev. Fred Swann was appreciated for his expert knowledge, leadership, and service. Ivan Pollard, building mover, was appreciated for his generosity and counsel. Both Rev. Swann and Ivan Pollard were very helpful throughout the church’s new beginnings.
Front and back of the church prior to renovations
Annual pork barbecue and Ballyduff Church decorative plate
Reverend Fred Swann
At the anniversary service on Sunday, September 23rd, 1984, the church building was rededicated. The pews, pulpit, and pulpit chair, which were a gift from Lindsay-Peterborough Presbytery were dedicated. These church furnishings came from the Westwood Presbyterian Church, east of Peterborough, when that church was closed. Some memorial gifts were presented and dedicated to the service and the glory of God. These memorial gifts were as follows:
1) Communion Table and Baptismal Font in memory of Keith MacDonald by Jeanne and Tom MacDonald and Keith’s many friends.
2) The wooden cross in memory of Keith MacDonald by Marcel and Anne DeBlock.
3) The electric organ in memory of William Allen by Joyce Pett (Allen) and Phillip Allen.
4) The guest book in memory of Marwood Chapman, Dorine Chapman and George Chapman by Aleta Olan (Chapman) and family.
5) Books of Praise – Hymn books were placed in the church by the committee. Many family members did purchase hymn books in memory of their loved ones.
Front and back of the church after renovations
Anniversary service, L-R Ruth Pickering, Derena Clark, Rev. Fred Swann, Jeanne McDonald, Gwen Miles, Ruth Stacey, Audrey Young
Communion table and baptismal font
Wooden cross and electric organ
Guest book and Book of Praise
On June 4th, 1980, a group of ladies met in the Ballyduff Community Hall (formerly a school) and a Ladies Aid was organized. There had been a Ladies Aid previously when the church was holding services. The newly elected officers were:
President – Catherine MacKenzie
Vice President – Vaneta Preston
Secretary – Jeanne MacDonald
Treasurer – Derena Clark
Other members were: Ruth Stacey, Winnifred Strong, Anna Britton, Margaret Finney (Wright), Marjorie Milligan, Mildred Britton, Gwen Myles, Rose Porter, Ruth Pickering, Aleta Olan, Velma Hoy, Kay Tomlinson, Pearl McMullen, Betty Rodel, Bev McLean. There were other ladies who did help when they were able to do so. The ladies met mostly in the members’ homes. The ladies did many activities to raise funds in support of the church. Such activities were bake sales, bazaars, ham suppers, pot luck suppers, concerts, catering to wedding receptions, funeral receptions, auction and yard sales. Today there is no formal Ladies Aid but the church ladies still perform a number of duties in support of the church.
On October 26th, 2003, the church celebrated their 150th anniversary service. The special service was well attended by many former members and their families. Many treasured memories were shared following the service while having refreshments in the Ballyduff Community Hall. Rev. William Fairley, who provided the church with stated pulpit supply since the fall of 1989 delivered the message. The organist for the day was Shirley Scott. The Pigeon Creek Trio, Jeanne Taylor (McMahon), Perry Grandel and Ruth Jennings, provided some music.
Rev. William Fairley, after retiring, served the Ballyduff Presbyterian Church for twenty years. He celebrated fifty years in ministry (1955 – 2005) while he was serving the Ballyduff congregation. The congregation presented him with an intarsia wooden mosaic, made by Calvin Sinclair, in recognition of this achievement. The Fairley family returned it to the church after Rev. Fairley’s death.
Reverend William Fairley and intarsia wooden mosaic
The church participated in “Doors Open”, in the City of Kawartha Lakes, both in 2004 and 2015. In 2015, Al Clarkson from the National Presbyterian Museum, brought an interesting display. Some members were always available to tell some church history. On both occasions several visitors were welcomed into the church.
In 2005 a washroom was made at the back of the church by partitioning off a small room. As there was no water source, a chemical toilet was installed. With William Schley being the inspiring instigator for this project, the plaque on the door says “The William J.R. Schley Comfortstation”.
The Ballyduff Presbyterian Church was honoured with the Service of Ordination for Alexander Ian Marnoch, son of Garry and Jane Marnoch, held on Sunday afternoon, April 3rd, 2016. The church was full of family and friends and Lindsay-Peterborough Presbytery members. Rev. Lloyd Clifton, interim-moderator for Ballyduff delivered the message. Ian’s uncle, Rev. Bill Morrow, took part in the service. Ian’s wife Hannah was the organist. Ian’s parents extended an invitation to their residence for refreshments, fellowship and extending of best wishes to Rev. Ian Marnoch.
Rev. Ian Marnoch 2016
In the early 1980s Dieter and Jo Hoos taught Sunday School which was held in the Ballyduff Community Hall. When Dieter and Jo Hoos were no longer able to teach Sunday School, David Faulkner and his daughter, Jayne, took on the responsibility of teaching the Sunday School. Sometimes the attendance was low. Jane Marnoch has been teaching Sunday School for a number of years. At one time there were about ten children. As the children grew older, the number of children attending gradually became fewer. With fewer children Sunday School classes were held at the back of the church, if any children were present at the church service.
Prior to the 1980s Sunday School was held just prior to the regular church services. The childrens’ Sunday School classes were held at the back of the church while the adult class was held in the pews.
Other memorial gifts that were received and dedicated to the service and glory of
God since 1984 were as follows:
*1985 – a new pulpit Bible by Lloyd and Derena Clark in the memory of Lloyd Clark’s parents and grandparents.
1985 – a Mason and Risch piano by Dr. John W. Clark in memory of his parents, Mr.
and Mrs. John J. Clark.
*1985 – a new brass communion set and offering plates in memory of William Allen by family and friends.
*1985 – A brass cross in memory of Gordon Britton by the Britton family and friends. *1986 – a picture of “The Last Supper” in memory of Everett and Martha Mitchell by the Mitchell family.
1991 – the amber post lights and lights outside the front of the church in memory of Alan Armstrong by the Armstrong family and friends.
1994 – the cabinet to contain articles of historic interest in memory of David Lindsay Preston by family and friends.
1995 – the church service notice board and plaque in memory of Mildred Britton by the Britton family and friends.
1997 – a pulpit falls and communion table runner in memory of Clifford Grant Preston by Vaneta Preston, family and friends.
2004 – the handrails for the steps to the pulpit platform by William Schley in memory of his mother, Margaret Schley.
2005 – lamps for the piano and organ in memory of Aleta Olan (Chapman) by family and friends.
* the approximate year
Pulpit Bible and Mason and Risch piano
Brass cross, communion set, offering plates and
The Sacrament Of The Last Supper
Amber lights, notice board and display cabinet
Pulpit falls and communion table runner
Hand rails, and one of the lamps for the piano and organ
Some names of families attending the church in the last twenty years are as follows; Armstrong, Britton, Preston, Strong, MacDonald, Myles, Porter, Rodel, McLean, Marnoch, Foster, Brillinger, McMullen, Olan, Wright, Faulkner, Scott, Graydon, Pickering, Milligan, Hoy, Brown, Sinclair, Renouf, Fairley.
Back L-R Lorence Britton, Thomas Marnoch, Jane Marnoch, William Graydon, Betty Rodel, Ian Marnoch, Garry Marnoch, Norm Stacey Front L-R Anna Britton, Ruth Stacey, Vaneta Preston, Evelyn Graydon
L-R Earl MacLean, Vaneta Preston, Bev MacLean, Keith Rodel, Betty Rodel
The ministers serving the congregation in the last twenty years are as follows; Rev. Fred Swan, Rev. William Fairley (retired), Rev. Jay Brennan and Rev. D.A. (Sandy) Beaton (retired). Today Rev. Byron (Barney) Grace (retired) is ministering to the Ballyduff congregation. Some lay ministers were David Faulkner, Stephen Weir and Susan Swann.
This past year, 2019, with Rev. Barney Grace’s encouragement a Christmas Eve
candlelight service was held in the church. The evening was a success with a full
house (standing room only).
“Thanks be to God”!
With the declaration of a world-wide novel coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) in 2020, regular weekly Sunday morning services for the small congregation were suspended as of March 15, 2020. A service of baptism was held on August 02, 2020 for Pauline Marnoch, daughter of Reverend Ian and Hannah Marnoch. On September 13, 2020 regular services resumed, following recommended protocol to minimize the chance of spreading infection.
Some additional facts
The church has a white patterned tin-typed tile ceiling. Its unique, chipped carved pulpit along with its old pulpit chair had served the congregation for many years. The chipped carving art was taught to many women when a travelling teacher of this art passed through the community.
Since the removal of the wood box stoves an overhead oil furnace has become the heat source. At the annual congregational meeting each year “a fireman” was elected to start the two box stoves before the church services.
The candelabrum used at Advent was given to the church by Shirley Scott.
A painting of “The Last Supper” hanging on the west wall at the front of the church was a paint-by-number painted by Madeline Kerr many years ago.
The communion table, baptismal font and the wooden cross were made by Marcel DeBlock, Hampton, Ontario, a friend of the late Keith MacDonald.
In April, 1987, the Presbytery of Lindsay-Peterborough held their regular meeting in the church. The ladies prepared and catered a ham and salad lunch for the presbytery members in the Ballyduff Community Hall. Following the meeting of presbytery, its members fanned out around the community including the subdivision in Pontypool to distribute pamphlets inviting people to Ballyduff services.
Two plant stands made by Dale Van Der Veen and four chairs on the pulpit platform were purchased for the church by the Ladies Aid.
Storm windows were added to the stained glass windows to protect them and help keep the heat inside the building.
A wooden church service board made by Lorence Britton when he was young was refurbished and rededicated (1990).
When St. Mary’s Anglican Church burned in 1993, the Ballyduff Presbyterian
Church became the oldest church in the area formerly known as Manvers Township, which is now part of the City of Kawartha Lakes. The church now is a heritage building.
An electric organ was given to the church in 2016 by Alex Bruce of Durham Keyboard Services since the present organ had expensive maintenance issues.
The anniversary services of the church, if celebrated, occurred in the fall.
Tin-typed tile ceiling, chipped carved pulpit, old pulpit chair
Candelabrum, The Last Supper
Plant stand, chairs on the pulpit platform
Stained glass windows
Electric organ 2016
A letter from Dr. J. W. Clark, October 27, 1984:
He ordered hymn books and he included this information in regard to J. J. Clark.
“My mother was a life-long member of the choir. My father was organist and choir leader for some thirty-five years (about 1905 until 1940 – he died in 1941). He was also a long-time Elder and Clerk of the Session for much of that time. The minister for most of those years was Rev. W. H. V. Walker.”
Sample of a Congregational Meeting, transcribed from original document:
Ballyduff Oct 27th, 1884
Meeting of Congregation, Cartwright and Ballyduff to purchase Manse.
There were present of Ballyduff Congregation J.C. Williamson, W.H. Ferguson, Francis Ward, William Lethangue.
Present from Cartwright Congregation Rev. G. McKay, Edward Ginn, Francis Sanderson, J.J. Watson, J. Graham, David Bingham, John Hooey and James G. Hooey.
J.C. Williamson was appointed chairman and David Bingham Secretary. (Moved by Edward Ginn Seconded by Francis Sanderson that the Holmes property be bought. Carried. Moved by Francis Sanderson Seconded by John Graham that the Cartwright Congregation pay $900 nine hundred dollars, towards Manse and that Ballyduff Congregation pay $500. Five hundred dollars if bought for $1400 Fourteen hundred dollars, and if any less to pay in proportion). Carried. Moved by J.C. Williamson seconded by William Lethangue that Francis Ward and W.H. Ferguson be Trustees for Ballyduff Congregation. Carried. Moved by F. Sanderson. Seconded by Jno Graham that Wm Hooey, Sen J.G. Hooey & J.J. Watson be Trustees for Cartwright Congregation. Carried.
Moved by W.H. Ferguson Seconded by Wm Lethangue, that James Clark, Jm Brown, J.H. Mahood, and Thos. Aikins be a Committee for Ballyduff congregation and also Jno Coulter & Jno Lethangue Carried
Moved by J.J. Watson. Seconded by Gibson Hooey that E. Ginn, F. Sanderson, William Hooey. Jion Bingham J. Graham Jno Hooey, J.J. Watson, be a committee for Cartwright Congregation. Carried.
David Bingham Secretary
Excerpt from The Annual Meeting of Ballyduff Presbyterian Church held in the church on February 14, 1967.
“Moved by Bill Allen, seconded by Mrs. Lloyd Clark that the Young Life Club report be adopted as read by himself – carried.
A motion was made that the balance of the Young Life Club fund be forwarded to the newly formed Young Peoples Club and that the Young Life Club be discontinued.
Moved by Bill Allen seconded by Bert Porter that the Badminton Club report be adopted as read by himself – carried.
Moved by Mr. Swann, seconded by Lloyd Clark that the Young Peoples report be adopted as read by Mrs. Gordon Strong – carried.”
The young people’s club as remembered by Lorence Britton:
“The Ballyduff Presbyterian Church Young Peoples Club was led in the 1960s by our minister at the time, Reverend McNight. The club met the first time for the purpose of performing a play in the church shed during a strawberry social. The Young Peoples group continued to meet for a number of years. The play was well received and the group was asked on occasion to perform plays at other churches and social events.
At this time, the church shed underwent some improvements. In earlier years before automobiles were used, the shed was used to stable horses during Sunday services. Irons rings in the walls secured the horses, and the floor was hard packed dirt. A stage had been built in the shed in prior years and a cement floor was poured in the 1960s. This enabled the Young People’s group to make better use of the building for recreation such as shuffleboard and badminton, and it was a useful improvement for when socials were held. The elders of the church flooded the cement floor in the winter and maintained it so the youth could skate. The young people assisted with maintenance by scraping the ice surface and doing any other required tasks. A dressing room just off the stage had a wood stove in it for warmth during skating sessions. I believe skating nights were held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The skating rink was open for use by the community of Ballyduff.
The Young Peoples group would get together at different homes once a month for a social gathering, such as a dance. At the end of each social time, it was decided where they would meet next. During the youth social time, the parents would visit with each other in another room.
The Young Peoples group consisted of: Keith Strong, Gail Strong, Lorence Britton, Donna Hoy, Neil Hoy, Ralph Hoy, Wanda Kerr and Dianne Kerr.”
Reprinted Nov. 23, 1988 from the Nov. 24, 1938 Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville
Nov. 08, 1961 Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville
Sample of a Treasurer’s report from 1897
Treasurer’s Report
Receipts for 1897
$ ¢
Jan 7th Cash on hand 16 08
” 16th Received from Wm Porter 2 00
” 31st “ “ Mrs. Belch 5 00
Feb 5th Proceeds of Lecture less expenses 3 50
July 1st “ “ Lawn Social 50 40
“ 6th Received for sugar left from social 20
Dec 8th Received Stipend 98 45
“ 27th Proceeds of Fowl Supper 35 05
“ 27th Received Stipend 8 00
“ 31st “ Collection for 1987 44 25
Received Stipend 15 65
Total 278 88
Expenditure for 1897
$ ¢
Jan 15th Paid for account book 05
“ 31st “ Augmentation fund 7 00
Feb 5th “ to Minister 3 80
“ 14th “ India relief fund 5 55
April 4th “ Foreign Mission 3 35
May 31st “ Presbytery Signod fund 3 35
June 10th “ Insurance agent fees 1 50
July 7th “ Expenses of Lawn Social 9 25
“ 7th “ old account for records 6 58
“ 7th “ to Salery 76 00
Sep 12th “ to Home Mission fund 2 50
“ 19th “ to repairing organ 1 50
Aug 1st “ to French Evangilation fund 1 50
Nov 21st “ to Assembly Fund 2 00
“ 31st “ for lamp glasses 60
Dec 8th “ “ wood 1 20
“ 8th “ to minister’s salery 100 00
“ 21st “ J. Williamson’s bill 3 65
“ 21st “ S. McCabe’s bill 1 54
“ 31st “ Expenses of fowl Supper 2 00
“ 31st “ for wood 3 00
“ Sabbath School collection 77
Total 236 74
Paid to Salery 42 00
Balance on hand 14
278 88
A Psalm of Praise: Psalm 100
1. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Bible Presented to Ballyduff Presbyterian Church by Mrs. Vivian Argue in memory of her father and mother Mr. and Mrs. Robert Benson September 1938