The town of Monkland traces its beginnings back to 1885. In the early years, Presbyterians in Monkland worshipped at St. James’ Presbyterian Church in Gravel Hill. As Monkland grew in population, so did the need for having local Presbyterian religious services.
When did the Monkland Presbyterian congregation actually start? That’s hard to say:
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- The church building was built in 1909, but services were being held before then.
- As early as 1906, weekly prayer meetings were held in either MacGillivray’s or Truax’s Hall.
So there is no doubt that Presbyterians were in the area, but whether they were formally constituted before 1909 as an actual congregation is unknown.
Rev. Hector N. MacLean (1905-1906)
The first Presbyterian minister serving the congregation was the Rev Hector N. MacLean.
For a time, he provided 3 sermons on Sunday, plus various prayer meetings and other services through the week. The workload was too much, particularly if pastoral care and other initiatives were needed. By the end of 1906, the Rev. MacLean gave up the work in Gravel Hill and Monkland so he could focus on Avonmore.