Rev. James Hastie (1906-1908/1907-1909)
In 1907(according to Herbert Hill’s article on Monkland but 1906 according to the article on Gravel Hill), the Rev. James Hastie became the minister for both St. James at Gravel Hill and St. Andrew’s at Monkland.
During his time there, the congregation continued to grow. The first communion service in Monkland was held March 3, 1907.. By the end of the year, 7 more members had been received into the congregation.
By 1909, a second track of the railway was built; the village of Monkland was flourishing; and the needed for a permanent place to worship was obvious. Land was bought from Hugh Lavine and William Kinnear.
Andrew Drysdale (1909-1911)
But it was the student minister, Andrew Drysdale, who took over from the Rev. Hastie, who was perhaps the most influential and the most remembered.
He took over in 1909. In March, a motion was passed for the congregation to ask the Presbytery for permission to build a church. Permission was given, and Mr. Drysdale canvassed the countryside for funds. Only a few months later, in August, 1909, the building was finished and dedicated. It was also debt-free. The church bell was donated by Mr. A.D. Cummings who died shortly before the church was dedicated; the bell tolled for the time for his funeral.
The dedication service was conducted by Rev. N.H. MacGillivray with Mr. Drysdale participating. As part of the dedication service, the church was named St. Andrew’s in honour of Andrew Drysdale.
In 1911, Andrew Drysdale had graduated and moved on from the area.
For details about ministers, see our St. James’ (Gravel Hill)’s history, pages.