Reverend John McMurray
1848-1856
In 1855, the local school superintendent, Reverend John McMurray, made the request for moving the two male and two female common schools into the “large commodious stone building” – Victoria School. “A greater interest is evidently taken in the work of education in this town than heretofore,” he observed and “now that the school is free to all and that the Rate-Bill is abolished, no barrier lies in the way of the poorest parent obtaining for his child, an education which will quality him for occupying a high position in the future advancement and prosperity of his country”, according to McMurray. “The Victoria School was the finest in Canada, and clearly a building adapted to promote the physical activities of the young, as its intellectual machinery is designed to educate and invigorate their mental capabilities and improve their moral nature.”
Reverend John Jones
1866-1869
The Reverend john Jones was called by the congregation on February 7th, 1866, and was inducted into the charge on the May 28th, 1866. Mr. Jones was born in Llanerchymeed, Anglesey, Wales in March 1835, came to America in 1854 and graduated from Princeton College in 1865. He was called to Cote des Neiges, Montreal, the same year and to Brockville the following year.
During Mr. Jones’ short ministry, the membership of the First Presbyterian Church’s Session was increased. Alex G McCready, Dr. Gordon and Robert Graham being ordained as elders on January 15th, 1868.
On September 9th, 1869, Mr. Jones resigned the charge of First Church, intending to make on extended trip to Europe and the Holy Land
THE CHOIR
submitted by the Archive Team
The choir of First Presbyterian Church has been making beautiful music for many years. The members have also made many great friendships through the years. This is evident by the number of photos we have in the Archives. Celebrations, dinner parties, and gatherings were all a time of laughter and fun. These gatherings, of course, were in addition to the many hours spent in rehearsal.
The accompanying photo is of a choir party for Dick Moore’s return after serious surgery.
Seated: Dacie MacKenzie and Dick Moore
Standing (L-R): Heinz Schmuck, Mary Campbell, Barbara Johnston, Bob Loughery, Emily Adams, Florence Hamblen, Verna Brown, Gordon Bird, Brenda Cadieux, Max Farrelly, Edith Mawhinney, Linda Osmond and Kathy Loughery.
The Reverend Allan Duncan appreciated the efforts of the Senior Choir. He took great interest in the music provided on a weekly basis and was always encouraging the young people to join services with their instrumental music.
The accompanying black & white photo:
Back row (L-R): Malcolm Clarke, Heinz Schmuck, Eric Balch, Ed Flanigan, Allan Duncan, Dick Moore, Bob Loughery and Max Farrelly.
Front Row (L-R): Mary Campbell, Gini Norcott, Isa Currie, Erica Weissenbach, Edith Mawhinney, Karen Forrest, Beulah Hutt, Isabel Cameron, Dacie MacKenzie, Florence Hamblen and Lilo Schilkin.