History

   Church History

1811-1891

The Rev. William Smart, a young Englishman established the first Sabbath (Sunday) School in Brockville. Records indicated that four (4) hour classes were held each Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Youngsters were schooled in the four R’s “Reading , ‘riting, ‘rithmetic and Religion. Classes were held in the Courthouse building. Desire and need dictated the formation of an adult congregation with The Rev. William Smart as pastor. On this site, the land, generously donated by William Buell, a stone church, “Brockville’s First Church”, was erected by the ever-growing congregation. The first Service of Worship was held on June 22, 1819.  On January 12, 1847 the church was destroyed by fire. Services continued to be held in a stone schoolhouse at the corner of Perth and George Streets. This building is still standing today.  A brick church was erected on the same site. The first Service of Worship in the new building was held on August 8th. As the Presbyterian Congregation continued to grow and prosper, the need and desire for a larger, more elaborate structure became evident. The congregation held a Farewell Social on May 25^th, and the demolition began. 

The third and present structure was erected with the help of the parishioners who donated their time, labour, skills and materials. The 100 by 100 foot structure forms a cross with towers and Gothic spires located at the primary corners of the building. The four oak columns supporting the structure were part of a raft that had, years earlier sunk to the bottom of the St. Lawrence River east of Morristown, New York. The new Kirk was completed at a cost of $35,000, five thousand dollars over budget! A Service of Dedication was held on Sunday December 14^th with The Rev. D. H. McVicar of Montreal presiding. First Church was now enjoying the service of its 6^th pastor, The Rev. G. S. Burnfield (1876-1887).

Under the leadership of The Rev. William MacKenzie (1888-1898), the ever-growing, ever prospering congregation undertook the addition of the Gallery, the redecoration of the Sanctuary and the installation of a “mammoth and modern” organ. The Casavant organ was install in 1894. At the time, it was the most effective instrument between Montreal and Toronto. The first public concert was held in October of 1894, with 700 people in attendence. The forty voice choir was directed by the organist, Dr Edward Broome.  Organ renovations were conducted in 1911 and in 1953. New pipes were installed in 1985 and further maintenance was completed in 1993 by Fred Knapton of Kingston Ontario. At the time of this 1993 renovation, the original 1894 leather bellows were still in use!

The Rev. Earl Smith (1954-1961) the 14^th pastor at First Church, was much like the 1^st minister, The Rev. William Smart, in his genuine interest in young people and his belief that they were the future of the church. The Rev. Smith enthusiastically provided more opportunities and activities for the young people and their numbers grew. On Sunday November 4, 1956, a Service of Rededication of the Sunday School was held following the redecorating of the Sunday School facilities.  A two level Christian Educational building was added to the Church. The Rev Leslie Renault was the minister during this addition.  First Church was designated a Historical site, one of only two churches in Brockville to be so identified. An elevator is installed.

The Rev. Allan Duncan retired from active ministry to the congregation of First Church after 18 years (1978-1996). He was extremely interested in the history of our church and was very diligent in his efforts to record his extensive research. Mr. Edward Flannigan also retired as organist and choir director after 43 years of service. The Rev. David Jones, our 17^th pastor was called to this church and inducted on Sunday May 16, 1996.

The congregation undertook a massive restoration project to replace the roof – both slate and tile – and repoint the stonework. From May ’til November the entire exterior of the church was surrounded with scaffolding and a crew of nine skilled craftsmen (Heritage Restoration of Scarborough) undertook the task of completing the work. The project, completed at a cost of $850,000, ensures the continuity of the building for future generations and preserves the historical integrity.

Following the roof and exterior building restoration project of 1997, evidence of interior problems began to appear. It is believed that, by repairing and sealing old leaks in the roof, what once was moist ceiling plaster suddenly had the opportunity to dry and, of course, crack. As the cracks grew and several sections of ceiling plaster fell to the sanctuary floor there was no doubt that something had to be done. For twelve weeks in the winter of 2003 the sanctuary was completely filled with scaffolding and a crew of six skilled craftsmen (Ecclesiastical Refinishing Group of Kingston) undertook the task of restoring the sanctuary walls and ceiling. Sunday Services were held in the church hall and, to many people’s surprise and delight, additional stackable chairs were required each week for Worship. The congregation chose the present sanctuary colours by ballot. Initially divided by a vote of 69 in favour of a blue coloured ceiling and 68 in favour of a rose coloured ceiling, the congregation agreed to disagree and is now unanimously in favour of the new blue ceiling and soft choral walls. Gold leaf was also added to the capitals. The entire project was completed at a cost of $200,000.

The Rev. Doug Johns was called from St.Andrew’s, Orillia. His first Sunday, July 1, just happened to be a large community outdoor service held on the Courthouse Square Green. In 2012 Doug was called to be the Minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian in Kimberley, BC, assuming duties there on June 1st 2012.

SMART MEMORIAL SERVICE