The baptism of Theodore Walter Stager in the historic Knox, New Glasgow, Ont., the church of his ancestors, was undoubtedly the highlight of the gathering of the Clan Paterson, in August, to mark the 186th anniversary of the landing of John Paterson, his two sons and two daughters and 19 grandchildren and many of his countrymen, near exiles from their native Argyleshire, Scotland.
Water taken from Lake Erie, near the original landing site was used to consummate this eighth generation connection. Over 100 cousins bore witness to the event, promising support and guidance in Theodore’s upbringing. Victoria Hussey, a fifth generation piper, piped the worshippers in and out of church.
She also piped Duncan McPhail, past mayor and warden of Elgin County, into the nearby Port Glasgow Park where he officially welcomed some 150 of his cousins. The Piping of the Haggis carried by David King to the food table began the potluck picnic lunch, while cousins from afar visited into the afternoon.
As well as local attendees, they came from Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, New Liskeard, Kansas, Texas, and Michigan. The oldest in attendance was Marybelle Parkin (shoemaker – Paterson) at 102.
Gum bu beo an McPhaidruig.
