The Rock and the Sword: A History of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kingston, Ontario
Brian S. Osborne
Heinrich Heine Press at Grass Creek
This volume by Professor Brian Osborne of Queen's University joins an increasing number of impressive congregational histories. From Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal and now Kingston we are privileged as Canadian Presbyterians to have significant contributions to help churches understand their roots and heritage. Though a geographer, Osborne has, at the request of St. Andrew's Kingston War Veterans Association, benefited all of us with the fruits of 15 years of research and study into the history of the so-called Presbyterian cathedral of eastern Ontario, rich in history and anecdote. The volume, thanks to desktop publishing, has been beautifully produced. The illustrations and photographs make the book essential reading not only for those who wish to understand St. Andrew's but also the history of both Kingston and Queen's University. Those involved in its production are to be congratulated. The only thing that one misses is an index (and the odd footnote.)
As far as the content is concerned the size of the book is somewhat overwhelming at first glance. The early chapters, detailing at length some of the struggles of Presbyterianism in Upper Canada, go over familiar territory. As the book progresses into the post-Union period one would like to know more. The folk of St. Andrew's, in common with other similar congregations, could be a scrappy lot. In the mid-1880s no less than three ministers chosen by the congregation declined calls because of anonymous letters of warning as to what they would face should they come to Kingston. Conflict seems to have punctuated the history of St. Andrew's on significant occasions. In keeping with Edwin Friedman's analysis of the family process in church and synagogue, certain patterns of dominant behaviour appear to prevail across the years and generations.
One of the more significant ministries at St. Andrew's was that of John W. Stephen, who served happily from 1916 to 1939 and was largely responsible for keeping the congregation Presbyterian in 1925. Osborne was privileged to have personal interviews with the family, as well as access to Stephen family papers. Stephen was followed by Forbes Wedderburn who served for 17 years, another period of stability. With the coming of Max Putnam, described as charismatic (small c, one assumes) the congregation took a leap forward in membership, attendance and children's and youth activities. Reaching a peak of over a thousand members and adherents in 1970, the congregation has faced steady erosion since that time. Osborne deals with the causes in a way that would help other churches face the realities of decline. St. Andrew's is not alone in its struggles. One could have wished for more insights into the theology and mission of the congregation, especially to the university community. Only in the 1980s do theological issues surface in the book. Some of that presentation seems one sided and dependent on unhappy people. It is hard to be honest in congregational histories but Osborne, as an outsider, generally seeks to preserve objectivity and be even-handed.
Altogether this is a most absorbing and helpful book and for any who are intrigued by the dynamics of parish life and the history of an important PCC congregation, the read is engrossing. It is also a book that would help anyone wrestling with issues of continuity and survival to re-examine their own church's life and witness.
