My first encounter with John Moir took place in 1974. I was a young arts student struggling to find my way at the University of Toronto. Not yet certain what my area of specialty would be, I enrolled in John Moir’s pre – Confederation Canadian history course. From the first lecture, I was captivated by his vivid telling of events in our history. His passion for that subject – and all the subjects he taught – was infectious. He allowed us to “virtually” experience the themes of history – the people, the places and events – through fact, images and thought – provoking commentary.
His vast knowledge and writings on topics in Canadian History, specifically religious history, are well known to this audience. We have all benefited from his research and writing skills. His writing style is, I would say, inviting. A perfect example of this is evident in his history of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, Enduring Witness. Although written as an academic text, the prose lends itself to any audience. We often suggest this book to our researchers as a resource because it provides such a readable, comprehensive history of the denomination.
Professor Moir displayed a sincere interest in his students. He invited us, spouses – even the children – to his home. He made no distinction between graduate student and undergraduate. He was interested in each one of us. On those occasions, we had the pleasure of meeting his wife Jacqueline and their children – even the family dogs. What a treat – to sit around with this collegial group in a casual setting and discuss all manner of events – maybe even a little history. These evenings were selflessly provided by the Moir family but they left a lasting impression on us. He has kept in touch with a number of his students – now scattered around the world – some became professors in their own right.
It was during my student years that I became aware of Dr. Moir’s connection with the Presbyterian Archives. We learned that while teaching a full load of courses, he was also serving as Archivist of the Presbyterian Church (1975 – 1980); working in the Archives in the basement of Knox College each week. Supported by the Committee on History, he directed the work of dedicated assistants, committed to the first formal PCC Archives facility and its growing collections. Dr. Geoff Johnston did much of the early cataloguing of national office records and personal papers under John Moir’s guidance. Doctors Fred Rennie, Mel Bailey, and John A. Johnston were also very much involved with this work. John’s daughter, Sheila, also worked alongside her father in the Archives for a time.
After my final graduation, John Moir encouraged me to apply for a position with the Presbyterian Church Archives. That was the beginning of a new association with him, this time as mentor. From my perspective in the Archives, I was able to further see the significant contribution John had made to the denomination’s history. I had the opportunity of researching the Committee on History records and developed a real appreciation for the work that had gone into the archival programme and facility up to that point. The record shows that his views and opinions were highly significant in guiding the direction of the Archives. As archivists will commonly attest, developing an archives programme can often be rather an uphill struggle. John displayed the dedication and perseverance that showed he wanted more than mere continuance of the programme. Rather, he wanted it to expand and flourish. As a young archivist I found his ambitious vision somewhat daunting at first, yet it was also inspiring to me as someone newly committed to the position.
Other qualities, such as his knowledge of the history and geography of Canada, the geography of the Church, its governing structure, committees, congregations and members, all greatly impacted on the resulting policies and procedures that continue to govern the Archives today. John Moir’s leadership helped formulate the Collection Mandate of the Archives. Regulations surrounding Archives and Records were added to the Book of Forms of the Presbyterian Church. His connection with academics, other universities, libraries, archivists and records managers across the country and internationally collectively helped to put the Presbyterian Church Archives and its collections on the research map.
Professor Moir and his colleague, Alex Ross (then at the Archives of Ontario), were the first to actively promote the need for formal records management throughout the national church office. They conducted a survey of the national office records as a first step in creating records’ awareness among church staff. John wrote, For the Record , a modest publication designed to assist record keepers throughout the Church with the identification and care of their historic records. Although it took some years to be formally accepted by the Church’s General Assembly, John established the ground work for the Records Management Programme that was formally approved in 1992. Without this, the Church and research community would not be guaranteed the early identification of archival records, the proper care of these records throughout their lifetime, and their deposition in the Archives for use in the years to come.
Even John Moir’s son, Ian, came to join our staff for a time – undoubtedly inspired by his father. Ian proved to be a talented young historian and budding archivist and went on to assume a senior position with the NWT Archives – but not before he left us many well crafted finding aids which continue to be in frequent use.
Since 1980, I have shared many chapters in the life of the Presbyterian Archives with John Moir. He has been there for the ups and downs, lending an ear and offering his sage advice – and equally welcome – his sense of humour. Those in attendance at the opening of the new Presbyterian Church Archives facility at the national office in April 1998 were so pleased that John and Jacqueline Moir were able to attend. This event would not have been as meaningful without their presence. This third stage in my association with John Moir has been the gift of friendship.
Although this tribute is a personal one, John Moir has been teacher, mentor and friend to many.
There are a number of ways one could sum up the significant contribution John has made to the study of religious history, to the academic community, the archives community, and to the church community. His generosity – given in time and talent – was most often simply and quietly provided. A modest man – a dedicated churchman – he did not seek out the limelight.
There is a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. which is, I believe, most applicable to John:
“Everyone has the power for greatness – not for fame but for greatness because greatness is determined by service”.
Thank you Professor Moir.
