MISS AGNES DICKSON, MISSIONARY
Miss Agnes Dickson was born in Fenelon Falls on February 25th, 1877, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Dickson, who were pioneers in the work of this church.
She was educated in the Fenelon Falls Public School, Lindsay High School, and the University of Toronto, graduating from the University in 1900.
Miss Dickson was interested in missions form a very early age, and it was no surprise to her friends and associates when she received the definite Call. She was designated in Erskin Church, Montreal in 1904, to the South China field. She served in the Canton area, Macao and Kong Moon until 1919 when she returned to Canada. Following deputation work in Ontario, Quebec, and the Mid-West, Miss Dickson was appointed in 1922 to National Mission work among the Chinese in Canada, serving first in Toronto, and later in Montreal for a period of many years.
After retiring to her home in Fenelon Falls, she was an inspiration to all, and especially in the work of the Sunday School and the Women’s Missionary Society.
Now in her eighty-eighth year, Miss Dickson, radiant with an inner peace and happiness, still a valiant soldier of Jesus Christ, interested in all around her, is living in a Church Home in Galt, Ontario.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAISE
In the early days of the congregation, from 1863 to 1877, the music in Divine Worship was that of the human voice rendering the incomparable words and melodies of the metrical Psalms, unaided by instrumental music of any kind. The nearest approach to a musical instrument was the tuning-fork of the precentor, and knowing the strong Free Church sympathies prevalent in the Canada Presbyterian Church, we can well imagine that there were those who even looked askance at that. During this period precentors were Mr. F.J. Poulsom and Mr. H. Davis.
It was not long, however, before the advocates of instrumental music began to press their case. At first the new ways were rejected, and we find that the congregation, at a meeting in 1872, decided not to have instrumental music, stating in the resolution, “it is unscriptural and unnecessary in the public worship of God”.
In spite of the action taken in 1872, the new ideas persisted and gained support. In 1875 a discussion took place concerning the use of Hymn books, and standing to sing. At the same time a committee was appointed to buy an organ. However, the use of the organ was not officially authorized until two years later, when a motion was passed allowing use of Hymn books, standing to sing, and use of organ. At the same time, Mr. F. McDougall was appointed to conduct the singing, and Mrs. F. McDougall as organist.
It is not clear from congregational records when the choir was first organized. Formation of a choir was discussed at a congregational meeting in 1876, but it is by no means certain that anything definite was done at that time, for in 1878 Messers Thos. Lockhart, Hugh Henry Sharp, and McKeown are named as Chanters. Definite mention of a choir is made in 1880, when it is reported that the choir raised $161.25 by socials and an excursion.
Mention is made in church records of the following choir leaders: Mr. John Lee, Mrs. J.S. Northy, and Mr. Harvey Copp.
Organists since Mrs. McDougall have been Miss S. Martin (20 years), Mrs. George Robertson, Mrs. Jos. Davies, Mrs. D.A. Gordon, Miss Hazel Dike, Mrs. A.C. Harding, Mrs. J.H. Langman, Miss Marilyn Murchison, Mr. George Downs, Miss Vivian Baker, and Mr. Bruce Cooper, A.T.C.M. Several others have served for shorter period of as interim-organists, with no record of their service.
The original organ seems to have served up until about 1913, at which time a collection was taken for an organ fund. The present organ, a Hallman electric, was procured and installed in 1951, and dedicated as a memorial on Sunday, August 5th of that year. The inaugural recital was given by Dr. Corbitt.
THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
The Fenelon Falls auxiliary of the Women’s Missionary Society was organized on April 4th, 1892, with a membership of seventeen. Mrs. Robert Johnston and Mrs. Robert Ross of Lindsay conducted the meeting. After Mrs. Ross read the constitution, the following officers were elected: President, Mrs. (Rev.) Malcolm McKinnon; 1st Vice President, Mrs. J.R. Graham; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. W.H. Walsh; Secretary, Mrs. James Dickson; Treasurer, Miss S. McArthur; Organist, Mrs. F. McDougall.
In June of the following year, a Mission Band was formed, under the leadership of Miss Annie Rutherford.
The Women’s Missionary Society has had a part in organizing two Young Women’s groups, one in 1924 with Annie Martin as president, which later joined with the Senior Auxiliary in 1934, and the present Young Women’s group, The Agnes Dickson Auxiliary, formed Feb. 27, 1951 with Mrs. M. Lawrence as president.
The following have served in the office of president of the W. M. S. – Mrs. M. McKinnon, Mrs. James Dickson, Mrs. J.H. Brandon, Mrs. Sinclair, Mrs. Jos. Lee, Mrs. John Northey, Mrs. J. Begg, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. J. Fairfield, Mrs. Snider, Mrs. Lord, Miss A.L. Dickson, Mrs. L. Menzies and Mrs. M.B. Cunningham.
THE AGNES DICKSON EVENING AUXILIARY, W.M.S.
The Agnes Dickson Evening Auxiliary of the Women’s Missionary Society, W.D., was form by Miss Agnes Dickson on February 27th, 1951, to interest young women of the church in world missions, and to give an opportunity for young mothers and working women to attend an organization serving the missionary endeavors of the church. Supper meetings are now held on the third Monday of each month. Presidents of the Auxiliary have been as follows: Mrs. M. Lawrence, 1951-1952; Mrs. L. Beynon, 1953-1957; Mrs. C. Thurston, 1958-1962; Mrs. L. Beynon, 1963; and Mrs. E.G. MacDonald , 1964.
ST. ANDREW’S LADIES AID
The Ladies’ Aid Society of St. Andrew’s has long been an important department of our church. Existing records do not indicate exactly when it was organized, but at the Annual Congregational meeting on Feb. 9th, 1887, the Ladies’ Aid reported a bank balance of $68.72. When the present church was opened for worship on Sunday, November 10th, 1895, the Society had helped with the furnishings. In 1908, a constitution was drawn up setting out two vital responsibilities—to help in the financial needs of the congregation, and to increase the element of sociability within the church. Revisions to the constitution were made in 1916, 1961, and 1963.
The Society, an admirable arm of the church, raises considerable funds, with all the ladies assisting in the projects undertaken. Almost every year the organization has helped the Board of Managers by direct financial gifts. The Ladies’ Aid has assumed as well the responsibility of maintaining the interior of the manse. In 1960 an outstanding contribution was made by the ladies in this respect, as many hours of free labor as well as money helped to see the manse become a comfortable modern dwelling.
ST. ANDREW’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
The beginnings of St. Andrew’s Sunday School are not recorded in any books or minutes preserved by the church. That there was a Sunday School as early as 1874 we know, because it is recorded that Mr. Thomas Torrance resigned in that year as Superintendent. The following year Mr. Thomas Lockhart was Superintendent, and Mr. Moffat was Assistant.
The following may not be a complete list of succeeding Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents, but the names given are those found in the records, and whose tenure of the office can be substantiated.
Mr. William McKendry
Mr. A. Feir
Mr. Duncan McDougall
Mr. Andrew Sutherland
Mr. George Harper
Mr. Roy Tolmie
Mr. T. J. Carley
Mrs. J. Begg
Miss Agnes Dickson
Mr. Charles R. McInnes
Mr. Campbell Kerr
Two remarkable records of service to the Sunday School have been established through the years. It was recorded in 1923 that Mr. Andrew Sutherland had been associated with the Sunday School for 38 years. Miss S. Haskell set a record of 43 years as a teacher from 1919 to 1962. The church owes a deep debt of gratitutde to these and the many others who, with deep Christian devotion and unselfish dedication, have labored to plant the seeds of the Kingdom of God in the hearts of the youth of this congregation.
OFFICERS FOR 1964
THE SESSION
Rev. E. Grant MacDonald, Moderator; Charles R. McInnes, John Swanton,, Ronald Sharman, William D. Murchison, William B. Cunningham, William Bain, Elders.
THE TRUSTEES
William B. Cunningham, William D. Murchison, R.C. Kerr, Melville Lee.
THE BOARD OF MANAGERS
R.C. Kerr (Chariman), William B. Cunningham (Secretary), Mrs. H.J. Copp, Mrs. C. Thurston, Leigh Culbert, Clifford McIntyre, William Bain, William D. Murchison, Dr. George Johnston, John Chambers, Leonard Powles, Lloyd Moore.
ORGANIST and CHOIR DIRECTOR
Bruce Cooper, A.T.C.M.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
R.C. Kerr (Superintendent), Mrs. Leigh Culbert (Secretary-Treasurer), June Johnston, Janice Pogue, Mary Pogue, Teachers.
THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
President, Mrs. W.B. Cunningham; Vice President, Miss Marjorie Demill; Secretary, Mrs. R.N. Tyndale; Treasurer, Mrs. C.R. McInnes.
THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
President, Mrs. E.G. MacDonald; Vice President, Mrs. Leigh Culbert; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Johnston; Treasurer, Mrs. Henderson McIntyre.
THE LADIES’ AID
President, Mrs. C. Thurston; Vice President, Mrs. Gratton Curtis; Secretary, Miss Marjorie Demill; Treasurer, Mrs. R.N. Tyndal.
CHURCH TREASURER
Mr. Frank Brown
BUDGET TREASURER
Mr. Ronald Sharman
CONGREGATIONAL SECRETARY
Mr. W.B. Cunningham
CENTENNIAL COMMITTE
Rev. E.G. MacDonald (Chariman), Charles R. McInnes (Secretary), Mrs. C.R. McInnes, Mrs. H.J. Copp, William D. Murchison, Mrs. W.D. Murchison, Leigh Culbert, Mrs. C. Thurston, W.B. Cunningham, Mrs. W.B. Cunningham, Ronald Sharman, William Bain.