After the initial period of getting established and providing suitable properties and buildings, the congregation seems to have settled down to a period of less spectacular activity. Having lengthened their cords, they now strengthened their stakes. The years from 1875 to 1895, while contributing few items of historical interest to the story of the church, were, nevertheless, a period of steady growth and development.
This growth is reflected in the financial affairs of the congregation, and is to be seen particularly in the stipend paid to the minister. The earliest financial statement preserved shows a stipend of $261.72 being paid in 1875. In 1879 an application was made to the Presbytery of Lindsay for an increase to the amount received in aid of minister’s salary. In 1881 stipend was reported as $328.50, in 1882 as $546.82, in 1884 it was increased to $750.00. In 1891 the guarantee of stipend accompanying a call was $800.00 and four weeks holiday. Total receipts reported in 1893 were $1,083.69. Reports at the Annual Congregational Meeting in 1894 show a membership of 100, Sunday School 130, subscriptions to the Presbyterian Record 56, and receipts for the year $925.69.
During this period also, organizational work began in the congregation. The Women’s Missionary Society was formed on April 4th, 1892. The Ladies’ Aid began work at an earlier date, sometime previous to 1897.
On March 4th, 1891, Rev. William Lockhead resigned as minister of the charge after a ministry of approximately twenty-four years, the longest in the history of the congregation. While congregational records furnish us with no personal details about him, there is ample evidence of the quality of his work as a leader and pastor. He built solidly and well. When he came to Fenelon Falls the church was just emerging from mission status. When he left, the church had grown to the point where it was nearly ready to embark on another building program.
On September 14th, 1891, a call was extended to the Rev. Malcolm McKinnon of Eldon. This call was subsequently accepted, and Mr. McKinnon began work in November of the same year. An unusual feature in connection with the call was the fact that it was extended to the interim-moderator of the vacancy.