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Grassraere 70th AnniversaryIt was In the early part of the year 1ST I that, settlement first be Ran in Grass more, with the families of Petri* McArthur, Donald MrLend, and a few others moving into the district.-There was no church service from the date of their settling until the spring of 1875, when Dr. Bryce, of Manitoba College, held service on the Boyd farm across from Meadow Lea. In 1875 the sol tlenient grew, with people coming from Ontario and Kildonan. and the Rev. S. Donaldson came to conduct church service every two weeks, alternately at the home of Angus Fraser and Peter McArthur. In the fall of that year the Rev. A. Glendenning was stationed at flock wood, and soon afterwards a meeting was held at the home of Angus Fraser to organize the congregation. The men present at this meeting were: Peter McArthur, Donald McLeod. John Munro, Angus Fraser. Alex Ilickey, John Robinson, A. IS. McLeod, Alex Matheson. A. CJ. McKenzie. Archie Sellars, Jas. Fraser.Following this meeting, a subscription list was formed, and enough money was raised to build a. place of worship. Mr. Glendenning left in the spring of 1870. and a student, Mr. James Duncan, was placed in charge.The church was opened In August of1877. and the Hev. Alex Matheson, of Kildonan. assisted Mr. Duncan on the occasion, and shortly afterwards Rev. Alex Campbell came to the charge of Rock wood and Grassmere..In 1881 the Stonewall congregation of the Presbyterian Church was organized. and the Rev. James Lawrence was called to be minister of the Ilrant-Argyle, Stonewall and Grass-mere charge. He remained for nine years, and was followed by Rev. W. J. Hall, and later by Rev, Alex Hamilton. The congregation grew quickly and it was found that the old church during the pastorate of Mr, Hamilton, was too small. A new church was built and opened in December, 1895, by the Rev. Prof, A. B. Baird, of Manitoba College. Rev. A. S. Thompson became minister in 1897, and was followed in 1902 by Rev. Archie McLean, 'and 1906 by Rev. G. E. Loug-heed. In 1911 Rev. E. Mason was called, and he remained until union In 1925. Since union the ministers have been: Rev. J. E. Lane, Rev. J. H, Miller, Rev, T. A. Munroe, Rev, A. Cox, Hev. Ian Komlo.The first session of Grassmere was organized in 1884, and the first members of that body were: Peter McArthur, Andrew Coubrough and Jas. Fraser. Alex Matheson and John Me-? Arthur became elders in 1893, Peter McArthur died in 1895, and James Fraser left in 1906. George Graham.Duncan Campbell, Robert Irwin, Geo. Barnard, and later Alex S. .Matheson am! Alex Cahler were all members of the session.There are many stories and vivid memories associated with Grassmerecoming out of its pioneer days and its long church tradition. These have been renewed from time to time as the congregation celebrates its anniversary. In 1927. at its fiftieth anniversary, meetings were held every night for a week. Dr. Baird and Dr. C. W. Gordon, of Winnipeg, both assisted Mr. Miller with these services, and many new members were added to the roll. In 1937. the fioth anniversary was celebrated, with Dr. Baird again visiting the congregation, and Rev. S. Wilkinson and Dr. J, H. Riddell preaching on the second Sunday of the anniversary.ofth\Vthelt;Scht:adinM.MM;JaKiThis year Grassmere is cel el) rating its 701 h anniversary, and a former minister, Rev. Dr. T. A. Munroe, will preach on the morning of October 19, and Rev. J. C. Cronin, of Greenwood United Church, will preach In the evening. On November 2, Rev. Dr. E. G. D. Freeman, nf United College, will continue the celebrations by preaching both morning and evening.On Wednesday evening, October 22,a social ia to be held for the Grass-mere community in the church. It is hoped this can be made a community rally to help commemorate' this anniversary.Much of the information in this brief account is taken from the old minutes of the session, and a history prepared some twenty years ago by Mr. A. S. Coubrough, Mr. A. H. Matheson, who for thirty years has been Secretary-Treasurer of the congregation, has kept these records, together for the use of his congregation.It is hoped that many will wish to join Grassmere in its anniversary services this year.L £PrLrWMiWJitTfUrthUiwlt;VOacPit»Issu
Newspaper Details
Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times
Stonewall, Manitoba, CA
Wed, Oct 15, 1947
Page 5
Full Page
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CA 09 Feb 2022
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