Lakefield History Documents
1) The History of the Presbyterian Church created by Rev. T. B. McCorkindale in 1913
2) History of Knox, Lakehurst and St. Andrew’s Lakefield in Dec 2020 Document
3) A brief history of St. Andrews’s Presbyterian Church section 3
4) Picture of Past Ministers Plaque Picture Link
5) Pictures of Knox Presbyterian Church, Lakehurst Knox – Lakehurst pics
6) Buckhorn Presbyterian Church Buckhorn Presbyterian Church
#1
The History of the Presbyterian Church
By
Rev. T.B. McCorkinDale, M.A.
1913
History of the Presbyterian Church, Lakefield
“I will lay thy Stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will
make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant
stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy
children. In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression: for thou
shalt not fear; and from terror: for it shall not come near thee.”
Rev. T. B. McCorkindale
The issue by the managers of the Fiftieth, Annual Report of the congregation suggests to the writer the desirability of recalling its past history. The father of the church was the Rev. John M. Roger, minister of St . Paul’s Church, Peterborough. He gathered a congregation
that met in a church situated near the intersection of the Ninth Line of Smith with the road to
Selwyn and Buckhorn. .The first reference to the church in the Presbytery minutes is under the date
Oct. 22, 1861, where it bears the name of Smith:
The present substantial stone church in the Village of Lakefield was opened for public worship
early in 1863. The mason work was intrusted to the late Mr.John Richardson, whose
handiwork still endures and is likely to endure for many years to come. Mr. Jonathan Griffin was the
carpenter in charge; but the church’ has been entirelv reseated since his day. The first pulpit, which
unfortunately no longer exists, was carved by Mr. Williiam Adams, who is still with us. The site of
the church was gift from the late Colonel Samuel Strickland; and at a social meeting, held in
connection with its opening, he also gave a site for the manse, On the opening Sunday
the congregation requested the services of the choir of St. Paul’s Church, Peterborough of
which Mr. R. Graham, for forty-eight years a member of the Lakefield Church, and for twenty-nine
years an honoured elder, was at that time leader. Mr. M. F. Sanderson who, like Mr. Graham is still
hale and hearty, drove the choir from Peterborough to Lakefield, and back. But while these two
gentlemen still survive, the most of those who saw thatauspicious day have joined the Church
Triumphant. There still remain Mrs. George Johnson, Mrs. Joseph Nelson, Mrs. Thomas Hendren,
Mrs. Peter Baptie, Mr. William Adams, Mr. A. Fairbairn and Mr.James Baptie; also Mrs. Coleman
Blewett of North Smith, who remembers that the anthem rendered on the occasion was ”Lead
me to the rock -that is higher than I.”
On May 16th, 1865, the pastoral relation between Mr. Rogers and the church in Lakefield
was dissolved by direction of the Presbytery, Mr. Rogers’ labors being confined to Peterborough;
and Lakefield united of Warsaw. After a vacancy in the pastorate of about ten months, the ,Rev.
James Thom was elected to the vacant charge, the call being· signed by 51 members and 10 adherents, and inducted on May 8th, 1866. In January, 1867, Warsaw was disjoined from Lakefield,
and Mr. Thom was directed to take charge of the congregations at
North Smith, on the Twelfth Line, to which the church on the Ninth Line had been Transferred, and Harvey. On Sept 7th, 1869, Mr. Thom accepted a call to Enniskillen. He afterwards joined the Methodist Church.
The next minister of Lakefield and North Smith was the Rev. Nathaniel Clark, inducted to the united charge on March 17th 1871. The Clerk of the Presbytery of Peterborough, the Rev. D.A. Thomson of Hastings, intimely acquired with Mr. Clark, describes him as “an Israelite indeed, a true man, faithful preacher and pastor, and a genial co-Presbyter.”
Mr. Clark, who resigned the charge after fourteen years of faithful service, was succeeded by the Rev. John McEwen, inducted in 1885, whose name in still remembered with love by many in the congregation, Mr. McEwen was know far beyond the bounds of his Presbytery as stalwart theologian, and an enthusiast in Sabbath School work. In 1894 he resigned his charge to devote himself entirely to the work he loved, under the Provincial Sunday School Association for Ontario. Strangely enough Mr. McEwen died in the village to which he had returned on a visit. He rests, possibly he most wished to rest, in the Lakefield cemetery, among the people he loved and faithfully served nine years. “he was a good man,”
Says our Presbytery Clerk of him, “And full of faith and the Holy Ghost”
The Rev. A. Reeves, B.A., Succeeded Mr. McEwen. Mr. Reeves was inducted to this charge on Oct 2nd,1894. Her was transferred to Campbellford inn 1900; and is now in Moose Jaw, Sask. It was during his ministry that the church building was re-seated and the Sunday School room was added to the church buildings, at a cost of about $4,000. The committee charged with the superintendence of this important work consisted of Mr. E.A. Tanner, Mr. R. Braden, Mr. W.H. Casement, Mr. T. J. Cullen and Mr. A. Fairbairn, chairman. Mr. Thompson describes Mr. Reeves as a splendid type of man, full of energy, of great preaching ability, and possessed of openness of character.
The Rev. C.A. Campbell, B.A., succeeded Mr. Reeves, being inducted to the charge May 24th, 1900. The Rev. Mr. McEwen, who had known Mr. Campbell from his earliest years, was present at the ordination, and said he could only express himself in regard to the young minister in the words of St. Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:3-6. Of Mr. Campbell, who resigned in 1906 to take up work the North-west where he still labors, the kindly Presbytery Clerk says:- He was an
excellent preacher, of a practical turn, and his work during the temperance campaign in Lakefield, showed him a man of mettle.”
The Rev, S.S. Burns, B.A. called from Stirling, in the Presbytery of Kingston, succeeded Mr. Campbell, being inducted to the charge in Sept. 1906. After four years if earnest and faithful labour, Mr. Burns resigned to take up post-graduate work. He entered himself as a student in the famous Theological School at Princeton, N.J. where he took the degree of B.D. He is now minister of St. John’s Church. Brockville, Ont., where his many friends in Lakefield wish him a successful and happy ministry.
Mr. Burns was succeeded by the writer, the Rev T. B. McCorkindale, M.A. , who was appointed to the charge in January, 1911 and inducted on July 21st, of the same year. The Manse was finished in 1873. The Building Committee consisted of Mr. Robert Graham, Mr. George Johnson and Mr. Joseph Nelson. These gentlemen were so successful in raising money that its total cost, $2,300. Was liquidated on the day it was completed.
Appended is a list of the names minister who have served the church with date of their induction:-
Rev. John M. Roger, Minister from 1861 to 1865
Rev, James Thom, Inducted 1866
Rev. Nathaniel Clark, inducted 1871
Rev John McEwen, inducted 1885
Rev. A,C. Reeves, B.A. inducted 1894
Rev. C.A. Campbell, B.A. Inducted 1900
Rev. S.S. Burns, B.A. , Inducted 1906
Rev. T. B. McCorrkindale, M.A., 1911
The following list contains names of the Elders in office at the opening of the church: – Mr. A. Braden, Mr. Thomas Casement, Mr. Frank Sanderson, Mr. Edward Sanderson, Mr Frank Freeborn, Mr. Alex Preston, Mr. John Graham.
Mr. Robt. Knox was an active member of the Building Committtee of the church.
THE SESSION
Moderator – Rev. T. B. Corkindale.
Session Clerk – Mr. A. Fairbairn, admitted 1888
Mr. J. S. Fitzgerald, admitted 1877
Mr. R. Graham, admitted 1888
Mr. T. J. Cullen, admitted 1898
Mr. A. J Kidd, admitted 1907
Mr. George Newbury, admitted 1907
Mr. Fairbairn has been Session Clerk since 1894
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
A.E. Kennedy, Chairman: J.H. Chant, treasurer; F. J. Burgess, secretary; W. Blewett, James Murdoch, Thompson Braden, A.J. Young, Hugh Sutton and H. Cummings.
COMMUNION ROLL
The names on the Communion Roll number 197..
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Superintendent – Mr. A. J. Kidd.
Secretary – Mr. Alex. Fraser.
Librarian – Mr. Wellie Quinn.
Teachers – Miss Duff, Miss Matheson, Miss Kidd, Miss Lola Baptie, Miss McCorkindale, Miss Lelia Burgess, Mrs. Quinn.
Mr. A. E. Kennedy, Mr. H. Sutton.
There are 70 names on the roll, and average attendance during 1912 was 51.
YOUNG PEOPLES’ SOCIETY
Hon. President – The Minster
President – Mr. A. Clarke.
1st Vice-President – Miss Hunter
2ndVice-President – Mr. S. Cullen.
Secretary – Miss Murdoch.
Treasurer – Mr. W. Fairbairn.
Miss Burgess, Miss Thomson, Mr. S. P. Andreson and Mr. C. McWilluams.
Following is the Program of the society for 1913:
Monday, January 20 – “A Night wi’Burns.” Arranged by Mr. S.P. Anderson. Chairman, Mr. Charles Thomson.
Monday February 3 – “Livingston Centennial” Arranged by Miss Jeran Thomson, Chairman Mr. A.E. Kernnedy.
Monday Feb 17 – “Social Evening” Our guests, St. Andrew’s Y.P.S., Peterboro. Arranged by Miss Murdoch. Chairman Rev. T.B. McCorkindale
Monday March 3 – Debate, “Country Life vs City Life” Mr A. Clarke and Mr. W. Fairburn. Chairman Miss Duff.
Monday March 17 – “Irish Evening.” Arranged by Miss Burgess. Chairman, Mr. w>H. Casement.
Monday March 31 – “Canadian Evening.” Arranged by Miss Burgess Chairman Dr. M.R. Graham.
Monday April 14 – “Social Evening” Chairman Rev T.B. Corkindale.
THE CHOIR
Following are the members of the choir: –
Leader- Miss Nelson
Organist – Miss Hunter
Soprano – Mrs. Bailey, Miss Kidd, Miss Miller, Miss Sanderson, Miss. Fairburn, Miss Knox, Miss Beavis, Miss E. Vincent, Miss L. Burgess, Miss. B. Moore.
Alto – Miss A. Moore
Tenor- Mr. R. Graham, Mr. J. Murdoch, Mr. A. C. Carveth.
Bass- Mr. Allen Clarke, Mr. W. Fairbairn, Mr. S.P. Andreson
WOMENS’ FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY
President -Mrs. T. Hendren.
1stVice-President – Mrs. P. Baptie.
2ndVice-President – Mrs, R. Carter.
Secretary – Mrs. F. J. Burgess.
Treasurer – Mis. J. H. Chant.
Organist – Mrs. B. Hunter.
Members – Mrs. Dr. J.R. Frazer, Mrs McCorkindale, Mrs. J. Murdoch, Mrs. L. B. Christie, Mrs. T. Cullen, Mrs. A. T. Fleming, Mrs. J. Walton, Mrs. J. Todd, Mrs., W. Baptie, Miss. Duff.
The total amount raised during the past year was $144.35
HOME MISSION AUXILIARY
President – Mrs. J. W. Ridpath.
Vice-President – Miss. Preston
Treasurer – Miss McKibbon.
Pioneer Secretary – Treasurer Miss n. Nelson
Members – Mrs. C Thomson, Mrs. Geo. Newbury, Mis. F. Ray, Miss S. Preston Miss Morrison, Miss Adams, Miss. Clara Kidd.
The total amount raised during the past year was $163.69.
North Smith
Elders – Mr. Jas. Isbister, admitted 1911, Mr. Gorden Fitzgerald, admitted 1911
Board of Management – Mr. Gordon Fitzgerald, chairman;
Mr. Robert Borland, treasurer: Messrs. Bruce Fitzgerald, M.F. Sanderson, E. Preston, J. Isbister.
JUBILEE SERVICES
Jubilee Services were held on Sunday, February 9th, when theRev. Robt. Pogue, Minister of St.
Paul’s Church, Peterborough, preached to a large and appreciative congregation.
On Monday February 10th, _a social meeting of the congregation was held in the Sunday School
room, when congratulatory address were given by the ministers in the village, and several breather
of the Presbytery.
The following are the names of the ladies and gentlemen who assisted the choir at the Jubilee Services on Sunday: February 9th:
Suprano-Miss Sanderson, Mrs. O. Northey, Mis. L. Baptie, Mrs. R. Davidson, Mrs. W. J. Baptie.
Alto-Mrs. E. Bowen, Mrs. W.J. Baptie
Tenor- Mr. B. Kidd
Bass- Mr. J. Kidd, Mr.·W. Madill,.Mr. W. Graham, Mr. ~W. Blewett.
We are indebted to Mr._E. Murdoch for the photo of the church
POST SCRIPT
Ere these words will be read our Jubilee Services of praise and thanksgiving will be past,
During these services the faithful men who laid the foundations both of our church and
congregation have been much in mind. It is well for us to recall their labours, their piety, their faith-
a faith that really overcame mountains. We live in less strenuoustimes. Let us seek to emulate
them in their daring, in their zeal for God, and in their fidelity to the great principles for which
Presbyterianism stands. So shall we be worthy of them, and ofthe heritage unto which we have entered.
The above is a Computerized Version of the 1913 Document .
#2
#3
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE HISTORY OF ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Lakefield made its beginning during the Depression in the early 1930’s. With little money to spare, the Missionary Society sent a letter to every Presbyterian Church listed in the Bluebook, requesting donations.
The Laying of the Corner Stone took place on Thursday, October 16, 1930 at 3:30 pm. This was followed by a dinner at the Town Hall. The Basement of the Church was opened for Public Worshipon March 15, 1931. On Friday, October 13, 1933 (usually an unlucky date) the special Decication Service was held. The Anniversary Service followed on October 17.
Immediately, the members of St. Andrew’s were very busy. Among many activities, was a Young People Society (YPS). This group had members from ages of 9-90. One of the YPS’s more memorable events occurred in the mid 1930’s when a play was put together by the group called “April’s Fool” travelled to 13 different towns to perform for $10.00 a show. This play was a combination of comedy and drama. Participants said there was rarely a dry eye in the place by the end.
These performances didn’t always go as planned. At one show Gladys Chaplin and Al Clark were acting out a scene they both knew for memory. Mr. Clark had a mint in his mouth during this particular scene. While he was speaking, Mr. Clark’s mint flew out of his mouth and onto the stage. Both the crew and the audience roared with laughter. It was experiences like these that brightened the dark days of the Depression. By the end of the play’s run, the YPS had raised enough money to hire an organist for the Church at $1.00 a Sunday.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is here today because of the Donations and hard work of many people. It could be said that St. Andrew’s is a memorial to many other Churches. The stained glass window at the front of the Church, for example, came from a small Church in Rockcroft as a memorial to the builders of St. Andrew’s and to the people of the Rockcroft Church. This was done. The stained glass window replaced the plain glass window originally in place.
The most recent addition to St. Andrew’s in the steeple in July 1990. The steeple was erected to commemorate the Church’s 60th anniversary.
Building Committee
Richard White, Chas. Thompson, Robt. Garbutt, Robt. Duff, Andrew Fairborn, Gavin Preston.
Rev. Burton, Allan Clark and Jas. Ridpath.
A BREIF HISTORY OF ST. ANDREWS’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
#4
