THE HISTORY OF CALEDONIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

When the Sutherland Street Church was torn down in February 24, 1890, the cost for dismantling was twenty-three dollars and fifty cents.

In 1851, a separate congregation was organized at Indiana, on the Grand River, to worship in a church erected by David Thompson, M.P.P. They became a member of the united congregations of Caledonia, Oneida and Indiana of the United Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Ferrier as moderator. Thus, for over thirty years, there were two Presbyterian Churches in each of the settlements. In those days, many people walked long distances, using the railway tracks as a convenient path. Others arrived by buggies, their horses stabled in the driving shed at the rear of the church.

Both Mr. Black and Dr. Ferrier were keen on education, and both contributed much to the educational system of the county. Dr. Ferrier established a private school at his residence, "Salem Cottage," south of Caledonia. From that school went many graduates. Two students of later distinction were the Honourable William Peterson of Brantford, a cabinet minister in Ottawa for many years; and Sir John M. Gibson, Hamilton, who served as Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.

In 1861, Dr. Ferrier passed away suddenly, and was buried in Caledonia. A relative, the Rev. Thomas Wilson, from Scotland, assumed the duties as minister of the Sutherland Street church and associated congregations.

In 1875, the Presbyterian Church in Canada came into existence, joining the severed strands. But, it was not until 1887, twelve years later that the Hamilton presbytery amalgamated the two congregations in Caledonia, to be known as the Presbyterian Church in Caledonia. A manse was built on the site of the Sutherland Street Church.

Mr. Black had, by this time, served thirty-three years in Caledonia. His records show that he had received into membership nine hundred communicants and married over six hundred couples. He retired to Hamilton, was associated with the MacNab Street Church, and died aged ninety-three. Meanwhile, (1898 - 1899), plans were being drawn up for the erection of the present building.

The following clergy have contributed greatly to the development of the Church in Caledonia:

John G. Shearer (1888 - 1891) was a man of exceptional ability, who promoted the 1925 union but died before the union vote. A warm welcome always awaited Dr. Shearer when he returned for special events. Later, Dr. Shearer became Secretary of the Lord's Day Alliance. Knox College awarded him a D.D.

Dr. John Stuart Conning (1891 - 1898) lived a busy life, including the building of the present church. A man of many parts, he assisted with the blueprints. He, himself, dismantled the organ, stored it, and re-assembled it in the new church. June 24, 1898, saw the laying of the corner stone of the church. Entering the United States, he became secretary of the board of national missions; president of the Presbyterian Tract Society; Secretary of home missions in New York; and lecturer on missions in four universities, receiving a D.D.

D. D. McDonald (1898 - 1902) became the minister of the new church when it was opened January 15, 1899.

Dr. William Wallis (1903 - 1910) cleared the mortgage on the church in 1904. Mrs. Wallis was a trained nurse, giving valuable assistance to many members of the congregation.

Neil G. McKinnon (1910 - 1925) had taught school before entering the ministry. His parishioners will never forget his visits to their homes, and the interesting stories of his experiences. In 1925, Mr. McKinnon and his followers joined the United Church.

David Jack (1925 - 1936) gave dynamic leadership to the congregation, both after union and in the difficult period of the depression.

Maurice Eugine Roy Boudreau (1936 - 1938) will long be remembered for his brilliant sermons. Dr. Boudreau was of French Huguenot origin. He earned a S.T. degree from Temple University, Philadelphia.

Alfred Norman McMillian, C.D. (1938 - 1977) during his long ministry has inspired his people by his sermons.