Scotch Settlement Presbyterian Church (By Mrs. Murray Faris) The first inhabitants of that part of West Gwillimbury known as the Scotch Settlement from the early eighteen twenties and for about a hundred years afterwards were mainly of Scottish and Irish Presbyterian descent. All of which gave good reason for the establishment of a Presbyterian Church to provide a place of worship for families from the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th concessions and from other scattered parts of the district. Until 1875 there were many branches of Presbyterianism throughout Canada. The first Presbyterian Church in Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland. Today it is commonly referred to as the Auld Kirk, the site of which is now an historical site. In 1843 repercussions were felt in Canada from a dispute within the Church of Scotland regarding the methods of placing a minister within a congregation. An evangelical group broke away in Scotland and became known as the Free Church. Canadians of Scottish extraction felt it necessary to take sides. Such was the case in West Gwillimbury, bringing about the formation of a second congregation on the 5th line where the present church stands. This was known as the Free Church. The land for this edifice was donated by Mr. George Bannerman, grandfather of politically famous John Diefenbaker. In 1865, the Rev. Wm. Fraser was the minister of this congregation and of Bradford Presbyterian Church. Elders were Messrs. Wm. Sutherland, Wm. Fraser, Herman Sutherland, Alex Campbell and Hugh Bannerman. Early records show the importance attached to the celebration of Holy Communion. All assembled fro special preparatory services with the preaching of the Word ont he preceding Thursday, Friday and Saturday, then a concluding service on Monday after Holy Communion on Sunday. Such records dated 1888, tell us that Rev. Fred Smith was then minister, Messrs. Henry McKay, Alex Ross and Adam Bannerman, elders and that approximately 100 members partook of communion. For a number of years, a second service was held on Sunday evening as well as the usual morning service. This extra service would be conducted by a student who would come up on the train, and be entertained by a church family until his duties were completed. Special evangelistic services were also held for a week or so during the winter months. The Sabbath School was also an important part of the church life, Mr. Peter Faris being one of the first Superintendents. A Woman's Missionary Society was organized in 1895. There was no instrumental music used in the church until 1896. Their feelings on this matter were expressed in 1872 int his way, "the use of instrumental music in th worship of God, is considered dangerous to the purity and spirituality of this church". The singing was led by a precentor. Mr. Alex. Campbell held that office in 1865. Messrs. W. G. McLellan, Donald Gray, S. S. Watson, John Faris and Wm. Johnston were made a committee to deal with all matters connected with the organ and formation of a choir. Mrs. Jim Sutherland was the first organist and W. G. Faris, choir leader. It is rather amusing to note that concern was felt as to just how well the singing would go with out a precentor. The session suggested that those known to be musical in the congregation would be asked to sit near the organ to help the congregation in its service of song. Before 1896, no financial statement was presented to the annual congregational meeting. The missionary givings were collected by specially appointed people, two ladies usually, for each concession line. The church session then distributed these givings to such causes as Home Missions, Foreign Mission, French Evangelization, aged ministers, widows and orphans, and church colleges. This method was followed until 1902, when envelop giving was started. The present 2nd West Gwillimbury church has had changes made to its interior throughout the years. In 1904, George McDonald of Bradford was hired to replace the very large pulpit with a new one, to extend the platform so that the place for the choir might be in the centre of the church, rather than at the left front side, the two anti-rooms at the back of the church taken down, the porch to be left inside the doors. The original seats were to be refinished and made as comfortable as possible. Mr. Sutton was also hired at this time to repaper the walls and paint inside and out. At one time a wooden platform extended along the front by the road to accommodate those descending from buggies. Aroun 1902, the congregation of St. John's, Coulson's Hill joined this two point charge. Elders Thos. Roew and W. S. Fraser represented 2nd West Gwillimbury at the various meetings called to complete this change. The time of meeting, 5 p.m., is recorded on a few occasion, showing quite a different pace of living from today. In 1925, the majority chose to remain withint he Presbyterian Church. During the years to follow, many of these farms settled by pioneers have changed hands, as sons and daughters left to follow many varied professions and careers. However, 2nd West Gwillimbury still carries on. New family names are written into the records, but the same desire is evident - that is, of meeting the spiritual needs of those who worship within its walls.
