Bonshaw Community Hall must move for highway - CBC PEI

     This item was on the local CBC radio news this morning.  The hall was originally a church, built in 1865 - it became a United Church in 1925; then closed in the 1990's and used as an antique shop - today it's a community hall.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2013/07/31/pei-bonshaw-hall-move-highway-584.html

CBC News 

Posted: Jul 31, 2013 11:59 AM AT 

Preservation recommended for unused highway lands.                                                       Transportation officials say the historic Bonshaw Hall has to be moved, just a bit, as part of the Trans-Canada Highway re-alignment in the area.  The hall was built on that location, next to the bridge over the West River, more than 150 years ago. The bridge, which is currently being expanded, marks the end of the highway re-alignment just west of Charlottetown, and transportation officials are concerned about where it's sitting.  "When we looked at the alignment of the Green Road and the Hall and the post office we had some issues," said provincial chief engineer Stephen Yeo.  "We're going to straighten the alignment on the Green Road and we are trying to provide more of a set back away from the stop sign to improve safety for the public use."  The extent of the move hasn't been decided yet. It could be just a few meters, or it could be moved on to adjoining land.  But some in the community say they haven't been consulted, and they have a list of demands they want met before the old building is re-located.  Sheldon MacNevin, vice president of the Bonshaw Hall Co-op, said he wasn't pleased that he had to hear through the grapevine that the building will be moved. MacNevin said the community should have been consulted, and there are things he wants done as part of the move.  "We want to have the foundation and septic system in and we would have to have a new well dug," he said.  "We'd like to have a guarantee that they can do this within a week or so."  The move won't take place until next year. Yeo said the province will meet with residents this fall to hear their concerns.

Robertson-Ferguson House, Bonshaw

     The following is the Robertson-Ferguson house - these photos were also taken the day I photographed the two Bonshaw churches.  This house is located on the TransCanada Highway in Bonshaw, west of the former Bonshaw Presbyterian-United Church.  The front of the house faces south towards Rte. 1

    The following information about the church comes from the book, BONSHAW: A Stroll Through the Past, by Wm M. Glen CG(C) and Elizabeth A. Glen (C) 1993.  Page 89.

     "Jimmie Robertson's house was completed in March 1900 - now (1986) occupied by Blois Ferguson."

The barn is are located to the east of the property.

     Below:  On the north side of the church is this driveway which takes you up behind the barn and into the homestead yard.

Below: east side of barn, towards the United Church.

Bonshaw Presbyterian / United Church

     The same day I photographed the Bonshaw Baptist Church, I photographed the former Bonshaw Presbyterian / United Church.  
     The following information about the church comes from the book, BONSHAW: A Stroll Through the Past, by Wm M. Glen CG(C) and Elizabeth A. Glen (C) 1993.  Page 29-30.

     In 1860 Reverend William Ross was ordained and inducted into a Presbyterian charge which included Bonshaw, Bannockburn, Brookfield and Dog River (Clyde River), etc.  Bonshaw was note din 1865 as part of a charge with Brookfield and West River which was served by Reverend George Sutherland, Donald McNeil, Alexander Sutherland, Alexander Munro, Charles Ross (a Student) and others.  Later the same year Bonshaw was separated from West River and united with Tryon to form the Tryon-Bonshaw Pastoral Charge of the Presbyterian Church of the Lower Province of British North America.  It was noted that Bonshaw "greatly strengthened the Tryon" charge.  Where the congregation initially met is not clear s it was on April 3rd, 1863 that the trustees of the Presbyterian church of Bonshaw purchased a piece of land for the erection of a place of worship.  The piece of land located at the west end of the Bonshaw bridge, was purchased from Alexander Robertson for the sum of five shillings.  The first evidence of the church was the event of the first communion service which was held on May 26th, 1867.  John G. Cameron was the pastor of the charge between March 14, 1867 and 1873, so was probably the preaching minister at the first communion.
     The Islander (newspaper) of July 26, 1867 reports a "Public Tea at Bonshaw" which was used to raise money to liquidate the debt upon the Presbyterian Church.  The sum raised was 60 pounds and an elaborate description of the day's social events is found in the clipping below (not insert here).
     on June 10, 1867 the first church session was held, moderated by Revd John Cameron.  Visiting elder Mr. Henry Hyde and Revd Alex Falconer were in attendance.  Mr. James Gordon senior of Appin Road was ordained elder of the Bonshaw congregation.  
     In 1886 a lecture describing P.E.I. a hundred years previously was given in Bonshaw by Judge Alley.  The audience appreciated the lecture and the proceeds were believed to have gone to pay part of the cost of the organ for the Presbyterian  Church.
     In 1925 Bonshaw and Hampton voted for Church Union with Victoria, DeSable and Appin Road to become the Hampton Pastoral  Charge of the United Church of Canada.

     Above: the front, facing eastward.  The church is located on the northwest corner of the TransCanada Highway and Green Road, kitty corner across the highway from the Bonshaw Baptist Church.

     Below: The front door portico/porch roof support has been modified - originally there were two posts holding up the front of the roof - they were removed and replaced with these super large brackets - likely done when the former church was used as an antique shop following its closing.

 Below:  the cupola / spire-like detail was recently replaced.

     Below: today the former church is known as Bonshaw Hall where many community activities and fundraisers take place.

Bonshaw Baptist Church

     Finally, I'm posting these photos of Bonshaw Baptist Church - I took them in late April 2012.  The little church is situated at the bottom of the hill in Bonshaw between the TransCanada highway and the Bonshaw River - across the Road is the Bonshaw Provincial Park

Below: Northwest view.

Below: behind the church is a laneway to the river.

The church has beautiful cut shingle decorations of a variety of styles.

    The following information about the church comes from the book, BONSHAW: A Stroll Through the Past, by Wm M. Glen CG(C) and Elizabeth A. Glen (C) 1993.  Page 31.

    BAPTIST CHURCH:  On December 15th, 1891 a group of residents of Bonshaw met to discuss the need for a Baptist Church.  The meeting resulted in C.W. Crosby, D.A. MacLean, and Malcolm McArthur being chosen deacons with C.W. Crosby as clerk.  A letter was drawn up listing the individuals who wished to organize a new church.  This letter was submitted to the church authorities who agreed that the new church would be supported.

     January 20th, 1893 a meeting of the church elders was held and they expressed "the necessity of having a house of our own in which to worship God."  The elders unanimously agreed to proceed to build at once.  A building committee was formed with C.W. Crosby chairman, Peter Inman treasure and Nicholas McNevin, George Barrett and James Gordon as members.

     By May 1893 the building fund had reached $90.00 and the building commenced shortly thereafter.  On November 5th, the same year, the new church was dedicated.  "It was a beautiful day after a rainy night, and at 10:30am the morning service found the building filled to overflowing."  J.D. Davidson, the former pastor, came from Gibson, New Brunswick to give the dedication sermon.  Two further services were held that day in the afternoon by Pastor Higgins and Reverend Davidson again in the evening.

    The exact cost of the building is not know but the building fund had reached $104 by the time of the church opening.