Tignish United Church 1893-1973

     I found the following clipping on Norma Deagle-MacPhee's Facebook Page...

Journal Pioneer Newspaper - July 22, 1964

PIONEER SERVICE RECALLS LONG HISTORY OF CHURCH

TIGNISH- A centennial anniversary service honouring the early pioneers of Protestant church history in this part of the province, will be held at Tignish United Church, Sunday, July 26, 1964 at 2:30pm.

            Worship will be conducted by the minister Rev. David S.H. MacDonald, who will also deliver the sermon, Special music will be sung by the Wilmot Church Quartette of Fredericton, N.B.  Henry Clark of Alberton will be guest organist.

            Protestant church history in Tignish dates back 104 years.  The first church building was located one mile south west of where the present church stands.

            Rev. Robert Dyer, the first Anglican clergyman to be settled in west Prince says in his journal that at Little Tignish a church was

built by the Episcopalians, Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists and that he himself had the pleasure of opening the new church.  The year would be either 1860 or 1861.

WEST CAPE CIRCUIT

            Rev. Allan Fraser, minister of Alberton Presbyterian Church from 1855-1870 had under his care an area extending from Tignish to West Cape and in the years of Tignish congregation were Alexander Stewart, Thomas Haywood, Mrs. Josiah Hamill, Thomas Barbour, Mr. and Mrs. James Haywood, Daniel Miller, Alexander MacLeod and Carlyle Bell.

BUILT IN 1893

            Erection of the present edifice was completed in 1893 and on July 2 of that year was dedicated.  Communion at the afternoon service was conducted by Rev. James Murray assisted by Rev. David Sutherland of Charlottetown.

            The land on which the new church was built was a gift of Mrs. Benjamin Haywood (nee Elizabeth Rodd)  So far as can be learned the building was erected by J.M. Clark and Co. of Summerside.  One of the carpenters in its employ at the time was Hensley Stavert who later became a Presbyterian minister. Bricks used for the foundation and flue were manufactured by Francis O. Hughes who operated a kiln just outside the village.

            Ministers who served the congregation in Tignish were Rev. George Fisher 1884-1889; Rev. James Murray 1891-1895; Rev. A.D. MacDonald 1894-1903; Rev. W.A. MacKay 1905-1908; Rev. J.H. MacNattie 1909-1913; Rev. Emmanuel Lockhart 1914-1920; Rev. T.L. Williams 1921-1923.

SINCE CHURCH UNION

            At the time of church union in 1925, a rearrangement of congregational boundaries resulted in Tignish becoming a part of Alberton Pastoral Charge.  It’s ministers since then have been Rev. J.R. Miller 1926; Rev. A.S. Weir 1926-1934; Rev. George Ross 1934-1936; Rev. M.K. Charman 1936-1941; Rev. G.N. Somers 1941-1943; Rev. Murdock Fraser 1943-1948; Rev. P.A. Fitzpatrick 1948-1951; Rev. A.R. Wallis 1951-1954; Rev. Murray Gardiner 1954-1956; Rev. J.M. Sproule 1957-1958.

            The charge was without a minister for eighteen months and during this period it was served by Elmer MacLean a laymen who is now studying for the ministry.

            Rev. J.A. MacIntosh was minister in 1960-1961.  The present minister Rev. David S.H. MacDonald was inducted as minister in July 1962.

            About 18 years ago the exterior of the church was repaired and painted.  In 1959 the interior of the church was completely redecorated.

            In preparation for pioneer Sunday the interior of the church and grounds around the church have received a major clean-up.  Within the past few years a number of gifts in honor of loved ones departed have been presented and dedicated.

            Tignish Protestant Church began as a community church with its people of several denominational traditions working together to foster and promote the Christian spirit.  After a century of service it is apparently still a community church proud of honour and pay respect to the early Pioneers who kept faith.

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           Below is an excerpt about the church from UPEI: Island Lives

http://www.islandlives.ca/fedora/repository/ilives%3A225734/PDF/ilives%3A225734/Full%20Text.pdf

Methodists, Bible Christians And Presbyterians In Prince Edward Island:  Campbellton-Miminegash. 1984.  Warren W. Goss. Williams & Crue. Page 53.

            "TIGNISH — To the people of Tignish, Church Union was nothing new. The first church in their community was built in 1861 by Episcopalians, Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists. Use of this little church was discontinued in 1893 when a new one was built by the Presbyterians. This church also became a community one. In 1973, the building was turned over to the village of Tignish to be converted into a museum."

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            The church that preceded the above church was built just outside Tignish on the Christopher Road on the south side of Little Tignish River.  Rev. R.W. Dyer officially opened the church in January 1860 as noted in his journal excerpt below.  He called it "Omnibus Church".  I've never been able to find references to this church name - it might have been called something else.

          "January 29, 1860... After the Morning Service, I took some refreshment and started off to Tignish to hold Service in the new church.  I was not a little gratified to have the pleasure of opening this new building, especially as it has been built by all denominations, namely, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Wesleyans, Baptists.  Service commenced at 3 o'clock with singing, and then commenced our beautiful Service, and a sermon, Exoduc 20, and the 24th verse, which I had partly prepared for the purpose.  After the Service we sang the evening hymn and closed the service of the day which was, I believe, enjoyed by the whole congregation.  This is the first time since I came to this Mission that I have had a church in which to conduct services or to preach.  it seemed a comfort and a great pleasure.  if there should have been one soul born again at the service, it was but the place of the (re)birth of one sinner, besides a pleasure, what a mercy.  "Laus Deo."  After the service I went to see Mrs. Platts..."

            Below:  Photo of the former Omnibus Church site, the church is long gone - only a few stones remain in the cemetery - it's all grown up around it.

Temperance Hall, Alberton

     The old Temperance Hall on 107 Dufferin Street in Alberton was converted into 4 apartments in 1957 by local businessman J.W. Don Campbell's.  When I was a child my grandmother Annie Jane (Cannon) Jeffery and my great-aunt Bessie (Nichols) Jeffery lived here together on the main floor north apartment  - that was in the mid 1960's.  I remember my father leaving me here with them when he went over to Western Hospital to see my mother following the birth of my 3rd brother Kerras.  At that age we were always with our parents especially after dark - so that evening my father dropped me off for them to look after me, as in those day, children under 12 were not allowed to visit in the hospital.  My grandmother and great aunt had no electricity - i still vividly remember looking at the oil lamp and thinking how strange it was as we had electricity and lights at home in Alma.  That was about April 9th, 1966 - I was 4-1/2 years old.
     The Temperance Hall was originally built at the corner of Dufferin and Church streets sometime around 1859 - it was moved to this location in 1914 when Hon. Benj. Rogers built a new house at the corner.  The Alberton Pioneer was published from here between 1876-1879 then it moved to Montague due to the outbreak of the smallpox epidemic and people were afraid to read the newspaper - later the newspaper moved to Summerside and is today known as the Journal-Pioneer.  ( information cf. Alberton and Area: A Pictorial Experience Through Time, pg.62 )

Below are my photos from a few weeks ago.  

 Above: The old Temperance Hall - southeast view - left side faces towards Church Street.

     Above: Gable Window on South side - none on north side.

     The following are excerpts from Rev. R.W. Dyer's Journals where he references the Temperance Hall and some of the goings-on there.

September 11, 1859 ( Rev. Dyer has been in western PEI for about 2 weeks )           "Sabbath Day".  After family prayer I baptised 3 children, 2 boys and one little girl, all belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Caie.  They have been waiting a long time to get them baptised by a minister of the Church of England.  This being done, they got their large room ready for Divine Service, and about 11 o'clock, the canencial hour for prayer, all the church people came.  Some of them came 5 miles, others were nearer.  Besides these there were many Presbyterians.  I preached from Chapter 2 of Col. verse 6.  They were all very attentive and, I hope, edified.  This is the first service performed by a clergyman of the Episcopal Church for some years past.  The people are delighted to have a dear Minister of their own amoung them.  They are indeed thankful to the Society and the dear Bishop for sending them one.  I have found as yet amoung all persons here unbounded kindness. Service being over, I hastened to take some dinner, and then posted off to Cascumpec, distance 10 miles, to conduct Service in the Temperance Hall (for they have yet no church).  We commenced about 4 o'clock.  I was glad to preach to such a large assembly for the place ‑ 160 ‑ though I could not reckon on all these, not a quarter of them as Episcopalians.  Yet I could safely reckon on these sinners standing in need of a Saviour, and therefore I offered the Saviour to them all, assuring them that if they came to him, He would in no wise cast them out.  I was glad to see many of the American fishermen present.  God grant that the word spoken by the mouth of His servant may be like bread cast upon the waters, seen after many days.     

December 25, 1859

Christmas Day.  Tremendously cold, blowing and drifting.  Went to the Temperance Hall, found no one there.  Set for some time till about 12 o'clock when a few, about 9, came, 2 of whom were females, Mrs. Fife and Mrs. Woodman.  Mrs. W. fainted away soon after she came in.  We sang the song of the Angles, "While shepherds."  and then had the morning prayers and lessons for the day, but no sermon.  Too cold to go to the village.  Had service at home in the afternoon with my own family.

July 21, 1861

Preached at Kildare Bridge this morning.  Had a very large congregation.  Returned to the Cross, preached at the Hall.  I am happy to report that the Sunday School which has been established in the Temperance Hall increases and goes on very pleasingly.  May the Lord bless the labour of the teachers.

March 10, 1864

Took tea this evening at Mr. Thomas D.'s and went to the Temperance Hall to a Lecture on the South by a Mr. Currie.  Doctor Young, in the Chair, who called on me to open the meeting by prayer.  Present, about 450.  There was  a great deal of discussion.

February 12, 1865

Preached at the Hall this morning, had a good congregation.  I preached form the 24th Chapter of Acts: Paul reasoned with Felix on temperance; the sermon was all on temperance.  The people, I think, liked it.  Went to the Village in the afternoon; Jane Weeks went with me.  We had a nice congregation.  Mr. and Mrs. Gorrell not present, Mrs. G. is sick.  

July 6, 1865

Attended the Bazaar in the Temperance Hall; it was a splendid sight.  It was well attended and passed off in the evening by a band of music.

October 19, 1874

In the evening we had an Entertainment at the Temperance Hall, Alberton.  I was chairman and I gave an address to the audience, to about 170 persons. It was a complete success and realized about $16.  Which sum is to be appropriate to lamps for our church.  It was very interesting, on the whole.  Persons who take part in the Entertainment were: Mrs. Stewart, Miss Hallett, Harris, the 2 Misses Fielding, the 2 Dyers, Doctor Stewart and G. Montgomery; it went off very well.

January 31, 1877

Went to call to see the child.  He is no better.  Paid a few visits today at Alberton.  Had quite a little party this afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Carr and baby Mr. Lucas, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Dyer and Elora William and the 2 Misses Humphreys.  Had quite a lively afternoon.  Had some singing and music.  Went to the License Meeting of .....  The Temperance men gained the day.  They had a majority of 8 or 10 thank God.  May the Temperance Cause prosper.  I voted and so did Mr. Carr and Mr. Lucas.

February 1, 1877

Called to see the sick child this afternoon.  Had prayers in the house present Mrs. Smallman mother and Captain Hubbard.  Captain Hubbard has cut his foot badly.  Called at another place or two and had came home.  Roads bad for walking.  Sent my last part of my Report for 1876 on Monday last the 29^th ulto.  I hope that it will get home safely.  There is a Caucas meeting tonight at Mr. Rogers’ to consider the Temperance Cause to try to put down all the Taverns.  I am too tired to go.  They won’t expect me.

February 2, 1877

Champion, B., and Alden Clark round getting petitions signed to put a stop of any of the Tavern Keepers to renew their Licenses when out.  It is signed by nearly 80 which is more than 2/3 of the District.  I signed all 4 Whites, Gladneys, Tuplins, Wallaces.  A good work I hope that all Liquor Trade will be stopped at any rate it will be checked.