ST. CLAIR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 21543, 16 October 1933, Page 11

ST. CLAIR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES The twenty-fifth anniversary of the St. Clair Presbyterian Church was made the occasion of special services yesterday that were attended by many past members and office-bearers who since 1908 have removed to other parishes. At the morning service the preacher for the day, the Rev. Walter Maclean, who in his student days took the services in the gymnasium alternately with Mr J. H. Laing, took for his subject “ Jesus as the pioneer.” In his preface ho said that, while we nationally thought of those who had built the church in its earliest days, our thoughts inevitably went to Christ as head and King of the Church, because to Him we owed the existence of the church. Since our lot was cast in a young country tve were better able to appreciate what His pioneering faith was to them. Christ was in St. Clair before the church was there, and it was due to His pioneering work that we had a church at all. We should never forget what we owed to Jesus, and to those _ who pioneered His cause. Joy was His motive. Being Himself happy in God, He wished others to 1 share that happiness. So it was with His successors at St. Clair, who, cherishing tho faith of the pioneer, wished to communicate His salvation to others—that was the joy of it. For Christ, His Cross became His throne, and to-day we were entitled to think of those who founded the St Clair Church sitting with Him on his throne—sharers in His glory. Tho services at St. Clair were started in the school gymnasium. At the open ing service the Rev, John Kilpatrick, of Green Island, who at that time was convener of the Church Extension Committee, preached in the morning, while the evening service was conducted by Mr J. 11. Las'nf, a student who had agreed to assume pastoral charge during the summer months. On August 8. 1909, the foundation stone of the church was laid by Mr A. Paterson. The Rev. D. Borrio gave the address, and the service was conducted by the Rovs._ W. Scorgic, W. M’Donald, J). K. Fisher, and J. Kilpatrick. Tho first permanent pastor was the late Rev. 6. Lindsay, who was succeeded by the Rev. John Miller, and the Rev, R. G. M'Dowall camo next and is still in charge.