The First Presbyterian is the pioneer church in St. Marys, is it certainly claims priority in establishment, and, at one period of its existence, superiority in numbers over all other denominators.
It appears a strange phase of early settlement that while Blanshard, west of the river, was largely located by North of Ireland people.
St. Marys, lying wholly within its limit, was largely Scotch.
This somewhat anamolous condition gave the Presbyterians an ascendency in St. Marys, which although by no means to the same extent, they still retain.
Early records are somewhat meagre, or of such a character as are not historically useful.
Avonton has priority of establishment over any congregation in South Perth, St. Marys at one period forming a part.
Rev. Mr. Skinner first established a mission at Little Falls, preaching in a cooper shop owned by one James Barron, corner of Queen and Wellington streets.
Mr. Skinner also preached near Prospect Hill prior to 1847, dispensing baptismal rites in several families in that section.
Rev. Dr. Proudfoot was first stationed minister, residing in a 1og shanty on the hill top near Mr. Joseph Pearin's farm residence.
On one occasion Mr. John Legg, sr., took over his oxen to root up a small patch amongst the stumps, where the minister could plant a few potatoes.
Having completed this work, Mr. Proudfoot asked what he had to pay, "I’11 tak’ ma pay in preaching," responded the backwoods man.
"Aweel, ma maun, if my preaching doesna pay you better than it does me we'll a' starve thegether, for my pouch has been as empty o' siller for the last six months as the collection plate on Sunday" which, in those days, was likely to be true.
In 1851 a grant was made by Thomas Ingersoll, for a nominal sum of five shillings, of lots 10 and 11 on Church and Widder streets to erect a church.
A bond was given for the deed until 1870, when a transfer was completed.
This site was still in bush, and a ''bee'' was made, sufficient space being cleared for present purposes.
In 1852 Rev. Dr. Caven, now and for many years principal of Knox college, Toronto, had been ordained and succeeded Dr. Proudfoot.
A frame church was erected during this year, but was not completed for some time subsequently, the congregation sitting on planks laid on blocks of wood.
As years passed on addition after addition was made to this old structure, until it seemed like a great mole-hill crowning a beautiful site and trying to crawl down into the valley.
In 1873 a committee was appointed to canvass for funds to erect a new building which would seat not less than 1,000 people, and cost not more than $15,000, no contract to be let till $12,000 was subscribed and $8,000 paid up.
Abundant success was the result of this movement.
$10,000 was at once subscribed, and the committee advised that a new building be erected.
I subjoin a list of this committee, who were all staunch men of that olden time :-William Currie, William Brown, Robert Harstone, Thomas McIntyre, John Sanderson, T. 0. Robson. John Adair. Jas. R. Moore, Robert Barbour, David Junior. Wm. Mclntosh, Malcolm Laughton, Alex Woods, Alex. Robertson. David A. Robertson, John McLean, Thomas Crozier, Wm. McGregor, and Wm. Somerville.
It was not till 1882, however, that the present edifice was erected at a cost of over $16,000.
This is a massive and imposing building, crowning a beautiful height.
On its southern elevation is a tower surmounted by a tall, tapering spire, which is conspicuous for many miles away.
Its interior is comfortable and elegant in design.
The ceilings are trussed, paneled, and frescoed, producing a pleasing event.
A large pipe organ adorns its northern wall in rear of the choir gallery.
This congregation, under the ministrations of Rev. Mr. Cosgrove, who was inducted in 1891, is in a flourishing condition, and has a membership roll of 350.
There is also a Sabbath school, having an average attendance of over 100 children.
Knox church is a branch of the First Presbyterian, and was organized in 1879, the corner stone of a new building being laid by Mr.
Milner Harrison
on August 5th.
This building is of brick, and is the least imposing of all St. Marys churches.
The original structure, which was destroyed by fire on March 16, 1891, was much more elaborate in its exterior decorations than the present one.
This misfortune was a serious blow to the congregation. but in December following it rose again from its ashes, being opened for public worship by Principal Grant.
It is proper to say here that the marvelous progress displayed in re-building was largely due to efforts of the Harrison family.
Mr. and Mrs. Milner Harrison had contributed over $5,000 to the first building.
On its reconstruction further liberal donations were again made.
Mrs. J. D. Moore was also a large contributor, and with many other members of the church, who gave according to their ability, the building was again completed free from debt.
Beginning at its organization with 62 members, it had in 1885 increased to 125.
During November of that year Rev. Alexander Grant was inducted into this charge, under whose ministration the roll of members has been increased to 360.
There is also a Sabbath school, having on its roll the names of 170 pupils, and an average attendance of 110.
