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the Vernon—Pownal charge. The concept of building a new Church to serve six congregations in the area was preached from the pulpit and meetings were held throughout 1967, under the leadership of Rev. Eric Grant. At this point in time, difficulty in getting a minister, increased debt, concern over Sunday School and mid-week groups and a declining membership, all combined to make the prospect of one Church to serve the six smaller ones look more feasible. Rev. Hugh MacLean, the minister serving the charge at the time, held a meeting and it was agreed that Orwell Head would go in as the sixth Church to join in building a new one.

Members of the Orwell Head congregation were ac:ively involved on all of the committees——si:e selection, finance, building, furnishing and canvassing for pledges.

Although in the beginning there was some oppOSition to amalgamation, the opening service at St. Andrew‘s United Church in Vernon Bridge saw the Orwell Head congregation arrive almost

intact.

Presented by Malcolm MacLeod, February, 1994