CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS

CHURCH HISTORIES

It might be said that one of the strongest tools the early settlers brought with them was their deep religious beliefs. Persecution for adhering to these beliefs was the reason many a settler boarded a ship bound for the New World.

When the early settlers arrived their initial building efforts were directed towards homes for their families.Spiritual needs were not neglected however as church services were often held in the parishioners homes. The absence of a church building did not mean the absence of a church community.

Land had been set aside in each lot to allow for construction of churches. Once their homes were built the settlers turned their efforts elsewhere. it is not surprising that Churches were among the first community structures erected.

The early ministers and priests showed a great deal of dedication in tending to their flocks. They travelled long distances, often on horseback, to visit the scattered settlements and bring spiritual guidance.

Establishing a church was often difficult, particularly since money was so scarce. The pastors often received their payment in food, fuel and homemade items such as knitted socks and mitts. The early pastors, unless they had a separate income of their own, were entirely dependent on the charity of the congregation. Parishioners often took collections to supplement the meagre salary and one congregation used this collection to purchase a great coat for Rev. Kidson, their minister.

The early pastors often tended to their parishioners without an established place of worship. The services were held in various homes. One of the earliest of these was in the Poplar Point where Father Francis MacDonald said Mass in a log house, chinked with moss, and plastered inside. This house was on the present site of Charlie and Ellen MacDonald’s home.

The churches in the Annandale-Little Pond area were well ahead of their time in fostering ecumenical activities. The three churches purchased and main- tained a hearse for use by all three churches. The hearse was a necessity in the days before funeral parlors and morticians. The funeral was organized by the community members themselves.

The hearse outfit was rumored to be the best country outfit on the Island at that time. The glass sided hearse was built by Francis Bros., Fortune, around the turn of the century. The money was raised for the team pole and the harness by the young people holding concerts.

The hearse was able to be changed from having wheels to having sleigh runners, making it usable in all seasons. The horses were supplied by the driver of the hearse. The driver was often chosen if he had a nicely matched pair of horses.

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