INTRODUCTION

On Monday, May 25th, 1863, the day of the official celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday, the corner-stone of the First Methodist Church — now known as Trinity United Church was laid. The ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone was performed by the wife of the Lieutenant Governor of the Island, Lady Dundas, in the presence of a very large number of people. The Rev. John Brewster, the superintendent of the Circuit, officiated, and the names of the Trustees -—— Robert Longworth, Richard Heartz, James Moore, Thomas Alley, Thomas Dawson, George Beer, Charles Young, Mark Butcher and William Heard were inscribed on a document and placed with fitting ceremony in the cornerstone.

Two verses of Scripture, taken from the 2nd Chapter of Ephesians were also included in this document “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” The Queen’s birthday celebration, being a public holiday, was a fitting time for this important event. The Rev. Mr. Brewster, the minister of the church, who gave the address, said: “The building to be erected on this foundation will be simple, plain and exceedingly primitive. No rich carving in stone or fancy moulding will attract the eye. No tower or stately spire will grace its ample proportions. Its peculiar excellence will be in its facility for the preaching and hearing of the gospel of our blessed Lord. The glory of our Christian economy as Methodists is the obedience we give to the grand primary law of the New Testament —— ‘Preach the Word’.”

What a tremendous task it must have been and what a skillful piece of work — craftsmanship of the highest order — to raise an arch of sixty-nine feet in width and create an auditorium of such size, without an obstructing pillar —— a feat unparalleled at that time in the Maritime Provinces. Great credit must be given to the architects, Thomas Alley and Mark Butcher, on Whom the responsibility of this

work rested.

The church was completed the next year, the dedication cere— monies beginning on November 13th, 1864 were continued for two Sundays. These services were led by the minister of the church, the Rev. Matthew Richey, D.D. Others who took part were the Rev. Henry Pope, D.D., the Rev. Charles Stewart, D.D. Dean of Theology at Mt. Allison University and the Rev. Richard Smith.

No doubt there were some others -—— forebears of members of this congregation today, who were present at the laying of the corner stone and the dedication ceremonies, but there was one young boy

__5__