many years. Lottie ran a store from their home while she and her husband were coal merchants. The McFaddens also raised chinchillas and kept honey bees. Lottie was involved in teaching the community youth through the church and the 4-H program. In later years, the McFaddens’ moved to Summerside and then to Wilrnot. Clarence and Lottie

remained active members of the Lot 16

w, congregation. After the death of her a husband, Lottie relocated to Frederic- The Three Elders ton, New Brunswick to be near her Father, son, and grandson of one family. family had the honour of serving No one today gives much thought in the role of elder. The men, to a woman being elder, but Lottie’s Roderick William, Williamjames, election opened a new chapter in andJames G. MacLean, though church history. In reflection, Mrs. small in stature, were large in McFadden stated, their spirituality, faith, church, “I was a little nervous the first time and community. The three men I served communion at a combined ser- served as elders in the Presbyter- vice in North Bedeque during my inau- ian Church and United Church guration but, by the end of my term, between 1863 and 1967. At one Helen Lyle had also been elected elder point, Williarnjames, andjames and I had the privilege, along with G., father and son, were elders Helen, to interview Vera Forbes who together. was voted in as the third woman

97

elder.”24

EARLY SESSION MINUTES

he session minutes of Richmond Bay Parish from 1821

to the late 184-05 survived time. The original hand- written copy was found in the attic of the home of James MacGregor of Summerside and preserved in the Island Archives. While some people find the frankness of the min- utes disturbing and a negative reflection on family and church, they are in fact a part of Presbyterian Church history. The minutes give the present day reader an accurate view and first-hand account of the church’s unfolding journey and its interpretation of Christianity. For that purpose, some

LEADERS OF THE CHURCH