Rev. Ralph Johnston

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MINISTERS AND THEIR STORIES

The following are stories and memories collected for this history, written by ministers who have served in Lot 16.

Rev. Ralph Johnston, Minister from 1959-1964:

OnJune 8, 1959, the Ordinands of Maritime Conference were informed of the Pastoral Charge to which they were assigned.

My good fortune was Princetown—Lot 16, Prince Edward Island, an anomaly to me at the time. Later on, however, a blessing in disguise. My first stop was at Alfie Gaudet’s store (now the Miscouche Conven- ience Store) — dressed casually — Alfie had no idea of my persona or my calling. Receiving instructions from him took me to the entrance of Southwest Lot 16 via the back road, an unforgettable shock for my 1959 Chevrolet.

Having navigated that terrain, I arrived at the house of Ralph and Pearl Monkley — greeted by Ralph’s mother and several daughters — ‘I thought that I had arrived in heaven.’ I told my story of the back yard, and this tale drew much laughter. The back road was deemed impas- sible, rightly so, but the road met its match. — I was a ‘caper’ from Cape Breton. — That was my introduction to the Lord’s vineyard.

Clarence and Lottie MacFadden gave me an opportuni- ty to learn about goats. Clarence reminded me of the impor- tance of goat’s milk, nevertheless he was unsuccessful in persuading me to drink it. Whenever I see goats, I am reminded of Clarence.

Harry Curtis, Arch MacGregor, and I enjoyed an even- ing of good music and ice cream. Quite unknown to me these gentlemen were experts and I was only a novice. Before the evening was drawing to a close, I became deathly sick, too much ice cream and cheese. Today I fear vanilla ice cream. What an evening and an unforgettable memory.

Henrietta enjoyed helping the neighbours. She made it clear to me that if she was to fulfill ministerial duties, com-

CHURCH MINISTERS