January 22 1885 Weekly British Whig
Adolphustown Methodist Church c1900	Adolphustown United Church 2008
Memorial Church An Edifice of Handsome Appearances The Dedicatory Services on Sunday February 5 1885 - Weekly British Whig The church erected during the past summer in the Township of Adolphustown, in memory of the landing of the United Empire Loyalists 100 years ago, was opened for divine service on Sunday, 18^th inst., and the services continued on Monday 10^th and Sunday 25^th. The church is one of the most beautiful buildings in the form of village churches in Central Ontario, being of brick upon a stone foundation. Its length is 66 ft. and its width 36 ft. and includes the main building 36 x 48 ft., an alcove behind the pulpit 8 x 14 ft., and the tower 10 x 10 ft. The tower is 53 ft. high and supports a spire which rises 58 ft., making a total height of 111 ft. The style is Gothic and the building, standing upon an elevation, presents a very fine external appearance. Inside the ideas of comfort and beauty seem happily blended and the result is a model church. The seats are arranged in amphitheatre style, with the floor drooping toward the pulpit, thus rendering the seats nearest the door as desirable as those at the front. The choir occupy the alcove behind the minister, the floor being 16 in. higher than that of the pulpit. The woodwork is ash finished in oil, and the pulpit, altar and chairs of walnut, upholstered in crimson silk plush. An elegant twelve lamp chandelier and two double bracket lamps, one on each side of the alcove furnish excellent light to every part of the building. There is seating capacity for 300 with a possibility of extension. The basement is large and airy and is fitted up for class rooms, Sunday School room, minister’s vestry, etc. the architect is Mr. Burgess, of Deseronto, and the contractors, Messrs. Scott, Crysdale & Davis, of Napanee, who have given every satisfaction in THE EXECUTION OF THEIR CONTRACT The building was erected in memory of the United Empire Loyalists who landed in the vicinity 100 years ago. It occupies a site within a short distance of that upon which the first Methodist church in Canada was erected in 1792. This building is still standing, being at present owned by Messrs. Platt Bros., who use it for a grain warehouse. The subscription list, circulated to raise funds for its erection, is still preserved and contains names of several whose descendants have taken an active part in the erection of the present building. The corner stone was laid during the centennial celebration in June last, by Mrs. J.B. Allison, one of the largest subscribers to the old church, and the building is now completed. The opening services were held on Sunday, Jan. 18^th, Rev. M.L. Pearson, chairman of the district, preaching in the morning and Rev. J.J. Leach in the afternoon and in the absence of Rev. Dr. Douglas, who was expected, but who was unable to reach Adolphustown owing to the storm of the previous day, the pulpit was again occupied by Rev. M.L. Pearson. The church was crowded at each service and the sermons eloquent and impressive. The formal dedication took place at the close of the morning service. A FINE PUBLIC MEETING On Monday evening an excellent dinner was served in the lecture room by the Ladies’ Aid Society, who fully sustained their reputation. After dinner the company adjourned to the main body of the church, where a platform meeting was held. The chair was occupied by D.W. Allison, and excellent address were given by Revs. Leach, Adams and Pearson. A statement of finances was read by the pastor of the church, Rev. W.R. Young, showing the entire cost to have been over $6,000 which had been partially covered by cash and subscriptions to the extent of $4,200, leaving only 1,800 unprovided for. The proceeds of the dinner and collections amounted to over $200, thus leaving the actual debt $1,000. An appeal was made to wipe out this debt and in a very short time the entire amount was subscribed. The services were continued on last Sabbath, Rev. D.V. Lucas, M.A., of Montreal, preaching morning and evening to large and interested congregations. On Monday evening Mr. Lucas lectured to a fair audience on “The Indians of British Columbia.” The people of Adolphustown are to be congratulated on their very beautiful church and the trustees upon the success which has crowned their undertaking. The circuit which was formed last conference is prospering and the pastor, Rev. W.R. Young, enjoys the confidence and respect of all classes.