1885: The Point Alexander Mission was established. Meetings were held in
the S.S.
No. 3 Rolph Schoolhouse on Lot 23 that building no longer exists.
July 3, 1881: A meeting was held to discuss the,
need for a Presbyterian church in the
community. Land was donated by John McKinley and Isaac Moore for both the site
of
the church and the cemetery. At this meeting a motion was made and carried that
the
church would be known as Point Alexander Presbyterian Church of Canada. A
Building
Committee was formed and land clearing began.
Sept 2, 1893: A decision was made to raise the
money to proceed to build the church and
purchase and organ by first canvassing the congregation for funds. tenders were
called
and on Aug. 21,1895, the successful bidder, Wm. Richardson, was announced.
The
building was built for the sum of $500 plus the stone that was donated for the
foundation.
Construction started May 1895 was completed that year. A wood stove provided
the heat and oil lamps the light. The church was a mission church an relied on
traveling ministers. Our first Minster was Rev. Logie.
1925: Church Union-Chalk River Presbyterian
Church voted to join the United
Church and therefore the Point Alexander Presbyterian Church became the property
of
the United Church. This happened without a vote being taken by the members of
Point
Alexander. However, the congregation, with the exception of a few,
remained Presbyterian.
1925 - 1956: The building was used at various
times for United, Salvation Army,
and Evangelical services. Although there were no Presbyterian ministers
visiting the
church during this time the members still had Sunday School either by
correspondence or in
their homes, sometimes a minister would come and hold services in the he
schoolhouse.
1956: Repurchased by Presbyterians for a nominal
sum and repairs began. A new oil
furnace replaced the wood stove, and with electricity now available electric
lights
replaced oil lamps. This little church in Point Alexander is the only
Presbyterian church between Petawawa and Mattawa, and perhaps North Bay. It is
the only church in the townships of Rolph,
Buchanan, Wylie, and McKay. The building remains intact on its original
foundation
missing only the original bell tower that was removed after deterioration during
the time of
closure.
1956-Present: Ministers (click to enlarge photo
and print)
