Pictonians in the Pulpit

The Ministers And Churches In The Town Of Pictou

A Brief history of the local churches in the County, with a list of the clergymen connected with them, from their organization to the present time, is here presented. It is much to be regretted that it is more or less imperfect, owing to the loss of records and the difficulty in securing definite information.

What has long been known as Prince Street Church, Pictou, was originally a section of the field of Dr. McGregor and Mr. Ross. It was formed into a separate congregation in 1801, as the Harbor District. In 1804, Rev. Thomas McCulloch came to it as its first minister. For twenty years he was the only clergyman in Pictou Town. He resigned in 1824, and was succeeded by Rev. John McKinlay who died in 1850. Rev. James Bayne, D.D., was inducted in 1851, and continued as minister until his death, in 1876. Rev. William Donald followed, from 1878 to 1883. He was succeeded by Rev. Alex. Falconer, D.D., who served for nearly a quarter of a century. Rev. Geo. C. Taylor followed. Rev. A. D. Archibald, M. A., the present minister was inducted in 1913.

The first election of elders took place on May 6, 1787, when John Patterson and John Fraser were chosen to represent the Harbor District. In 1809 the session was increased by the addition of Geo. Ives, John Patterson and David Pottinger.

The first minister of St. Andrew's Church was Rev. K. J. McKenzie, who was followed by Rev. Mr. Williamson. Rev. Andrew Herdman, of Scotland, was inducted into the charge in 1849, and ministered for thirty years. He was followed by Rev. Robt. Burnet, in 1880; Rev. John C. Callan, in 1886; Rev. Robt. Atkinson, in 1889; Rev. Andrew Armit, 1893, and Rev. W. T. D. Moss, 1897. The present incumbent, Rev. L. H. MacLean, M. A., was inducted March 23, 1904.

The first minister of Knox Church was Rev. Murdoch Sutherland. The next pastor was Rev. Alexander Ross, 1860 to 1879. He was followed by Rev. James Carruthers, 1880 to 1885. Rev. Geo. S. Carson, B. A., was inducted in 1885, and resigned to become Editor of the Presbyterian Witness. Rev. Wm. McNally followed from 1908 to 1910. The present minister, Rev. A. W. Thomson, was inducted in 1911. The first Session consisted of Donald Ferguson, Murdoch McKenzie, and Alexander McLeod. Alexander McKenzie, William McKenzie and Alexander Murray. Over a dozen young men from this church have given themselves to the ministry.

Additional Resources

Clergymen born in Pictou Town

Pictonians at Home and Abroad, 1914

Pictou County

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