[nsroots] Merigomish Presbyterian Church 1910

[R.A.(Dutch) Thompson]

>From the Eastern Chronicle 3 Nov 1910: MERIGOMISH

"The Presbyterian congregation in this place is an old established one. In its
early years it embraced French River, Lower Barney's River and some of the
sections adjoining. Its first minister was the Rev Mr Patrick. After him came
Rev A P Miller who is still remembered by the older residents. In 1816 there
were two elders ordained to the eldership. Archibald Stewart and Thomas
Thomson. This was a few months after the settlement of Mr Patrick. On
Thanksgiving Day, 1867, these two worthies celebrated their Jubilee. Some of
the children and grandchildren of these two men are either ministers or elders
in the Presbyterian Church."

Note- The Rev A P Miller had served in the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland
and wrote to former parishioners and bade them come to Pictou Co around 1840.
They lived at the south end of the Brown road at what was known as The Orkney
Settlement- long gone, perhaps one or two holes remaining where foundations of
buildings once stood.

Also- The Thomas Thomson mentioned is my ancestor from Orkney who was living
at Gulf Shore (Ponds) a generation prior to the Orkney Settlement. (He & his
wife Elizabeth Burgar were born on Papa Westray- and had connections to nearby
Westray island, different Orkney islands than the Settlers. )
Thomas's son was known as John the Elder for his activity in the church, and
Thomas' grandson was the Rev Fenwick Thompson. (we think the "p" was added
circa 1850)

cheers
Dutch Thompson in PEI
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