History of Holland Churches

HISTORIES OF: EMMANUEL ANGLICAN, HOLLAND UNITED , ST. JOHN BERCHMAN'S CATHOLIC PARISH

EMMANUEL ANGLICAN CHURCH

With settlement of the Holland district well established by the year 1880, Anglicans, or members of the Church of England in Canada as they were first known, soon began holding occasional services in the homes of J. J. Holland or T. H. Pentland. The Rev. C. E. Dobbs, a missionary priest, travelled to Holland to conduct these services, but it is certain that services of Morning and Evening Prayer were also being led by lay people. The Methodists built their first church in 1888, and the Anglicans were privileged to be able to use this church until they built their own in 1894.
It was in September of 1892 that a building committee was formed under the leadership of the Rev. Bowker; however, he resigned soon afterwards, and it was not until July 1893 that another meeting was called under the chairmanship of the new rector, Rev. H. D. Cooper. The meeting authorized the committee to canvas the congregation for pledges to the English Church Building Fund, and to go ahead with the erection of a church, "the complete cost, without furnishings, not to exceed $2,000". Architect Andrew Maxwell provided the plan for the church.
On September 5, 1893, the first sod for the foundation was turned. A congregational meeting in November 1894 noted that the church was now completed, although not painted. It is interesting to note that at the annual meeting of 1894 held in the church, consideration was given to charging rent for the pews, but this was turned down. By 1897 the rectory was considered to be too small, and it was also proposed that a spire, which still adds so much beauty to the church building, was erected.
First mention is made in the records in April 1938 of the need for a church basement for church meetings, Sunday School and youth group meetings, but due to the Great Depression and poor crops, plans were shelved. Another attempt was made to get the project going in 1944; the 50th anniversary of the building of the church, but the project was not destined to be completed. In 1978 a small building was purchased and moved to the north side of the church, thanks largely to the efforts of Keith Smart... This building was used for Sunday School and meetings, and eventually some alterations were made to the interior and an altar added by Vic Patyn. Later on, when she moved to a personal care home, an organ was given by May Dupasquier to her sister Kay Zachary, who had it placed in the building for as long as it is needed. First used for regular services during the cold months of the year, and now used almost year-round, the building has become known affectionately to those who attend services there as "the chapel". Funerals and other special services are still held in the church.
The work of Emmanuel has always been strongly supported by the women of the parish. First known simply as "the Ladies", by 1898 the women's organization of Emmanuel was referred to as the Ladies Auxiliary, and then in April 1899 as the Women's Auxiliary. As such it became part of a nation-wide churchwomen's organization. It has often been said of many churches that "but for the W. A. (now A. C. W.), we could not have continued to hold services". This is certainly true of Emmanuel, and when reading the old church records, one gets a sense of the tremendous dependence and reliance of the church on the faithful work of these women through the years since the congregation was first formed. The A. C. W. was disbanded a few years ago, but the few remaining former members are still very active in the life of the church.
The Sunday School was once a very important part of the life of Emmanuel. Classes were held in the church on Sunday afternoons for many years, and later in 1978 moved to the chapel and held at the same time as services in the church. Due to a lack of young people these classes came to an end about 1980.
On July 17, 1994 Emmanuel Church celebrated its 10th anniversary. Former clergy and parishoners came from near and far to join in the centennial service.
No history would be complete without the human drama that gives life to the bare bones of facts and figures. A history book of Emmanuel compiled for the centennial celebrations held in 1994 contains much interesting material drawn from more than a century of church records, and copies are still available for anyone interested in a more detailed history.

HOLLAND UNITED CHURCH

At an impressive ceremony held in Toronto on June 10, 1925, the United Church of Canada emerged from the uniting of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches across the Dominion.
As early as 1912, the Holland Methodists favored joining with the Presbyterians, a union which became a reality on Sunday, April 1, 1924 in the Presbyterian Church. The presiding interim minister was Rev. G. A. Colpitts.
With the merging of the congregations, Bethel Methodist Church (1891-1924) closed and the Holland-Camille charge came into being. The former Presbyterian Church, built in 1888, became the house of worship for the new congregation. The Methodist Church, built in 1889, was retained for week-day activities and social events (fowl suppers, bazaars,annual meetings).
Rev. Charles Finnamore (1924-1929) guided the amalgamation of teh two congregations. Eight members were elected by ballot to the first Session. Nine were appointed by ballot to the Board of Stewards. (It wasn't until 1931 a Board of Trustees was chosen). With a secretary and treasurer, the first Board consisted of nineteen members. Minister's salary - $2,000.
During the tenure of Rev. H. A. Rivers (1929-1931), the tall spire was removed from the church and one hundred copies of the blue 'Hymnal' (which became available in 1930) were ordered to replace the Presbyterian 'Book of Praise' and the 'Methodist Hymnal'.
Rev. T. P. Pearson- (1931-1935)- When Rev. Rivers accepted a call to serve as Superintendent of Winnipeg's McLean Mission, it cost $20 to move the new minister, Rev. T. P. Pearson to Holland. His starting salary was $1600. During his tenure here, the Stewards were authorized 'to get in all the wood they can, and credit the parties drawing wood at fair market price'.
Under Rev. E. Lund (1935-1939) the First sign board was set up and the Ladies Aid collected crates of eggs for shipment to the United Church Fresh Air Camp at Gimli. As the depression deepened the minister's salary was decreased to $1,300. The fellow who pumped the church organ received $35 per annum -$0.35 per week. In 1938, a Jubilee banquet was organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the building of the Presbyterian Church.
During the period 1946-1948, the lecture room from the former Methodist Church was added to the south side of the United Church and named the Assembly Room when dedicated October 17, 1948.
In 1957, when the church was remodeled, a room was built above the sanctuary at the east end and the seating changed to a center aisle. On October 23rd of that year, Rev. Fred Douglas preached the 70th anniversary service.
In 1963, the Camille church closed; its members joining the Holland Congregation, bringing with them leadership skills, energy and enthusiasm.
During the period 1964-1971, the Holland-Cypress River charge came into being. The first meeting of the combined Boards took place on March 3, 1964. In 1968, the newly built manse in Holland was dedicated. That same year the meeting room in the basement of the church was named the Camille Room and a cairn placed on the original site of Camille Church
During the tenure of Rev. Art Veldhuis (1971-1978), the old structure of the Session, Stewards and Trustees gave way to a Board comprised of six committees - Worship and Music, Publicity and Membership, Education and Leadership, Administration and Stewardship, Mission and Outreach, and Property and Maintenance. Modified to three committees, the plan is still in use.
Rev. Robert Campbell - (1978-1989) - In 1982, on July 11th, Mrs. Myrtle Young's present and former choir members filled the choir loft for the service to mark Holland's centennial. During the worship, tributes flowed to this lady who had devoted countless hours to training students for solo and choral work. In 1987, the cross, which became the focal point of worship, and a stand for the Memorial Book were dedicated. A special feature of the 100th anniversary in 1988 (October 23rd) of the building of the church was an arrangement of eighteen roses, each stem of which was presented by a member of a family whose roots dated back to Presbyterian and Methodist days
Through the years, the wives and families of ministers have contributed to the quality of life of this congregation. So too have the choirs and their directors; the organists; the Sunday School and its staff; mid-week groups and their leaders; etc.
Truly, 'the church is wherever God's people are sharing the words of the Bible in gift and in deed.'