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THE PAST
The Melville (White Church) was built in 1837
and the simplicity of its structure reflects the religious beliefs
and modest means of the original Scottish Presbyterian pioneers
in the Caledon area.
The Church was named after Andrew Melville who
was an early follower of John Wesley the founder of the Presbyterian
Church in Scotland in the 17th century.
It was built by Daniel McMillan and his brothers.
This stalwart Scot was a founder of nearby Erin. Prior to 1837 a
long house served as both school and church, across the road from
the present site. Upon completion the frame building was painted
white, hence the popular name, "The White Church."
The first minister was Duncan McMillan and the
first congregation was, of course, Presbyterian. McMillan was trained
at the Mayfield church in South Caledon. An upheaval in Scotland
in 1843 persuaded these early worshippers to become the Free Church
of Scotland. Volatile Scottish politics calmed down several years
later, and so these hardy pioneers, with no doubt a sigh of relief,
became Presbyterians once again.
A small church up the road disbanded in 1900
and, although Congregationalists, swelled the ranks of the "White
Churchers." Greenlaw Corners no longer
exists but the remnants of their cemetery can still be seen at the
corner of Mississauga Road and The Grange Sideroad.
In 1925 upon unification, the congregation joined
the United Church of Canada, without taking a vote, according to
disgruntled Presbyterians!
Throughout its history, the White Church has
had wonderfully colourful ministers. McMillan often preached in
Gaelic. There was an Irishman, a Mulatto (1857) and a blind Syrian
(1886). Multi-culturalism was alive and well in those days!
Review some of the names of those early worshippers
who enriched the history of the White Church: Crichton, Gibson,
Frank, Pattulo, Burnet, Kirkwood, Foster, Hunter, McLachlan, MacMillan,
McEachern, Campbell, Sharp.
Many of these pioneers came from the Isle of Isle off the coast
of Scotland.
Declining membership closed these venerable doors
in 1964. Two years later it was acquired by the Credit Valley Conservation
Authority. Restoration plans, at that stage considerably more economical
than now, collapsed. This rare heritage gem was allowed to sink
into decay. Periodic Thanksgiving services were held until the last
one in 1984.
In 1997 the Town of Caledon acquired the site
from the CVC. In 1998 the Town signed an agreement with the BHS
to manage the fundraising and its restoration.
| WEDDINGS
FROM THE PAST |
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One
of the last weddings held at the
Melville White Church.
1970's - Kevin & Gail MacMillan |
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THE FUTURE
Architectural technologist Denis Heroux, through
the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, prepared a stimulating
and positive report and plan for the restoration of the White Church.
He concluded:
"The White Church, one of the few remaining pre-Victorian era
timber fame churches in Ontario, is a valuable cultural resource
to the Town of Caledon. The modest size of the church, the quality
of the natural light filtering through the windows, and the simplicity
of the decor made the building highly adaptable for a number of
users. It is also fortunate that the church is built mostly of wood
making it possible to use local skills and materials."
The fact that the White Church is a heritage
building is not an obstacle to its reuse. The building can be easily
modernized while retaining its heritage character.
This report recommended two restoration options
- the first for year around use, and the second, only for summertime.
This latter option is the plan the Belfountain Heritage Society
has undertaken.
WITH OUR FIRST WEDDING IN SEPTEMBER
2002, OUR FUTURE VISION FOR OUR RESTORED BUILDING IS BECOMING A
REALITY !!
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Our first wedding
in over 30 years!
Samantha & Colin McCleave - Sept. 2002 |
| This gentleman played bagpipes
at the McCleave wedding held in Sept 2002. |
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