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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 fund raising and its restoration.
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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
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This
gentleman played bagpipes at the McCleave wedding held
in Sept 2002.
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