St. Andrew's United Church in Kingsbury, initially of Presbyterian denomination, was organized sometime during the 1850s or the 1860s. The church building was built in 1869. In 1875, it was part of the Melbourne charge, along with Knox Church in Brompton Gore (also known as Flodden). In 1879, St. Andrew's (Kingsbury) and Knox (Brompton Gore) petitioned presbytery to be granted its own charge, autonomous from the Melbourne charge. This petition was successful and in 1880 they were united into one charge. In 1925, the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. The St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church of Kingsbury decided to join this union and thus became the St. Andrews United Church. St. Andrew's United Church is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada.
St. Andrew's United Church in Scotstown, initially St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, was built in 1881 and 1882, the first real organization of the congregation taking place in 1876. In 1895, the Presbyterian congregation from Lingwick was united with Scotstown's congregation. For some years (around 1908), the minister was also appointed to the Mackenzie Chapel in Gould Station. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Scotstown decided to join the union and change its name to St. Andrew's United Church. Dissident members founded St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Scotstown the same year. Since 1993, the Church has been part of the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge. St. Andrew's United Church in Scotstown is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by a Board of Managers, the Session, a Board of Stewards, and the Congregation in co-operation with organizations within the Church, such as the Sunday School and the Women's Missionary Society.
St. Andrew's United Church in Windsor is the result of the amalgamation of three churches. In 1859, a Presbyterian Church (Free Kirk) was organized in Lower Windsor. In 1867, a Presbyterian (Church of Scotland) and a Methodist Church were organized in Windsor Mills, which became one congregation in 1917. The new church was called the United Church of Windsor Mills. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, the United Church of Windsor Mills and the Methodist Church in Lower Windsor joined the Union. The United Church of Windsor Mills was subsequently renamed St. Andrew's United Church. Lower Windsor United Church was destroyed by fire in 1956 and the congregation officially united with St. Andrew's United Church the following year. St. Andrew's United Church amalgamated with Richmond-Melbourne United Church in the 1990s. St. Andrew's United Church was under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada.
St. Paul's United Church, initially of Methodist denomination, was organised in 1864. From 1832 to the dedication of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Waterloo, 21 July 1864, the Anglicans and Methodists shared the same church, the Frost Village Union Church. Three years later, the church would become a victim of fire; a new church was built and is still used by the Congregation today. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the Waterloo Methodist Church decided to join the Union and became Waterloo United Church. The Church was renamed St. Paul's United Church in 1940. St. Paul's and Fulford United Church have been a two-point Pastoral charge since 1954. In 2006, Waterloo Pastoral Charge included Waterloo, Granby, Sutton, Dunham and Fulford (called the New Vision Pastoral Zone). St. Paul's United Church is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by the Board of Trustees, the Official Board, the Session, the Board of Stewards, and the Congregation in co-operation with organizations within the Church, such as the United Church Women (previously called the Ladies' Aid Society and Women's Association), the Women's Missionary Society, the Hi-C (previously called Young People's Society), the Adults Group and the Tennis Club.
Stanstead South United Church in Rock Island, initially of Congregational denomination, was organized in 1816; it was then called the Congregational Church of Stanstead. Some years later, it was renamed Stanstead South Congregational Church. From 1816 to 1828, the Congregationalists worshipped with the Methodists, the Episcopalians, and the Baptists in the so-called Union Meeting House in North Plain. In 1829, the Congregationalists decided to erect their own church. The present church is the second building; it was erected in 1876. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the Stanstead South Congregational Church in Rock Island decided to the join the Union. Stanstead South United Church is part of the United Steeples Pastoral Charge, which also includes Centenary United Church (Stanstead), Wesley United Church (Beebe) and Graniteville United Church. Stanstead South United Church in Rock Island is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by the Session and the Congregation in cooperation with organizations within the Church, such as the Helping Circle and the Boy Scouts troop.
Thetford Mines United Church, initially of Methodist denomination, was organized in 1905. The services were first held in a schoolhouse. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, the Methodist Church at Thetford Mines decided to join the Union. From 1908 to 1957, the congregation used a repurposed railway station as its meeting place. In 1957, a first church building was erected. The Thetford Mines United Church was part of the Kinnear's Mills-Thetford Mines Pastoral Charge from 1950 to 1982 and since 1982 of the Kinnear's Mills-Inverness-Thetford Mines Pastoral Charge. Due to dwindling number, the congregation decided to put the building up for sale in 2015, still meeting instead at the local funeral home. Thetford Mines United Church is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by the Congregation.
Tomifobia United Church, initially of Methodist denomination, was established at the end of the 19th century; a church was built around 1890. It belonged for some time to the Georgeville Methodist circuit. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, the Methodist Church in Tomifobia decided to join the Union. The congregation faced difficulties and the activities were irregular. In 1966, the members of Tomifobia United Church were transferred to Centenary United Church in Stanstead. The church building was sold in 1986 and transformed into a private residence a few years later.
Trenholm United Church, initially of Methodist denomination, was organized sometime in the early 1840's. The earliest records we have for the existence of this church are from a board of trustees meeting in 1845, under the chairmanship of Rev. John Borland. In 1845, a resolution was passed to pay seventy-five pounds to pay the debt to Thomas Tait for building of the church, which was built in 1842. This establishes that the congregation predates the records. Nevertheless, the date of the erection of the church building is a good indication of when the church was established, keeping in mind that it is possible that the congregation may have met years prior to the building of the church, which was common practice in the history of the Eastern Townships. The Trenholm Methodist church was part of the mission of Melbourne, of the Hatley and Melbourne Circuit of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference. The first 70 years of this church's history is marked by the fact they that they had a very small congregation and were unable afford to have a full-time minister. Many of those who served this church were students under the supervision of the Methodist Church at Richmond. In 1922, Trenholm officially joined the Richmond Charge of the Methodist Church of Canada, and were served by the pastor of that church. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, the Trenholm Methodist Church joined the Union. Trenholm United Church is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada.
Trinity United Church, initially of Methodist denomination, was organized between 1860 and 1863 in Cookshire. Thirty years later a church was erected. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the Cookshire Methodist Church decided to join the Union. In 1926, the church's name was changed to Trinity United Church by vote of the congregation. Trinity United Church in Cookshire is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by the Board of Trustees, the Official Board, the Board of Stewards, and the Congregation in co-operation with organizations within the Church, such as the Young People's Society.
Trinity United Church in Danville-Asbestos, initially of Congregational denomination, was organized in 1832 by Rev. Ammi Parker. It was the first Congregational Church established in the Eastern Townships. The first church was built around 1836 and was replaced by a new one in 1875. In 1912, the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches in Danville decided to unite and form a Federated Church. The Methodist Church, established in 1860 and sometimes known as the Danville Methodist Circuit, worked closely with the Federated Church. The circuit included the Townships of Shipton, Wotton, Cleveland, Warwick, Kingsey and Durham. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the Federated and the Methodist Churches, in Danville joined the Union to form Trinity United Church. Trinity United Church is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by the Board of Trustees, the Official Board and the Congregation in co-operation with organizations within the Church, such as the Sunday School and the United Church Women.
Trinity United Church, called Drummondville United Church until 1951, was organized in 1927 within the Montreal Presbytery. Before the erection of the Church in 1928, the Courchesne Hall in Drummondville was used as a temporary place of worship. In 1971, due to a severe decline of the population, Trinity United Church became part of a three-point charge, the Ulverton Pastoral Charge, which includes Drummondville, Ulverton, and South Durham. Trinity United Church was closed and the church building was sold in 1997. Trinity United Church was under the jurisdiction of the Montreal Presbytery until 1971 when it was transferred to the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church was governed by the Board of Trustees, the Official Board, the Session, the Board of Stewards, and the Congregation with organizations within the Church, such as the Sunday School, the United Church Women, the Young Women's Society, the Women's Missionary Society, the Choir, and various committees.
The Trinity United Church was established in Sherbrooke by the Rev. John Douglas of Melbourne in 1846. It was then called the Trinity Methodist Church. In 1925, Trinity Methodist Church entered into the dominion-wide union of Protestant churches and then became known as the Trinity United Church. In 1971, the Trinity United Church amalgamated with Plymouth United Church to form Plymouth-Trinity United Church. Prior to its formation, the pastoral oversight of the region was carried out from 1819 by Rev. John Du Putron, minister and circuit rider of the Wesleyan Methodist Society in Melbourne. Trinity Methodist Church was governed in a manner, which was in keeping with the Wesleyan Methodist doctrine. The Bishop appointed clergy and presiding elders to administer sacraments and supervise the district. As the congregation grew, members formed church boards (Board of Trustees, Official Board, Joint Board, Session, Board of Stewards and Congregation) and committees to oversee church affairs. The Church also had societies and organizations for children, women and men. The Trinity United Church is part of the Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal-Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada.
The Ulverton United Church is the result of the amalgamation in 1925 of the Ulverton Congregational Church and the Ulverton Methodist Church (also known as the Wesleyan Methodist Church of the Township of Durham). The two churches, respectively constituted in 1837 and 1842, belonged to different circuits over the years. In 1925, the Methodist Church building was chosen for the new Ulverton United Church and the Congregational Church building was turned into a church hall. In 1963, the Lisgar United Church building was moved beside the Ulverton United Church as the new Church hall and the Congregational Church building, then in very bad condition, was sold to Mr. Riff and moved to his property nearby.
United Church of Abercorn, initially of Methodist denomination, was organized in 1870. The Methodists belonged to the Union Church Society of Abercorn and worshipped in the Union Church as well as the Methodists-New Connection, the Congregationalists, the Presbyterians, and the Baptists. The Methodist services were discontinued in the Union Church in 1924 and the members joined the Sutton congregation. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, the remaining members of the Union Church Society of Abercorn decided to join the Union and formed the United Church of Abercorn. The church building was closed and sold to the Anglicans in 1955. United Church of Abercorn was under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada.
The Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery was established in 1925, after the United Church of Canada was formed. The Presbytery, which was part of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference, was a court of the Church made up of the pastoral charges in the province of Quebec, excluding the Montreal region. Its membership included the ordained ministers of the charges and lay representatives. In the 1980s, the Presbytery was divided into three regions: the Eastern Region, the St. Francis Region, and the Yamaska Region. The main functions of the Presbytery were to oversee pastoral charges within its bounds; to form new pastoral charges; to receive petitions and appeals from pastoral charges and to transmit them to the Conference or to any other appropriate body; to license lay persons to serve in lay ministry; to oversee education of candidates for ministry; and to supervise the work of the ministries within its bounds. In 2016, the Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery and the Montreal Presbytery were merged to form the Quebec Presbytery.
Warden United Church, located in the Township of Shefford, initially of Methodist denomination, was organized in 1861 or 1862. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the Warden Methodist Church decided to join the Union. The church was closed in 1968 and the church property was sold in 1971. Warden United Church was under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church was governed by the Board of Trustees, the Official Board, and the Congregation.
Waterville United Church, initially of Congregational denomination, was organized in 1862 by Rev. Cyril Pearl. For eighteen years, services were held in the Easterly's schoolhouse, now the Easterly Anglican Church. A first wooden church was built in 1880. By 1883, this church had outlived its capacity and another church, a brick construction, was completed and dedicated. The Ladies' Aid Society was created to help the Trustees to liquidate the debt on the new parsonage. In 1911, the church was greatly damaged by fire, but it was restored for the 50th church anniversary. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the Waterville Congregational Church joined the Union to form Waterville United Church. Waterville United Church is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by the Official Board and the Congregation in co-operation with organizations within the Church, such as the United Church Women and the Women's Missionary Society.
Wesley United Church, initially of Methodist denomination, was organized as an independent charge in 1875. A first church was erected in 1876-77 in Beebe. Fifteen years later, it became too small for the growing community, and another church was built in 1891. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the Wesley Methodist Church in Beebe decided to join the Union. Wesley United Church has been strongly connected to the Graniteville United Church for some years. Since 1981 or 1982, the Church has been part of the United Steeples Pastoral Charge, which includes also Centenary United Church (Stanstead), Stanstead South United Church (Rock Island) and Graniteville United Church. Wesley United Church in Beebe is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church is governed by the Official Board, the Session, the Board of Stewards, the Board of Trustees, a Joint Board and the Congregation in co-operation with committees and organizations within the Church, such as the Sunday School, the United Church Women and the Young People's Society.
Facing financial difficulties and a decreasing membership, the congregation of Wesley United Church decided to sell the building. The last service was held in Wesley United Church on 15 April 2007 and the building was sold 30 April 2007 to musicians to be made into a private residence and concert hall.
West Brome United Church, initially of Methodist denomination, was organized in 1856 and a year later a church building was erected. In 1925, when the United Church of Canada was founded, amalgamating the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, the West Brome Methodist Church decided to join the Union. In 1967, due to decreasing membership, the church closed and the building was sold. West Brome United Church was under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Church was governed by the Board of Trustees and the Congregation in cooperation with organizations within the Church, such as the Women's Association.
The Acton Vale Circuit, which was of Methodist denomination, was organized around 1898. It included three preaching points: Acton Vale, St-Theodore-d'Acton, and Bethany. It seems to have had over the years a French and an English Section. The church was closed in the 1920s.
The Acton Vale Circuit was part of the Waterloo District of the Montreal Conference of the Methodist Church of Canada.
The first services for the Adderley Presbyterian Church in the township of Inverness, also known as St. Andrew's and South Kirk, were conducted in 1856 but the church building was not constructed until 1873. When the union of Methodists, Congregationalist, and Presbyterian took place in 1925, Adderly Presbyterian Church did not join the union. However, after 1943, they shared the services of a minister with the United Church. The church building was in regular use until 1958 and summer services continued to be held there until 1977. With the building closed, the congregation then worshipped at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Inverness. Unfortunately, due to severe vandalism, the decision was made to have the building demolished in 1982. On September 11, 1983, former members and friends of the Church met once again and held a ceremony at the property where they had erected a commemorative granite marker and fence.
Adderley Presbyterian Church was under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of Quebec of the Synod of Quebec and Eastern Ontario of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The Church was governed by the congregation and the church courts (board of managers and session) in co-operation with committees, organizations and societies within the Church, such as the Women's Missionary Society.
The Advent Christian Church in Danville, Quebec was formally organized in August 1851 with 27 members under the pastorship of Elder John Porter. Prior to that time, during the 1840s, Adventism had been growing in popularity in Quebec, particularly in the Eastern Townships under two main denominations: Evangelical Adventists and Christian Adventists. The Advent Christian Church was the first Christian Adventist church to be established in Quebec. Adventism began to gain a number of believers in the Township of Shipton through tent meetings and conferences that were held there in 1849, 1850, and 1851 when well-known pastors from the United States would preach. At this time, the Christian Adventist denomination was known for its weak official organization and lack of church buildings. Therefore, the Advent Christian Church of Danville is somewhat unique for their decision to erect their own church building by 1854 on Water Street. By 1873, the Advent Christian Church had joined the Adventist Federation of Canada East and Vermont. In 1902, they had completed a second church building, which is still located on the corner of Grove and Crown Streets in Danville. During the nineteenth century, camp meetings, usually held outside and during the summer, were significant activities for Christian Adventists where pastors from the United States would be invited to preach. Today, Adventist camp meetings are still held at the camp meeting site in Beebe. Governed by a board of directors and aided by committees, the Advent Christian Church in Danville remains as one of the two Christian Adventist churches that is still active in the Eastern Townships.
Agnes Methodist Church was organized in Agnes (now Lake Megantic) in 1883. The church building was destroyed by fire in 1908 and the property was sold around 1920.
The Angus House was a hotel in the town of East Angus, located in the Township of Westbury, which was active during the end of the 19th century. James Bryant, the original owner of the Angus House, first opened a boarding house in East Angus around 1884 and built the hotel in 1891. In 1896, Bryant sold the hotel to Lockhart R. Willard.
The Ascot Women's Institute was founded in 1918. It was initially known as the Spring Road Club, and was soon renamed the Ascot Homemakers' Club. Like the other Homemakers' Clubs, in 1921, it became a Women's Institute, whose motto is 'For Home and Country.' In collaboration with Macdonald College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, the Ascot Women's Institute's mandate was to help rural women and stimulate community life. This institute was incorporated in 1932. It is a member of the Sherbrooke County Women's Institutes, the Quebec Women's Institutes, and the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. Delegates attend the annual meetings of these organizations. Locally, an elected board of directors worked with various committees (Agriculture, Home Economics, Education, Citizenship, Health and Welfare, Publicity, Sunshine Communications, International Affairs, Ways and Means), to organize monthly meetings and activities. The latter includes lectures; horticultural contests; school fairs; and fund raising events in aid of the Canadian Red Cross Society, the Canadian Cancer Society, and other humanitarian organizations. Beginning in the 1970s, the Ascot Women's Institute began to involve itself with problems relating to the environment and women's rights.
The Ayer's Cliff-Magog Pastoral Charge, initially called the Ayer's Cliff-Coaticook-Way's Mills Pastoral Charge, was formed in 1962. It then included 3 churches facing decreasing membership and financial difficulties: Beulah United Church in Ayer's Cliff, Sisco Memorial United Church in Coaticook, and Way's Mills United Church. In 1971, two more churches were added: St. Paul's United Church in Magog and Georgeville United Church. The Pastoral Charge was then renamed Ayer's Cliff-Magog Pastoral Charge. The Ayer's Cliff-Magog Pastoral Charge is under the jurisdiction of the Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada. The Pastoral Charge is governed by the Official Board in co-operation with organization and Committees.
Heading the Baker family were William Stevens Baker and Harriet Eliza Clapp Baker. William, a native of Dunham, and Harriet, an American born in the state of Vermont, had eight children together. Seven of these these eight children are represented in the fonds. They include (from eldest to youngest): Frederick Stevens Baker, Amelia Baker Stevens, Malcolm Clapp Baker, Mary Peckham Stevens, Emma Louise Baker, Harriet Baker, and Abigail Baker. Please see the biographical sketches accompanying the individual files for further information.
Also included in this fonds are distant relations, including J.C. Moore, A.H. Baker, Frances, and Stewart. Several of Malcolm Clapp Baker's brother-in-laws are also represented in the fonds.
Lawrence Ball was born in Lake Megantic on 5 October 1911 and came to Sherbrooke in 1917. He studied at Sherbrooke High School and Dudley Pitman's Shorthand and Business School. From 1936 to 1973, he worked for Bell Canada in Sherbrooke (until 1939), Trois-Rivières, Montreal, St-Jean, St-Jérôme, Drummondville and Québec City. Good at sports, Ball was a member of the Sherbrooke Athletic Club before moving away in 1939. Throughout his career, he worked with many service and community organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Kinsmen, the chambers of commerce of Drummondville and St-Jean, and historical societies in Drummondville and Sherbrooke. On his retirement in 1973, Ball returned to Sherbrooke. He died on 27 February 1986.
Barnston Methodist Church was organized around 1875 and was part of the Barnston Methodist Circuit, which included Bickford Corner, Way's Mills, Heath's Corner, Barnston Corner, Heathton, Wayville, and Baldwin's Mills. The Barnston Methodist Church closed at the beginning of the 1920s.
The Beebe Women's Institute was founded in 1921. Like the other Women's Institutes, whose motto is 'For Home and Country', this one was concerned with family in rural regions. The Beebe Women's Institute was a member of the Stanstead County Women's Institutes, the Quebec Women's Institutes, and the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. Delegates attended the annual meetings of these organizations. Locally, an elected board of directors worked with various committees (Agriculture, Child Welfare, Education, Home Economics, Immigration, Social Service, etc.) to organize monthly meetings and activities. The latter included lectures, school fairs, and fund raising events (food sales, card parties, various contests, etc.) in support of the Children's Memorial Hospital, the Salvation Army, local schools and hospitals, and other worthy causes. After 66 years of activity, the Beebe Women's Institute was disbanded in 1964.