by Rev. Donald Campbell, M.A., Edinburgh
COMMUNIONS IN ONTARIO, CANADA
This, my second visit to Canada within a year was in response to an invitation from the Kirk Sessions of Toronto and Chesley to dispense the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in these congregations. Communion seasons in Ontario under the auspices of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, were, to many, a new experience but to those present at the services a very pleasant one. For many years the Chesley congregation while part of the Church, had regular communion seasons until contention deprived the people of their happy relationship with the church of their fathers. During the time they were separated from the Church some among them longed for the day when normal relationships would be restored and the Church would once more function in their Province. A few were spared to see that accomplished when on Sabbath, 13th July, the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was dispensed in the Orange Hall, Chesley. The cynics would sneer at calling the occasion historic but to those who contended for the restoration of the Church’s witness in that place, it was the Lord’s doing and wonderful in their eyes.
The services during the solemn season, which comprised the usual days of humiliation, examination, preparation and thanksgiving were well attended by attentive audiences, particularly at the Fellowship Meeting and the Communion service. Among the strangers present from Toronto were Mr and Mrs Scambler and Mr and Mrs Vanderwall, Ann and Peter, and from Detroit, Mr and Mrs Lawson. Their presence greatly encouraged both congregation and preacher. We hope they found a blessing for their souls. A good percentage of young people attended and indicated an interest in the things they saw and heard. Our prayer is that the revival of the Communion seasons in Chesley will prove the beginning of better days for the Cause of Christ in that part of the vineyard. The friends of the Church there are due its thanks for their loyalty and diligence. A pastor is needed to help the Elder, Mr Schuit, in his praiseworthy endeavour to organise the Congregation. Our prayer is that one of our ministers will be constrained to take the charge of the Chesley congregation. Meantime steps are being taken to procure a manse and such is the enthusiasm behind this project that a house should be available soon. Needless to say, financial help in achieving this would be much appreciated.
On Monday evening after the service, we returned to Toronto with Mr Fraser, his daughter, Caroline and sister-in-law Annie Graham who had motored out earlier in the day. The Communion in Toronto, on 27th July, was the first in that city under the auspices of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and on the admission of the friends present it was a time of blessing. The services which extended from Thursday to Monday were well attended having regard to the time of year when several of the congregation were on holiday. The Fellowship Meeting was a new development in the Toronto church but to the Lord’s people present, a welcome and refreshing devotional exercise, which impressed all.
Present at the Lord’s Table was one, Mrs R. Fraser, who could remember Communion Seasons in Scotland in the early years of the Church when large numbers of the Lord’s people gathered to commemorate the death of Christ and impart spiritual gifts to one another. In respect of numbers the comparison could hardly apply but the warmth of fellowship which prevailed was reminiscent of those bygone days. One new member was added to the Toronto communion roll. The lady was a Mrs Singh, an Hindu, whose parents were ardent devotees of their religion but their daughter, mercifully delivered from the power of darkness found herself rejoicing in Christ Jesus, while seated with His guests at His Table in Toronto. The power of the Lord unto salvation is not limited by colour, creed or nationality. This fact was most singularly illustrated in the church in Toronto, when men and women of different nationalities sat together at the Lord’s Table to commemorate the death of Him Who gave Himself for the life of the world.
These communion seasons mark, we pray, the beginning of better days for the Church in Canada. For the benefit of all interested in our church there we recommend that our people at home and elsewhere inform their friends in Canada of the church services. The addresses of the places of worship are given in the Free Presbyterian Magazine.
Of our seven Sabbaths in Canada we spent one in Winnipeg where we were most warmly received. I preached twice in the church on Sabbath and having regard to the infrequency of the services there, the congregations were encouraging. After a period of fourteen years one was struck at the changes which had occurred. Needless to say we sadly missed the men and women who were among our best friends in 1961. Death had taken them to their long home and their departure has not only depleted our ranks in Winnipeg but greatly weakened the hands of those who still adhere faithfully to our position in that city. These long for regular services as they hunger for the bread of life. The revival of our church in Winnipeg is our fervent desire. We ask for the prayers of the Lord’s people on behalf of Christ’s cause there.
While in Winnipeg we received the sad news of the death of Mr Thomson, Toronto. To Mrs Thomson and her family we offer our sincere sympathy in their great loss.
It was a pleasure to visit Mrs Morrison, a worthy member of the congregation, but housebound now for many years. On our arrival at Winnipeg, Mr Gillies met us at the airport, notwithstanding the fact that our plane was over two hours late. We greatly appreciated this and also the generosity of Mrs Kitchen, Mr and Mrs Gillies and Miss Nicol in whose homes we were so warmly entertained. On Monday evening Mr Gillies kindly accompanied us to the airport where we boarded the plane for Toronto.
On Tuesday morning Mr J. C. Fraser and I paid another visit to our friends in Chesley where we were entertained by Mr and Mrs Schuit. In the evening I held a service and met the Building Committee, whose enthusiasm deeply impressed me. That same evening we returned to Toronto where we spent the remaining part of our Canadian visit.
After a period of pleasant but fully occupied forty five days in Canada my wife, son I left Toronto for home on 11th August. As on the former occasion we were seen off by a goodly number of devoted friends — too many to mention by name. To them and others we are deeply indebted for their kindness to ourselves and their manifest zeal for the Cause we mutually love. “His name shall endure for ever; His name shall be continued as long as the sun; and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call Him blessed.” Ps. 72 v. 17.