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... conducted a service every two weeks, until November. After that time a weekly service was held. We find a record that after April 20th, 1862, pew rents and collections provided Mr. McKenzie's stipend of $100.00 per annum. Before this the sum of $2.00 per service had been provided. The interior of the Church at the beginning was not very elaborate. Seats were placed round the walls, until the pews replaced these in 1862. A Reading Desk was provided in that year. From the year 1865, the Rev. C. H. Drinkwater, Rector of St. Thomas', Hamilton had charge of St. Matthew's. When he left for England in the summer, 1868, the Rev. Stringfellow, Incumbent of Waterdown, and the Rev. Dr. Greene of Burlington, shared the care of the Parish. Later, at the request of the Vestry, Dr. Greene's son, Richard, a student at Trinity College was in charge of the services, with his father administering the Sacraments. Among the interesting notes we find that in 1861, special donations were made for Communion Plate and later on we note, duty on Communion plate from England, $4.50. Shade trees were bought in 1863, and these no doubt are the beautiful trees which lend the wonderful surroundings to the Church today. An interesting letter by Mr. Wyatt to Mrs. Greene reveals a little of the attitude of the congregation in those days. The pew holders held a meeting at Mrs. Wyatt's home and most decidedly expressed their objection to High Church views and practices. They also objected to placing the Church in the Bishop's hands and parting with the power to choose their pastors. Evidently the High Church practices they objected to were not used by Dr. Greene, for the meeting was unanimous in the wish that Dr. Greene administer the Sacraments and his son, Richard, should officiate at other services until he was ordained. This may be the right place to tell of an amusing story that has been handed down. Dr. Greene regularly brought his dog with him, and the dog would sit in the open pulpit through the sermon, periodically peering through the curtains and yawn. It was felt desirable that the few Sunday School scholars should be cared for. The singing became more congregational, and the small flock cared for by pastoral visits, especially to the sick. Commenting on this an early writer remarks: "These points may pave the way to a readier acceptance of Episcopal supervision. However, that may be, without them we make slow progress compared to our active and zealous neighbors. Cannon Richard Greene, son of Dr. Greene, when Rector of Islington, had some comments to make of the church at that time. He says a goodly number of persons met every Sunday afternoon in the Chapel of Ease (St. Matthew's). This stood on the Herberton Farm not far from what was known as the second toll-gate. About thirty-five people met regularly and seemed to enjoy and profit by the services. The Wyatts were fine old English family, highly cultured and delightfully musical. Miss Helen Wyatt always presided at the organ and played exquisitely. Misses Grace, Flora, Mrs. Thos. [Thomas] Marsh and Mrs. Beard with their brothers George, Charles, Percy and Frank made the nucleus of a fine choir. Among the congregation might be seen the Oscar Chisloms [Chisholm?], the Hills, the Browns, the Fongers and the Applegarths. Though the congregation was not large, it was reverent and sincere.