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Photo of Rev. William Black - "The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." Psalm 126: 3. My dear friend(s): It is impossible to paint a complete landscape scene, if you are not able to see it all. That is exactly how I feel in the compilation of this historical brochure for the Aldershot Presbyterian Church. If some of the peaks are missed or the colours in the valley lack detail, you will be quick to see that the writer came after the work commenced. Mrs. G. Thomson has given much valuable help in the use of the material which is before me, having kept a log of proceedings from the time of the first service. What miraculous power is in the thought waves, which set this little congregation out on its first voyage over uncharted seas. Names like the Rev. S. Vance, B.A., of St. Paul's, and Mr. W. J. Moffat and Mr. N. McPhie, the first assessor elders, are enshrined in the hearts of the charter members. The Rev. M. Bailey, of Southgate, was the first minister to take regular services commencing on May 24th, 1954. He was succeeded by Mr. Keith Wilcox who was appointed in September of the same year. Both did excellent service and no word of commendation can be too high. But it was on the 20th and 21st of October of 1952, that the first survey of the district was made by ministers and elders of the Hamilton Presbytery. It was an encouraging review and led to the formation of the congregation on the 10th of January, 1954, when some 55 Charter members were received, 39 by certificate and 16 by profession of faith. Rev. S. Vance said at that historic service: "It is a high and rare responsibility to form a new part of the Body of Christ as you are doing today". Mr. W. J. Moffat was appointed as the first session clerk and in this capacity endeared himself to all. The name of Mr. A. Ramsay was approved as the first clerk of session from within the membership and from the 20th of June, 1954, until the 3rd of November of the same year, Mr. Ramsay gave excellent service. 30th March, 1955: Mr. H. Robbins was chosen as clerk of session, but in February of the following year, he asked to be relieved of his duties. This resignation being accepted with regret, Mr. H. Robbins was elected Roll Clerk and Treasurer of the Session Funds. 27th April, 1956: By the time of this change there had come into the session Mr. J. F. Duff, son-in-law to Rev. Dr. H. B. Ketchen, who exercised such a gracious and telling ministry in MacNab Street congregation