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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977, PAGE 7 Brian Winter's H istorîocal Q~Whitb BROOKLIN CHURCHES This week -we continue with the early history of Brooklin's churches. one of the village's most beautiful churches. a fine white frame building with a taîl spire, wasý the Presbyterian Church, erected in 1862 at a cost of $2,000. It was located on the site of Mitchell Brothers building supply store of today, and was officially opened in February of 1863. The first minister wvas Rev. Dr. J. M. King. The Presbyterian, Church in Brooklin continued Lntil 1921 when a local union was formed with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, four years before the Presbyterians and Methodists across the country joined to becorne the United Church of Canada. The old church was demnolished ahear the union, and much of the wood from the building was used in making improvements to the basernent of the Methodist Church and the parsonage, and for the'erection of an enclosed shed behind the church. An interesting footnote to the history of the Brooklin Presbyterian Church is that when the Brooklin United Church celebrated the 5th anniversary of the United Church of Canada in 1975, somnebody discovered a nurnber of china plates with the monogram of the old Brooklin Presbyterian Church on them. These were sold to the public, and the writer of this column obtained some for the Whitby H4istorical Society. One of the most picturesque churches in Brooklin is St. Thomas Anglican Church, a white frarne building which was built in 1 869, at a cost of $2,000. It was opened in December 1869, chiefly due to the energy of the pastor of that time, Rev. James Mockridge. Ia February 1 870 an evening of entertainment was gîven at the township hall in Brooklin to aid in the liquidation of debt of this church. At an admission price of only 25 cents, it makes one wonder how much of the debt was -leared by this event. However, newspaper reports of the ay, say a sum of $50 was raised, which was a considerable amiount o!r noney l'or 1870. There are a numnber of interesting stories connected with the history of St. Thomas Chu rch. It is said that the original bell felI fruin the tuwer on New Year's Eve at the turn of the centuiry. wliîle the rector was ringing the New Year in. The young peuple of the curnunity hiad gathered ah the railway station across the ruad. where Croxall's place is nuw. ho vatich the proceedings. The bell began ringing, then sd denly emiîtted a strange suuind. The spectaturs ruished tu the church to find the bell on the ground outside the building, and the rectur lying on the fluor inside, badlv injured. The bell had slipped from the tower, and rolled down the rouf:'The rector, "'ith his hands ini the loup of the bell rope, had been hauled almiost tu the high ceiling of the ,.hurch, before he let go and dropped lu the floor. Another story invulves the Centennial celebrations the church held in tfle'spring uft19'/L. A member of the cungregation asked the writer of this column to find out froni uld newspaper files the exact date when the church opened. His researchi unearthed the fact that the church had upened in 1869, and notI1870, su the Centennial was actually a year late. Needless to say, there was little mentioned at the celebrations a bout this rather'embarrass- ing discovery. Brooklin, as mnent ioned last week, was known for its fine churches in the 1 9th century. 0f the five churches of I100 years ago, only two are still functioning in their original buildings, and the third ()f these church buildines is now a cornmunity hall. The other two are only lingering mnemories. but are preserved for posterity in old photographis, taken mure than 70 years ago. (more on Brooklin next week) C o rridor e Capers Easter is fast approaching and with it cornes the welcomed signs of spring. It will be a pleasure to wander outdoors without the aid of skidoo suits to kecp you warmn. Development The Strong subdivision wiIl be discussed at the Administrative Commnittee on Monday April 4. The probleja concerning the questionable road allowances on Broadview and Northview seemns to have been solved. From information received, it would appear the Town discovered they have indeed owned both of these parcels of land ail along. What to do? By the time this columa V EàuMwlad S RàSdTMWI Mvi 14 -15 1,4 appears, it may ail be scîtled. Lets hope su. the Strong subdivision happens to bc one of the better subdivision plans. -To the residents on Garrard Rd. north, the pipes being installed are t() service a reservoir in youir are.i, a Regional project. - Xelcne hume to the Sheffields., vhu enjoyed a sunny vacation in Texas. -- The April Ratepayers executive meeting wviIl be on Thursday the l4th at the home of Pat Douley, l-la/elwood Dr. Whitby Skating Club The Whitby Skating Club presented a delightful spring show at Iroquois Park un Sunday. Fromn the littie tykes right up to the seniors, the performance was flawless. There has to be une in every crowd though, and Sunday was no exception. Bill Rich stole the show with his original creation of the wet spin, (and without skates nu less). To al the instructors, peu ple bchind the scenes and the performers - Congratulations. Westminster United Church Good Friday Service, April 8, Il a.rn. at St. Mark's il EXCITING COLOURS (ALSO ~LYh3i~4'BLACK AND WHITE) IWSAFEGUARD VOUA PROPERrY- WITH CARBOZITE No property owner should jeopardize the great investment he has in his' home or building. The protection costs are economical with CARBOZITE, a specially prepared coating that resists deterior- ation in every form. *CAR BOZITE The Modern Miracle Coating specially formu- Iated to proteot and beautify WOOD, METAL, BRICK, STUCCO, CEMENT, CONCRETE. CAN BE USED ALMOST ANYWHERE CARBOZITE seals, proteots, and renews- actually penetrates and bonds with existing coatings on exterior and interior walls, iterally becoming a permanent part of them. MITCHELL BROTHERS Building Supplies Ltd. Broolln O6554991 Church, Whiîby. Easher SuIndav, April 10. 7:30 a.ïn. Sunrise Service at the church followed by an Easter Breakfast. 1 1:00 a.m. Easter Worship. Courtice United Church Thle Courtice United Church congregation had the pleasure of induicting the Rev. Robert Chaprnan into their Pastoral Chiarge. As a neighbouring community, we welconme Bob and Durothy Chapman to the Durhamn area. To mie, this is a very special welcome. as Bob and Dorothy are friends from high school days. Courtice residents a re very fortunate to have the Chapnians juin tlhem. Thev will be a great asset to the corinmunity, and the Durhani Region. H-ave a good Easter week-end. Caîl 725-8967 with news items. Mary McEachern. BROOKLIN PRESBYTERJAN- CHURCH, 1863 » 1921 TOUR INCLUDES: " Return transportation by Voyageur Bus Lines " One nite's accommodation t Holiday Inn Centre " Tour of Ottawa's tulip areas " Experimental Farm featuring 1200 acres of foe beds ornamental gardens " Admission to Old Ft. Henry' *Tour escort * Baggage handling (1 piece) *Hotel tax ~ RATES Single - $61.00 c Twin - $ 49.00 per persan Triple - $4400 per person Quad - $41.50 per person ( CONTACT ( RUSSELL TRAVEL 116 osL Li WHDDY US 60 Houri Mon -Set 9-5