Low Down Articles
Echoes from the Past
Article 23 of 111
This article first appeared in the "Echoes from the Past" column of the The Low Down to Hull and Back News.
Reprinted with permission. Search complete list of Low Down Articles.
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Excerpts from Annual Reports of the Missionary Society of the Wesleyan Methodist Church
Note: In each case "Gatineau" is spelled with two t's which is of German origin.
1848 - 1849 Page XXX
GATTINEAU
This Mission is situated on the north side of the Ottawa River in Canada East, and or north and south (sic) sides of the Gatineau River, from which the Mission takes its name. This is a bold and rapid river, coming from the north west, and after flowing for several hundred miles, at last falls into the Grand (Ottawa) River, near Bytown.
The Mission extends nearly forty miles up the river from Bytown, embracing part of five townships. The country is very mountainous and romantic, the roads exceedingly rough, making the travelling laborious, and in some places difficult. The people are very kind and benevolent. The past year has been one of trial and difficulty.
1849-1850 Page XXXIV
GATTINEAU
Notwithstanding the discouragements, difficulties, and privations of the past we have to thank God and take courage, that we have not run in vain -- neither laboured in vain. The religious state of this Mission is moderately good. Our members generally are endeavouring to serve the Lord, and are walking worthy of the high vocation wherewith they are called.
E. Hurlburt.
1851-1852 Page XLV
GATTINEAU
This Mission extends into the Townships of Masham, Wakefield, Hull and Templeton. Occasional visitations are made into more remote settlements up the river. The country is far from being inviting in its appearance. It was the advantages of the lumbering business that was the great attraction to settle on the Gattineau River. The demoralizing influence of the trade is often a matter of pain to the Christian minister. This is not to be seen merely in those who made no profession of religion and regard not the day of the Lord, but also in some who, for a season make a creditable profession of the religion of Christ -- absence from the means of grace during the winter season, and placed in circumstances, in other respects, greatly unfriendly to their spiritual welfare. So general is the absence from home during the winter, as to prevent those special efforts so happily and successfully made in the fields of missionary labour. There are some worthy brethren here who love Methodism, and have shown themselves liberal in support of its institutions. The Society is much the same numerically and spiritually.
John Armstrong
to be continued