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Page 9 Orono Weekly Times -June 25, 1997 Methodist Church, Park and Church Streets (1862 - 1950) and the Manse, 62 Church St., 1882. church for any wishing to obtain one. The Early Years The Orono United Church wasn't always known by that name, but rather has evolved over the years with several name changes. Back in 1847 it was called the Episcopal Methodist Church which was built in Orono at the corner of Church and Park Streets on the same site as the present Orono United Church. This was a small, white frame building which was used for worship even before the building was completed. Blocks and planks were set up for seating until enough money was saved to finish off the church's interior. Mr. Wm. Thornton (1818-1897) of Kirby was hired to complete the interior. He made the sanctuary his workshop and home until it was completed then returned to Kirby. Bishop Smith preached the dedication services for the new Episcopal Methodist Church on December 25th with an afternoon and evening service. By 1857 the congregation had grown and it became evi- dent that soon they would need a larger building. The church had accumulated $480 in the year's collections and a suggestion had been made to purchase and install a new lamp in the centre of the church. A New Brick Church In 1862, construction of the new church had begun. It was to be all brick and of the Gothic style throughout with a gallery at the north side. The little white, framed church which served the early Episcopal Methodists so faith- fully--was left intact with the new brick sanctuary being constructed in front of it. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on June 25, 1862 with Henry Munro, MPP presiding, Rev. LB. Caldwell reading from the scriptures and Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Tucking laying period artifacts or relics into the òavi- ty of the stone jar. These relics included five coins (the most valuable being a U.S. dollar gold piece dated 1850), a June 18, 1862 copy of "Christian Guardian" and "Christian Advocate", a copy each of Toronto's "Globe" (weekly) and "Patriot" news- papers as well as a plan of the Orono appointments for the summer of 1862 and a bill announcing the layout of the corner-stone. This new church had coal oil lights and was heated by stoves placed in the corners. The construction cost had run to $3,000 with $1,100 still outstanding at the time of the official opening. The "Opening Ceremony" was a fundraiser in itself. It featured the Dedication Services, a Dinner, a Concert and a Tea. At the end of it all, a total of $1,200 was raised-- clearing the debt leaving a balance of $100. Interesting to note - The accompanying graveyard was removed in 1885 because of damages made by roaming cattle during that time! And, in 1863 the prestigious "Annual Ontario Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Churches" was held here in the new church with ministers arriving by train and stage- coach from ail over the province! The Methodist Church In 1884, the Union of Methodist Churches in Canada took place. The three Methodist churches in Orono were united and agreed to worship in the Episcopal Methodist Church--now renamed the "Methodist Church". The Wesleyan Methodist church was sold and is now a residence at 25 Park St. and the Bible Christian Church was sold to the Anglican Church and is now St. Saviour's Anglican Church on Mill Street. By 1889 the congregation was 135 strong. The choir leader was G.M. Long and S.B. Dobson was the organist. The school superintendent was R. Moment and R. Knox was the bible class teacher. Park St. United Church In 1925 more changes came when the Orono Methodist Church joined with the Presbyterians and Congregationalists to form the Orono Park Street Congrega- tion of the United Church of Canada. The former Presby- terian Church in Orono is now the Masonic Temple on Centre Street. For over 88 years the church--now called the Park St. United Church had served as a place of worship for a large congregation, been wit- ness to countless baptism and wedding ceremonies. Music played an important role in the life of the church. Apart from the choir--they even had their own small orchestra! Sunday School (also played an important part in the histo- ry of the church) met in the church basement. As Sunday School enrollment grew, so did the need for more space to accommodate ' the ever- increasing classes. Eventually classes were cordoned off by hanging curtains from the ceiling. Major Renovations In the autumn of 1949 the Park Street United Church underwent extensive renova- tions, redecorating and refur- nishing. In addition there were new pews and a new centre aisle! Many thanks were due in part to the hard work of numerous people including the treasurer O.W. Rolph, M.J. Tamblyn, A.A. Drummond, M.H. Staples, Carl Billings, carpenter Percy Chapman and W.J. Riddell. Rev. Andrew E. Eustace presided at the re-dedication services when the renovations were completed. It cost $14,000. The Fire of '50 About four months after the re-dedication, tragedy struck the Park St. United Church. The beautiful sanctu- ary was totally destroyed in a raging fire. Many of the Orono community weil remember that bitterly cold day and the valiant efforts of many who tried to save the church. It is remarkable that the old chestnut tree just a few feet away at the northwest corner escaped the flames. Rebuilding By October 1950, under the enthusiastic direction of Rev. Eustace, the Church renewed its strength as the members prepared plans to rebuild. All the relics from the original cornerstone along with the new ones from 1950 Continued... page 13 Bill Riddell, Chairman of Finance and Percy Chapman, Builder - 1950 Robert Knox's Sunday School Class (ca. 1889). Robert Knox (center with beard) was the bachelor son of a tailor-- Andrew Knox. He was active in the 'Sons of Temperance' and was clerk for the Twp. of Clarke. Pictured are: Mrs. Anthony Davy (Mary Jane Reed), ?, James Newsom?, ?, another Newsom?, Will Stutt (lived Forestry, Tom Benson, Miss Jane Knox, Miss Kate Vinson (married Albert Tourjee in 1891), Mrs. John Miller (Rachael Powers, married 1881), ?, Miss Emeline Vinson, ?,?, Albert Odel, Daniel Allin (father of Clarence, Cecil, etc.), ?, ?, ?, Miss Emily Clark, Robert Knox; ?, Miss "Polly" Mary E Odell, Miss Harriett Batten, Herbert or John Odeli, Ed Souch, ?, James Tamblyn, ?, Miss Emily G. Odeli, Henrietta Clark (or Mrs. Tom Smith,;married March 1883).