The Osgoode Baptist Church was first started in the 1830’s by three families: Duncan McMartin, Peter McCaul and Mr. Miles Fisher. They arrived from Perthshire, Scotland and were the nucleus of the present Baptist Church.
Dr. R.A. Fife, founder of the Canadian Literary Institution, preached in Duncan McMartin’s barn and visited all the families in the Osgoode Settlement. The first meetings were held in this barn; a pine board was the pulpit and pine boards on blocks of wood made the pews.
An organization began in July 1837.
In January 1838 an anniversary was held at Breadalbane and the people of Osgoode made it known that they were anxious to have a pastor.
Rev. Daniel McPhail, who had been stationed at Indian Lands, paid a visit to Osgoode in March 1839. He was so well liked that he was asked to return in June to begin his ministry, which would extend to 25 years.
Rev. McPhail was the first minister and was known as the “Elisha of the Ottawa Valley.” The day the church was organized, there were 45 members and 20 adults were baptized.
Rev. Daniel McPhail was born in 1811 in Glen Lyon, Perthshire, Scotland. At the age of 10 he came with his parents and seven siblings to Cote St. Paul near Montreal. Daniel’s father was a school teacher and a lay minister. He preached in Gaelic and Daniel translated for him. However, he died in 1832 leaving Daniel, at the age of 14, with great responsibilities. Daniel felt his call to the ministry but was a shy, sensitive youth and because of monetary restrictions he felt that his dream was not possible. A Presbyterian by the name of Guy Richards, who owned a store in Lachute, Quebec, loaned him the money for school. As a result, in 1838 at the age of 27, Daniel graduated from Madison University in Hamilton, New York.
He was a typical Scotsman — tall, rugged of build, and full of energy. At a young age, prayer became his foundation. He travelled in his local area where he lived and organized revival meetings. He bought a farm north of Vernon near Metcalfe. In 1842 he married Katherine McGregor, a relative of D.A. McGregor, principal of McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He and his wife raised five children — four sons and one daughter.
The history of this church gathers around Rev. Daniel McPhail as it does no other man.
The first chapel
A log chapel was built in 1840 with a seating capacity of 200 and the pulpit near the front entrance. It was built by Robert McGregor of Kenmore, a carpenter and furniture maker and a brother-in-law of Rev. McPhail. The church was built in a bush, close to the road on what is now known as the Dalmeny road — half a mile west of Highway 31 and two miles north of Vernon. The two-acre site was given by Duncan McMartin and his wife Nancy. Rev. McPhail preached in homes, school rooms, and barns. His means of travel was on foot or horseback with his trusted horse “Prince.” He was paid $20 and was given a pair of cloth pants. From 1854 to 1856, 90 people were baptized. In 1869 about 60 were baptized. John McLaurin’s house was on the Dalmeny Road near the second Church. Ice on the Castor River had to be broken for Rev. McPhail to baptize him, a lad of 14 years.
In 1865 Rev. McPhail divided the congregation, which had become too large for the original log church. 103 members were formed into the Ormond Baptist Church. He was also instrumental in building churches in South Gower, Kemptville, and West Winchester — but Osgoode was the mother church.
Scarcely any other man in the Canadian Baptist ministry did the work that Daniel McPhail accomplished. After 25 years he left Osgoode in 1865, for a call at First Baptist Church in Ottawa, where he remained for five years. In 1870, while administering the Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper in Winchester Baptist Church, Daniel was stricken with paralysis. He never recovered and five years later in 1875 he passed away. He and his wife are buried at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.
Early pastors (1865–1889)
After Rev. McPhail left in 1865, there was no minister, so Donald McNeil, a student from Woodstock, came for one term.
In 1867 Rev. P.C. Robertson came for three and a half years until 1870. He was the first graduate of Woodstock College, and during his time there were two outstanding revivals.
Rev. Donald McDiarmid came from 1870 until 1873. Around 1870 a Missionary gift box was placed in the church, which was used to receive Anniversary gifts for the McLaurin Memorial Scholarship Fund. This treasured box remains near the front door. In 1873 Rev. McDiarmid, with a number of members, started a new Baptist Church in Kenmore.
A second new large brick church was built in 1874 on a site in the northeast corner at the crossroads, one mile north of Vernon. The church was opened by R.A. Cameron of First Baptist, Ottawa on January 11, 1874. When the new church was opened, 700 attended the evening service. There was a boardwalk from the church to Vernon. This church was built there because that is where they thought the village of Vernon was going to be. According to the church roll, there were over 300 members.
Osgoode Baptist Church has a fine reputation for musical talent. On a warm summer evening with the windows open, the old hymns such as “He’s the Lily of the Valley,” “O, Lord, Revive Thy Work,” and “Take Time to be Holy” could be heard.
Rev. J.P. McEwen was ordained in the new church. He was a beloved pastor and continued with successful revivals. He resigned in 1880 due to poor health.
Rev. G.I. Colwell came from June 1880 until 1882. He was ordained while in charge. He moved into the new manse on September 27. The old parsonage was sold for $400.
On July 11, 1881, the Osgoode Baptist Women’s Foreign Mission Circle was born. Then on November 29, 1888, the Home Circle was formed. On May 29, 1921 the two circles united into the Afternoon Group Mission Circle. A Young Women’s Group was appointed on January 22, 1937 called the Evening Group Mission Circle. In later years, the two groups formed to become one afternoon group. This group later became the Baptist Women’s Missionary Society. Now we are known as the Baptist Women and we meet in the afternoon. We will soon be celebrating 135 years doing missionary work.
Mr. J.R. Stillwell, a university student, preached for the summer months of 1882 and 1883. He boarded at the home of Peter Ferguson.
Between 1880 and 1885 a wire fence was built to enclose the chapel and its grounds.
Rev. P.A. McEwen came from 1884 until 1889. He was a good friend to the young people and also had a great smile.
In 1886 a baptistery was added to the church and after a very successful revival, over 100 people were baptized. The parsonage and Sunday school hall were built north of the present church.
In 1888 a shed was built north of the church to be used to store wood.
Rev. George Richardson ministered from 1889 until 1891. He was a great preacher and a jolly man.
Turn of the century (1891–1920)
Mr. Hugh McQuarrie, a teacher at Woodstock College, commenced on April 5, 1891 to 1899. He was ordained on August 11, 1891. He was a very sober man, putting up with no foolishness. Several were baptized while he was pastor.
In 1893 an organ was purchased for the church.
Mr. Hindson preached for one year.
Rev. O.E. Kendall, a student at McMaster, came on March 11, 1900 until 1905 and then went to Glen Falls, New York.
Rev. Douglas Brown preached next, but retired due to his wife’s illness.
Rev. William Miller was pastor for two and a half years until 1912.
Rev. David Alexander preached from 1912 until 1916. He was a real Scotsman — a good preacher, writer, and singer. Both he and his wife were beautiful singers.
Rev. R.E. Nicholl, who preached from 1916 until 1919, was a hard worker. He was a fluent speaker and always had a great smile.
The present church (1920–1928)
Rev. H.A. Reid, pastor from 1920 until 1928, was loved by all. His salary was $1,800 a year. He was a master builder. It was during his term the new and present church was built in 1923. Sir Robert Borden, the Prime Minister of Canada, laid the cornerstone in July 1923. There was a fund raiser and tickets were $0.50 a plate, which was a lot of money then. Rev. Reid started and finished this beautiful church without incident. He was very tactful and had a good way of getting along with people.
The church is solid brick with two square towers. The ceiling is inlaid in Georgian pine. Seating is for 250. Pews were of ash and oak ends. The dedication service in 1924 was Monday evening with a chicken dinner for 500, then an evening of music and the message being “A Pilgrimage in Dickens’ Land.” The total cost of the church was $18,500.
Clint Dalgleish was the carpenter and Hugh Watson was the master designer and craftsman. They had the foresight to wire the church for electricity, even though hydro was not installed until 1930.
The hall at Dalmeny was also built. Young People’s was started and conducted in the old Swale School in Belmeade, then functioned in the hall in Dalmeny, then in Vernon. There was successful auxiliary work at Dalmeny in the new hall. Sunday School was conducted for the children every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. and a weekly night prayer and preaching service was held. The church then had morning and evening services. Dalmeny Hall became a great community meeting place. It was at the hall that services were held while the new church was being built.
They had big stoves at the back of the church. There was no electricity, bathrooms or running water. The ladies had one good outfit — a long dress or skirt — and they wore hats. The men had one good suit. Everyone was so dedicated that one woman used to make splinters out of cedar and light them to read the Bible. She was so in earnest to read more of the Good Word.
There were horse sheds behind the church. People came to church in what were called double buggies. The sheds were numbered and names were assigned to them. Parts of the sheds were moved to Dalmeny in 1922.
Joining as one congregation
In November 1927, following a meeting with the Deacons of Osgoode Baptist Church in Vernon, it was agreed that the United Church congregation would join with the Baptists at their church until a United Church would exist. However, we continue to worship and work together, all as part of God’s family, as the Osgoode Baptist and Vernon United Church.
Rev. L.V. Vail, pastor from 1928 to 1940, marked the 100th anniversary of this church. For this special anniversary, guest speakers were Rev. John B. McLaurin and Rev. Robert McCaul, whose ancestors were pioneers and missionaries from our church. It was during this time a choir was organized and an organ was purchased. A special feature of that evening was the burning of the mortgage of the church. The parsonage was renovated at that time as well. Rev. Vail gave the most wonderful sermons, year after year.
Rev. L.D. Begg preached from 1940 until 1942. His time in Vernon was cut short as he enlisted in the military as a chaplain.
A district conference was held every year on the first Sunday in June and local churches took turns hosting the event. Sometimes Association meetings were held in the Drill Hall, which still stands north of Vernon.
Rev. William Harrison was pastor from 1943 until 1944 and was then called into the Armed Forces.
Rev. A. Jones, 1944 until 1948. He held Sunday School at Dalmeny Hall in the afternoon. Annual church suppers were held followed by a program.
Rev. Wesley Bee, 1948 until 1955. He and his wife, Eva, came from Osnabruck. He was a skilled carpenter. It was under his supervision that a new floor was laid in the Dalmeny Hall. He also built cupboards in the church basement. During Rev. Bee’s ministry the United Church members were invited to take Communion with the Baptists.
Modernization and renewal (1955–1990)
Rev. Alvin Keeler preached from 1955 until 1972. He was a very loving and caring man and reached out to the whole community. With both he and his wife being trained teachers, they became active with the youth — he with Tyro for the boys, and she supervised CGIT, Explorers, and Mission Band. The highlight was always the June banquet, with its traditional menu of chicken pie.
In 1957 a new roof was installed and in 1960 the first oil furnace was used. Between 1958 and 1960 plumbing was added. In 1964 the basement was modernized and named “The McLaurin Hall.” Some ancestors of the original McLaurins were present at the dedication. The Keelers were the last to live in the parsonage, which was demolished in 1985.
Rev. Frank Stone (1973–1985). The Stones moved into a home in Winchester as the parsonage was in need of repair. In 1976 the church purchased a house on Rideau Street in Vernon and the Stones moved there. Rev. Stone was a strong Biblical preacher. He encouraged Bible studies both on Sunday morning and in small home groups.
Rev. Robert Jones (1985–1990). Through his involvement with the Men’s Choir, and at Harry Anderson’s suggestion, he came to minister to us after 20 years as a military chaplain. The Deacons Board was expanded to include Elders representing the United Church, with both genders represented. His positive attitude on all things, along with his calm and gentle manner, came at a time when the church needed a time of healing.
In 1985 plans were approved to erect a new manse. In March 1989 work began and Rev. Jones and family moved into the new parsonage in August.
In September 1989 the church celebrated its 150th anniversary. Guest speakers were Rev. Duncan McNab from Lafayette, Indiana, who had relatives in the area, and Rev. James Stuart from Rochester, New York, brother of Elizabeth Stuart. A community supper was held along with many other events.
Into the new century (1990–2013)
Rev. Joyce Trask (1990–1998). She was our first female pastor and was ordained in our church. Among the many projects and activities begun during Pastor Joyce’s time was the formation of a Pastoral Care team, Marriage Encounter events, Bible Study groups in her home, and Take-A-Break — a morning organized for young mothers who could come to have a Bible Study, while their children were taken care of by ladies of the church. We returned to having our Harvest Suppers with a turkey dinner and all the trimmings. Take-out dinners were made available. This tradition continues today.
In 1991 the sound system was installed.
In 1993 the church undertook the large project of repointing all the brick, and one tower was lowered. The covered ramp and addition of two bathrooms were finished in 1998. Rev. Neil Hunter, who was interim minister, conducted the Service of Dedication.
Rev. Keeler, as Minister Emeritus of our church, generously donated a large number of his books to our library in memory of his wife Audra. A service of dedication was held on June 2nd, 1996 in honour of this wonderful gift.
This was a joyful time for our church, with many new members who shared their leadership and musical talents. Pastor Joyce empowered people to be strong in their faith and confident in their abilities to do more than they ever thought possible. It was a time of renewal and commitment.
Rev. Richard Gledhill (1998–2002) came to Vernon with his wife and three small children. His sermons were Biblical, based on sound doctrine. At this time the Pioneer Club was begun as a mid-week meeting for the children.
Rev. George Cawfield was interim minister from February 2002 until August 31, 2003. “George Irish” was a great friend to all, especially the children. We loved and admired his strong faith. During his stay with us, we celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary of he and his lovely wife Ina.
In the spring of 2003 Dalmeny Hall was sold for $40,000, with the monies going to install the new roof on the church, which took place in May and June 2005.
Rev. Kathleen Petrie (September 2003 to March 2009). Pastor Kathy was a very devoted and loving lady and a very good Pastoral Care leader. The timing of her arrival was crucial, as in 2004 we lost a number of our long-time faithful members.
During her ministry she arranged trips to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Von Trapp singers, and to the Parliament buildings to see “Danny, King of the Basement,” an award-winning Poverty Play. She helped arrange a “Scott Woods” musical night. Pastor Kathy went often with the church group to the Ottawa Lynx baseball games. During Rev. Petrie’s term our church began volunteering in “In From the Cold,” serving lunch to the needy at Parkdale United Church.
As a regular attendee at Baptist Association, United Church Presbytery, and local Ministerial meetings, Pastor Kathy kept our people in touch with happenings and the work of these denominations beyond our local scene.
In 2004 the pavement was laid in the parking lot. In September 2005 the new roof was dedicated.
Over the years there have been many donations to the church. One of these has been the organ which we still use today.
Because of decreasing membership and funds, we felt we could no longer afford a full-time minister, so Rev. Petrie left to go to Maynard United Church. For financial reasons, it was decided at this time to rent the manse.
During the months without a pastor, God graciously provided speakers on Sundays: Rev. Neil Hunter, Rev. Hugh Willett, Mrs. Rietta Hillis (a licensed lay worship leader and a member of the former Morewood United Church), Jan Clapp (worship leader and member of Winchester Presbyterian Church), with Vicki Vanderlinden and Bonnie Wallace as organists.
During the summer months of July and August we worship with our Presbyterian neighbours. Every Easter and Christmas the pulpit is shared with the Anglicans and Presbyterians. Each summer the children look forward to one week of Vacation Bible School — an outreach opportunity to our community.
At Christmas time we prepare shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. In February we send winter clothing to the needy at Centre 507. For many years we have supported Naomi House, a home for abused women and children. Each year we send money to the Retired Baptist Ministries.
We hold a musical night both spring and fall with proceeds going to the Osgoode Care Centre, a nursing home west of Metcalfe, and also to the Food Bank.
At Christmas time, donations are given in honour or in memory of a loved one. We are always saddened to lose members by death.
In September 2011, Miss Elizabeth Stuart, a member of the Baptist congregation and the oldest member of our church, passed away at the Osgoode Care Centre in her 104th year.
Rev. Ian and Evelene Dixon (April 2009 – June 2010). We were truly blessed with a pair of Irish, energetic, and enthusiastic Christian leaders. Besides being a good speaker and giving messages to live by, Rev. Ian and Evelene Dixon blessed us with their gift of music. Evelene gave our motto for the church in 2010 which was “Discipleship” — “Be one, Make one,” Matthew 28, verses 19 and 20.
Rev. Dr. Merv and Helen Saunders began their interim ministry with us on October 31, 2010 until September 9, 2012. We enjoyed his ministry and their musical talents — piano, organ, and singing. They brought a sense of love and calmness to the church. We were privileged to celebrate Rev. Merv’s 50th Anniversary in Ministry.
Rev. Ernie Cox was our interim minister for November and December 2012. We enjoyed Ernie’s preaching and his sense of humour. We were blessed with Ernie and his wife, Lynda, providing wonderful music. Lynda also contributed many good lessons for the children’s stories.
In January 2013 Rev. Joyce Trask began her part-time ministry with us and, along with her husband Jon, we welcomed them back to our church. With Joyce’s return, we are growing in faith and in God’s love, and in turn we are reaching out to the community. Our motto for 2013 was “Blessed to be a Blessing.”
We are launched into new, exciting, and forward-thinking activities and structure — the use of an overhead/screen for services, a soon-to-be-introduced new sound system, the Organized for Impact Group, regular Bible study groups in our homes, and spring and fall workshops co-ordinated and led by the pastoral care team and opened to the community. Our motto — “Digging Deeper and Growing Strong” — aptly sums up where we are at in this special anniversary year.
In the fall of 2013 the church installed a new LCD projector which is a great visual aid to our services.
Due to costly furnace repairs, two new natural gas furnaces were installed in 2014.
Sent out to serve
Several people from our area have felt led to do God’s work in ministry. John McLaurin, whose home was in Dalmeny, became a highly revered Baptist missionary. John was born three weeks after the church was organized in 1839. He and his wife Mary (Bates) sailed for India in December 1869. He taught there and preached the gospel for 18 years in Telugu. There is a school in India named after his children, and our downstairs hall is named after John McLaurin. He was the first missionary to be sent out by the Canadian Baptist Overseas Mission Board.
Jessie (Carkner) Mutter, with her husband Ken, went to Bolivia from the fall of 1967 to the winter of 1970. She went as a nurse and Ken as a building consultant. Her skills as a nurse were very much in demand. Ken helped Bolivians plan new buildings or additions to existing ones. He is remembered for the houseboat used by missionaries to reach inaccessible areas.
Phyllis (Brunton) Ortiz from Vernon United Church went to Bolivia in 1971. She immediately fell in love with the work, the people, and a fine young Bolivian — a Deacon and medical student. Then she, along with her husband Rev. Sigfrido Ortiz, returned to Canada and began Oasis in Toronto, a refuge for New Canadians. They will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Oasis in September 2014.
Professor Daniel McGregor, former Principal of McMaster Divinity College, is author of the well-known hymn “Jesus Wondrous Saviour.”
There are many more who gave to the work of the ministry whose names we have not mentioned.
There have been hundreds brought into the Kingdom of God and souls nurtured in faith. As a church we give God thanks and praise for His very abundant blessings, and so we still strive to be faithful servants after 175 years. If we work for God, our work shall live, and we too shall live in our work.