You will be hearing a lot of references to 1862 this year, as that was the date the Royal Columbian Hospital opened its doors 150 years ago. But another group is also marking a 150-year anniversary, and their celebrations will fill the upcoming weekend. The Presbyterian Church in New Westminster traces its local roots to Rev. Robert Jamieson's arrival in March of 1862.
The British Columbian newspaper reported his arrival like this: "It affords us great pleasure to announce the arrival amongst us of the Rev. R Jamieson, missionary to British Columbia under the auspices of the Canada Presbyterian Church. - Mr. Jamieson, accompanied by his wife and two children, arrived at Victoria a few weeks ago, came up here by the steamer Otter."
This arrival formally established another church in the Royal City, joining the Methodists, Anglicans and Catholics, who, in that order, had also set up churches in the town. In time, other denominations would follow, but in 1862 there were four. Plans were made to erect a church, and the building of a manse was immediately undertaken. The first Presbyterian church, St. Andrew's, eventually opened in 1863.
Back in 1862, however, the Presbyterians held their services in various venues in the new city on the Fraser River. They met in the courthouse or the fire hall, but because Methodist Rev. Edward White was away, the Presbyterians for their first service, "by his kind request, occupied the Methodist Church on Sabbath. - The house was filled both morning and evening, and the earnest and impressive appeals of the preacher were listened to with deep attention and general satisfaction."
There was an interesting listing about the manse in the local press a couple of weeks after the Jamiesons arrived. Under "Ecclesiastical Bee" we read, "A gathering, of all those disposed to assist, will take place today on Lot 5, block 18 in this city, for the purpose of clearing and preparing a site for the erection of a manse for the Rev. R Jamieson, Presbyterian Missionary."
Not sure where that was? The lot was on Carnarvon Street, between Merrivale and Elliot, on the north side of the street. The first Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew's, was built of wood on Carnarvon near Blackwood. The later St. Andrew's, this time of brick, was built in 1889 right next door on the corner of Blackwood. Both churches remain today as Emmanuel Pentecostal Church.
Over the past few years the Royal City has witnessed some wonderful programming as several churches have celebrated the anniversary of their arrival in town. This weekend the Presbyterians, centered at First Presbyterian Church, will be in that festive anniversary mood.
For a slideshow presentation on this church's history, come out to the New Westminster Historical Society on Wednesday, March 21, starting at 7: 30 p.m. at the New Westminster Public Library auditorium. Interesting story, wonderful descriptions and great photos.
