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Our Church dates back to 1844 when a
large number of families withdrew from what is now St. Andrew's Church to form the
"Free" Church. Worship services were held in the old log school house on the
present site of the Central High School.
The first permanent church of this
group of families was built on the south east corner of St. Vincent & Norman Streets.
Later, when the congregation had outgrown the Norman Street building, plans were made to
build on the present site; the Church was consecrated in January 1873. This was a fine
building with a steeple 211 feet high.
Unfortunately, it was this spire that
was struck by lightning May 13, 1913, about 1:00 a.m. The resulting fire not only
destroyed the sanctuary; but the Fire Chief, Chief of Police and a Police Constable were
killed as they helped to fight the flames. The Sunday School area at the north end of the
Church had been added in 1907 and escaped the fire, and continues to be used at the
present time.
The Present building, erected to
replace the destroyed Church was dedicated on Sunday, March 21st, 1915. The total cost,
including the organ was about $95,000.00.
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