This history was originally published for our 75th anniversary in 1961, under the title Trinity United Church.
An updated version was published for our centennial in 1986 under the title Celebration 1886-1986.
When construction was being eagerly pushed westward by the Canadian Pacific Railway, in the early 1880s, the Methodists were not slow in sending their missionaries along to minister to the spiritual needs of the men engaged in the construction business. One of the first of these missionaries was the Rev. Silas Huntingdon, who arrived in Chapleau in June 1886. His first services were held in a partly finished store on Birch Street. Rev. Huntingdon was entertained in the home of Thomas Nicholson, the first private residence in Chapleau.Rev. Huntingdon made a second trip to Chapleau about six weeks later, and brought with him a young student minister named W. P. Boshart. Mr. Boshart conducted services for a time in a large tent near the northwest corner of what is now Lorne and Birch streets. During the latter part of the summer he began the erection of the first Methodist Church on the site now occupied by Trinity United Church, and organized the first Methodist congregation in Chapleau. Mention also should be made of the Rev. Ralph Homer, who during the winter of 1885-86 held services in a tent approximately where the Redwood Restaurant now stands.
When the pioneers came to this country, they were accompanied by clergymen, who found conditions in a pioneer country much different from what they had known at home. They quickly adjusted themselves to the new situation, dressed in the homespun of the day, ate the simple food of the settlers, and walked long distances over rough trails in the summer and over ice and snow in the winter. There were no churches, and meetings had to be held in clearings, log cabins, houses, and even in taverns. The clergy shared the lot of the common people. Church Union
Ministers of all communions had to live under these conditions, and as they did so, they discovered that many things they had thought important in their old countries were not so important in the new. The differences which had divided them in their former environment did not appear as vital as the fundamentals of Christian faith on which all were agreed. Thus a spirit of unity was developed, especially amoung the great evangelical communions.
Among the leaders of the churches from the earliest times were men of vision who looked forward to the day when the communions they represented might present a united witness to the basic oneness of their faith as Protestant Christians. They began to work together to that end.
In 1749 the first local church union took place in Halifax, and during the next 176 years, 19 unions, affecting 40 religious bodies, had taken place within the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregational churches. These three churches, along with 1,265 Local Union community churches, finally came together in union as The United Church of Canada in 1925. Of these four, three had a long history, each with it own particular religious emphasis. The Council of Local Union Churches, a purely Canadian movement, also had its own point of view.
The Methodist Church brought to the United Church her warm evangelism and Christian social passion; the Presbyterian Church her respect for order and sound scholarship; the Congregationalists their insistence on personal religious freedom; the Council of Local Union Churches its enthusiam for Protestant community worship.
The union took place in the Mutual Street Arena in Toronto on June 10, 1925. Eight thousand people were in attendance, and in the presence of these witnesses, 350 elected delegates signed the Basis of Union. 150 delegates were from the Presbyterian Church, 150 from the Methodist Church, ten from the Congregational Church, and 40 from the Council of Local Union Churches. The first four to sign were the presiding officers of the uniting churches; Rev. Samuel Chown for the Methodist Church, Rev. George C. Pigeon for the Presbyterian Church, Rev. William H. Warriner for the Congregational Church, and Rev. Charles Spurgeon Elsey for the Council of Local Union Churches.
The first service, in June 1886, was held in a partially finished store on Birch Street. The services that fall were held in a tent at the corner of Birch and Lorne streets. Towards the end of the winter, services were held in a tent near the present location of the Redwood Restaurant. The Churches
The original church building was built in 1886-87 at the corner of Beech and Lorne streets. It was a frame building, with a small vestry on the back, and seated about 100. By the early 1900s, with an increasing population due to the expansion of the railway, it was found to be inadequate for the needs of the day.
By 1906 the idea of a new church took shape. A building committee was formed on May 22, 1907, and plans to finance a new building were looked into immediately. In the spring of 1908 the cornerstone was laid by Mrs. Coulter, wife of the pastor. The pastor was transferred the following week, and Rev. J. B. Lamb carried the building to completion. This building was constructed of concrete blocks cast on site. Heating was originally by a wood furnace, later changed to coal. Rev. Coulter returned from his new charge at Bruce Mines to dedicate the church, along with Rev. Hagen, the district superentendent from Sudbury. The Concrete Block Church
The original frame church was moved to the northwest corner of Lorne and Pine streets, where it was converted into a home and where it still stands today.
In 1954, for a period of three months, the church could not be used due to repairs being carried out. During this period the congregation worshipped with that of St. John's Anglican Church, and enjoyed their fellowship. As a token of our appreciation, a pulpit hanging was presented to St. John's Church, and dedicated by the Bishop.
In 1955 the coal furnace was replaced with an oil furnace. Then came the necessity of replacing the east wall, which had begun to fall out. At the same time it was decided to replace the metal ceilings in the sanctuary with tile, and cover the walls with coloured tile. The pews were re-arranged to give a wider central aisle. In the basement a new kitchen was constructed, music and gown cupboards built for the choir, and the wood floor replaced with concrete. A considerable amount of volunteer labour was put into these improvements, the total cost of which exceeded the original cost of the building.
In 1961 the pews (including the choir pews), woodwork, and doors, were refinished, and the gothic window above the front door was replaced.
In 1975 thoughts turned to renovating the interior of the church. In June 1976 Sunday services were moved to Trinity Hall, and work was started on the removal of the church interior and the old organ pipes. At this point it was discovered that the building was structurally unsound. Suddenly the congregation had a major undertaking on its hands.
Given the choice of making extensive repairs to the existing building, or building a new one, the decision was made to build a new church. The Present Church
Plans were delayed due to Rev. Maclean leaving Chapleau for New Liskeard. In December 1976 Rev. Carson Duquette was appointed as pastor. In September 1977 the church was demolished, and construction began on the present building. The construction was done by Bellavance Brothers Construction, with the exception of volunteer labour to assemble the roof trusses. By March 1978 construction was complete, although siding was still to be installed on the exterior.
The first service held in the new church was on Christmas Eve, 1977. At the Sunday service the next day were the first baptisms, Meredith Cecile and Lynn Calvert.
The service of dedication was held on Tuesday evening, April 18, 1978, with members of Sudbury Presbytery and Manitou Conference participating. The ceremony began with Rev. David Fearon, Chaiman of Presbytery, Rev. O. Patterson, Chairman of Conference, Rev. Carson Duquette, pastor, and the choir, proceeding to the sanctuary door. Rev. Fearon knocked and was admitted by Jack Hatch, Chairman of the Official Board. After the prayer of approach the ceremony of the keys took place, with the contractor, Armand Bellavance, presenting the church keys to Con Schmidt, Chairman of the Building Committee, who then presented them to Jack Hatch, who in turn presented them to Rev. Fearon, who accepted them in the name of The United Church of Canada. The sermon was given by Rev. Cyril S. Cook, M.A., minister of McLeod-Stewarton United Church, Ottawa. Rev. Patterson then gave greetings from the Manitou Conference, and Rev. Duquette spoke on the oncerns of the local congregation. A musical selection was given by the Strapp family of Timmins, followed by the act of dedication.
A lunch was held in Trinity Hall following the service, at which Rev. Don Maclean and Rev. Murray Arnill, former pastors, gave their greetings, as did Rev. William Ivey of St. John's Anglican Church, and Rev. Tom Corston. Rev. Leonard Warr sent his greetings.
A service was conducted by Rev. Duquette on June 11, 1978, at which the cornerstones of the church were laid. The original 1908 cornerstone from the old church, and a new cornerstone, dated 1977, commemorating the reconstruction, were laid. This date also marked the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Duquette.
The cost of the new church was $100,000.00. Pledges were obtained from many members and adherents before construction began. The Mission & Service Division of the United Church donatd $17,000.00, and loaned an equal amnount. Sudbury Presbytery donated $2,000.00 a year for five years as a special gift in recognition of the generosity and good will shown by Trinity United congregation.
By September 1983, the debt was completely paid. On September 18, Rev. David Hooper, assisted by Council of Elders chairman Tim Cecile, burnt the mortgage.
In 1978 the basement of the church was rented to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows on a long-term basis. They constructed a lodge roomn, putting much labour and money into insulating and panelling the walls, tiling the ceiling, and carpeting the floor.
In 1980, a bell was placed in a stone monument in front of the church. This bell, which was originally from the Catholic church in Biscotasing, had been given to Trinity United by St. John's Anglican Church several years previously.
On July 4, 1982, a wood cross on the south end of the church was dedicated in memory of longtime organist, Mildred Whitney.
At the time the church was built, it was decided to have Bellavance Brothers build white pine pews. One was built as a sample, however the necessary wood to build the remainder proved to be unobtainable. The question of seating was then postponed until the church had been paid for; in the meantime chairs from the hall were used. With the church loan paid off, the congregation voted in June 1983 to purchase pews. Once the funds were raised, the pews were ordered, and were installed in June 1984. Pews
On Sunday, March 3, 1968, the congregation of Trinity United Church voted to accept the plans for a Christian Education addition, as submitted by the building committee. Trinity Hall
On Sunday, June 30, a sod-turning ceremony was held following the conclusion of the evening service. A brief service was conducted by Rev. Murray Arnill, during which the congregation pledged their support to the building to be erected on the site. Mr. Rid Groves, a member of the building committee, presented the spade to Mr. Walter Steed, a senior member of the Session of Elders and a trustee, who stated, "It is with pleasure that I turn this sod, and pray that we shall erect on this site a building to be used for the Christian education of our people. May it always be used to the glory of God."
Construction continued through the following year, with much volunteer labour being used. Construction was financed largely by the congregation, with a small grant and loan from the Board of Home Missions of the United Church.
On October 21, 1969, the Christian Education addition was dedicated with a service which started in the church, then moved to the addition for the actual dedication. After the service, refreshments were served, and a sing-song and dancing were enjoyed. Members of Sudbury Presbytery were present for this service, and they remained for the following week conducting the business of presbytery. This was the first time that presbytery had met in Chapleau since the establishment of the congregation.
After the addition had been put into use, it became desirable to give it a name for ease of reference. The name eventually chosen was "Trinity Hall".
Trinity Hall contains classrooms in the basement, with the main floor containing an auditorium, kitchen, washrooms, and minister's office.
At the 1971 annual meeting, Rev. Arnill reported that the hall had been used a great deal throughout the year, with the U.C.W. holding teas, bazaars, and meetings there, and the Sunday School and other groups using the basement.
At the annual meeting held on February 10, 1974, Rev. Murray Arnill, assisted by Nancy Travis and Lance Hatch, burnt the mortgage on the Christian Education addition. Rev. Arnill expressed his pleasure at being able to return to Chapleau for this event.
In 1889 plans were formulated for a large brick parsonage. This building was built beside the church, and was completed in 1900, during the term of Rev. F. W. Varley. The interior was finished during the term of Rev. W. A. Potter. The Manses
From the records we gather that the Ladies' Aid furnished the parsonage, had the furnace installed, and supplied the necessary paint. Rev. and Mrs. Potter did a considerable amount of the finishing work.
The first meeting in the parsonage was held by the women in 1902.
In 1956 the building committee turned its attention to the renovation of the parsonage. By 1958 the building had been almost completely renovated. The Women's Association provided a new bedroom suite, a washing machine, and a refrigerator. The Church Board completely redesigned the kitchen, with modern cupboards, sink, and counter, under a picture window. The hallway was restored to its airy lines, and one stairway was converted into a clothes closet. The study bookshelves were rebuilt, and a movable stand built to hold the duplicator. The bathroom was modernized and painted. Redecorating was done throughout the house. A new front porch with a cement floor, a new glassed-in back porch, and a detached garage, were built. The yard was levelled and the lawn replanted. In 1972, a new refrigerator and new kitchen cupboards were installed in the manse.
In 1981 the manse was found to be difficult to heat. There seemed to be several reasons, including drafty windows, lack of insulation, and too small a furnace. In 1982 the furnace was replaced with two new ones - a wood furnace and a back-up oil furnace. This made the manse more comfortable to live in.
In 1983 condideration was given to renovating the manse, with the installation of insulation, new windows, and a new roof. After reviewing the estimated cost, it was felt that for the same amount of money, plus the value of the manse, a modern house could be purchased. Consquently the congregation voted to purchase a new manse and sell the existing one.
An 18-year old, three-bedroom one-storey house, located at 34 Devonshire Street, came on the market at this time, and was purchased. A fourth bedroom, study, and washroom were constructed in the basement. The total cost of the building and renovations was $70,000.00, $40,000.00 of which was recouped from the sale of the old manse. The Present Manse
The 1908 church eventually encompassed several stained-glass windows, two of which were memorial picture windows. The first of these, He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, was donated in memory of Lily Allen Austen. The second, I Am The Light Of The World, is in memory of Charles S. Reid. The Stained-Glass Windows
Before demolition of the building, these windows were put into storage. The memorial windows, plus one other window, were installed intact in the new church. The glass from the other windows was used to construct new stained-glass to put in the remaining sanctuary windows, and over the main entrance to the building. The three windows on the east wall were donated in memory of Norman Veit.
A pipe organ was installed in 1919 in memory of members of the congregation who gave their lives during World War I. This organ was dedicated at a service on May 1, 1919. Rev. C. S. Applegath led the service of dedication and unveiling of a memorial plaque. Miss Stancil Pellow was the organist, and Mr. W. E. Wolfe the choir leader. The following evening an organ recital was given by C. Franklin Legge, who built and installed the organ. The program also included a violin solo, flute solos, part singing and anthems by the choir, and duets and quartets. An oveture, A Royal Procession by Spinney, was given by the organ and orchestra. The Organs
In 1970 the organ was in need of repairs. The choir started a "Save the Organ" fund, raising money from bake sales and donations. In September the task of repairing the organ began.
In 1973 the organ was again in need of repairs, and an electric organ was installed on a trial basis. A congregational meeting on February 10 voted to purchase an electric organ, rather than repair the pipe organ at a higher cost. A Conn organ was purchased and installed. It was dedicated on May 25, 1974, to the memory of the fallen heroes of both world wars. The service was followed by a musical program by the choir and organist. By June 1975 the organ had been completely paid for.
The choir and organist are an essential part of the church service. Who can imagine the Sunday morning service without music, or without a choir to lead the singing? The Music
The choir has taken part in many special occasions and events, both in the church and in the community. In 1969 at the dedication of Tinity Hall the choir sang Psalm 148 and "Bless This House". In 1970 it joined with St. John's Anglican Church choir for the induction of Rev. John Craig at St. John's.
The year 1976 was a busy one, with the choir teaming up with other musical people for a variety night in June, a church service in the big tent (with the junior choir also taking part) as part of Chapleau's 75th anniversary celebrations, and a Christmas concert. The choir again teamed with local people for a Christmas concert in the public school on December 11, 1977.
In 1982, the choir decided, instead of the annual evening of Christmas music, to go carolling at the hospital and Cedar Grove Lodge. On another evening they led the congregation in carolling on street corners and in front of shut-in's homes, after which eveyone returned to the church, where the performance was repeated and taped for local cable tlelvision.
In addition to the senior choir, there have been throughout the years intermediate and junior choirs. 1962 was one year during which there were all three.
In 1966 the junior choir had 24 members, aged 7 to 11. They were responsible for the music for morning worship on the third Sunday of each month. The U.C.W. assisted the junior choir in the raising of funds in 1967 to purchase white surplices with red tasselled ties.
In 1978 the junior choir undertook a major project in the form of a production of "Alice in Wonderland", which was presented at the public school. In 1979 and 1980, the junior choirs of Trinity United and St. John's Anglican churches combined, and performed at services in both churches.
In 1986, Trinity United had both a senior and junior choir. The senior choir was led by Wilma Schmidt, who was also the organist [Wilma is still the organist and choir leader in 2014]. Erma Stover and Lauretta Veit were alternate organists. The junior choir was led by Debbie Lewis, Maartje Wright, and Nancy Carson.
The hard work and dedication of the numerous choir members, choir leaders, and organists over the past hundred years should be appreciated by all of the congregation.
We are unable to ascertain the exact date on which the Sunday School was formed, but the circuit register for 1889 indicates that Sunday School was being held at that time. Sunday School
In 1901, with a church membership of 41, the Sunday School roll listed twelve members. In 1961, on the 75th anniversary, the enrolment was approximately 104. In 1965 the enrolment was 70 children, and in 1979, forty. In 1986 there were 25 attending Sunday School.
The Cradle Roll of the Sunday School was started by Mrs. Darby, who acted as superintendent for many years.
Duing the years 1962 to 1966 the intermediate class had to rent accomodation in the Legion Hall and Town Hall due to lack of space at the church. This problem was alleviated with the opening of Trinity Hall, with Sunday School rooms in the basement. A nursery service was started at about this time, and has been in operation ever since.
In December each year the Sunday School undertakes the task of preparing for the White Gift service. The children conduct the entire service, with scripture reading, singing, and presentation of the Christmas story. This was an enjoyable annual event for many years. These days the Sunday School puts on a play or skit in place of a sermon, while the minister conducts the service as usual.
In 1973 the children started to come into the church for the start of the service, before going to their Sunday School classes. It was felt that this participation in the church service would make them feel a part of the life of the church as a whole.
During 1915 a group of boys organized a Bible class and began studies during Sunday School in a portion of the church furnace room, which was also used for storage of dishes, wood for the furnace, and quite often piles of ashes from the furnace. This class grew discouraged as there were seldom enough chairs, boys had to sit on the wood, and the all too frequent temptation to toss the odd piece of bark bacame too much. Something had to be done to provide a classroomn. The boys, who were aged 12 to 15, decided to buy and sell flowers (especially at Easter), and the amount required for the construction of a room was raised. With the permission of the Board, an attractive, warm, well lighted room was built. The class was so happy that other money was raised by teas, flower sales, and toboggan slides (built and managed by the class), and used for worthy projects. The Hustlers' Club
Members of this group have many happy memories of Bible lessons, social events, skiing parties, camping trips, and fishing trips to Amyot. The class, always active, loving forest and outdoor life, built a splendid log cabin on Fox Lake, five miles from town. They thus had ideal surroundings, a refreshing hike, and many hard days of log cutting and building a comfortable place to rest during the night. It is said that these boys developed into the finest men giving Chapleau many worthy citizens.
The Hustlers Class caught fire again in 1935 under the able ministry of Rev. Bamford.
In addition to Sunday School, there have been other groups organized for children and young people. In 1954 Rev. G. Barkwell reported in the annual report that "new mid-week groups have been added, and we owe a great deal to the Girls' Work Committee for sponsoring such groups as Explorers, Mission Band, and Children's Hour, so that the work of the church can carry over into the week". In 1954 he again mentioned these groups, as well as CGIT, Tyro (boys aged 9 to 11), and Sigma C (boys aged 12 to 14). Other Youth Groups
Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) was in existence from 1954 to 1972, and was for girls aged 12 to 18. The purpose of this group was to express the Christian faith in worship, study, service, and recreation. The girls were involved in activites such as reading scripture in the church, planning the Sunday School Christmas party, and community projects.
The Explorers Group for girls existed from 1953 to 1973. Their activities included the presentation of a play for Parents' Night, and hosting a Hallowe'en Tea.
Children's Hour was for children aged four and five, and met Thursday afternoons, from 1964 to 1967, for singing and game playing.
Messengers, a group for boys and girls, was in existence between 1962 and 1966. They met after school one day per week from October to May each year.
On April 25, 1898, some of the ladies met in the church, and under the chairmanship of Rev. F. W. Varley discussed the advisability of forming a ladies' group. They decided to organize "The Ladies' Aid Society of the Chapleau Methodist Church", with Mrs. Albrant as the first president, Mrs. Best as vice-president, and Mrs. McLaren as secretary-treasurer. They immediately launched into cleaning the church, and improving the vestry, which was a small addition at the rear of the church to house the minister. United Church Women
After the new church was opened in 1908 the Ladies' Aid met in the church during the summer months, but found it too cold for the winter meetings, as the church was heated only for the Sunday services.
Over the years the ladies worked diligently, having suppers, teas, sales of work, bazaars, and bean suppers. Great credit is due to these pioneer women.
The name of our church was changed to Trinity United about a year after church union in 1925, and the Ladies' Aid became known as the Women's Association. Furnishing and keeping the manse in repair, caring for the Sunday School rooms, cleaning and decorating the church, were some of the responsibilities which the W.A. fulfilled.
In 1947 there were 84 members in the W.A. Many of the younger women found an evening meeting preferable, so on March 10, 1947, three members organized the Evening W.A., which was later called the Junior W.A. Elise Depew was the first president. Their first project was a rummage sale held in Helen Grout's beauty parlour, and it was a success. This was the beginning of a variety of activities, including May Day teas, and selling Christmas cards and "Tillie the Novelty Apron".
The Junior W.A. became responsible for the care and maintenance of the parsonage, while the Senior W.A. devoted their energies and money to helping the Official Board.
During the period 1947 to 1961 various projects were undertaken by the Junior W.A., among which were assisting the Sunday School by donating money for slides and purchase of new kindergarten furniture, sending bales of used clothing to missions in the north and to Korea, and a donation to help restore the John Knox chapel in Geneva.
In January 1962 the Women's Association and Women's Missionary Society throughout the United Church were reorganized into the United Church Women. The purpose of the U.C.W. is "To unite all women of the congregation for the total mission of the church, and to provide a medium through which they may express their loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, fellowship, and service".
The U.C.W. was divided into three units: Hands, Austin, and Mary Martha. (The Mary Martha unit operated in the first part of 1963, but became so small in number that during the latter part of the year its members were incorporated into the other units). A general meeting was held once a month, and each unit held one meeting per month. The executive consisted of a President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In 1967 the unit system was discarded, and one meeting per month was held for everyone.
The U.C.W. has contributed generously to the church and other organizations. They have raised these funds through such events as the Hallowe'en Hoot, May Day Tea, rummage sales, and bean suppers at carnival time. Throughout the years they have been involved in such ventures as the sponsorship of Korean orphan Yen Hoo Hyun, a cookbook sale, collecting clothing and food for needy families, collecting old Christmas cards for India, organizing pot-luck suppers at congregational meetings, and hosting the World Day of Prayer. They have also taken on the responsibility of providing coffee after church, and the preparation of communion.
In 1969 the U.C.W. made a trip to visit the ladies of the U.C.W. in Wawa. This fellowship has continued to the present time, with the two groups paying each other a visit a year.
In 1980 a Young U.C.W. was formed. This group assisted the U.C.W. with fund raising events, and also initiated some of their own. In April 1985 these two groups amalgamated back into one group.
In 1973, Bruce Martin, the town clerk, suggested that if some of the men would put on a pancake breakfast for Mothers' Day, he would supply the maple syrup. This suggestion was acted on, with a "breakfast" being served after the Mothers' Day morning service. This was the start of what came to be known as the Men's Breakfast Club. The following year people from outside the church were invited to attend breakfast. In 1975, they were approached to serve two breakfasts to a 150-member Michigan band which was participating in the opening of the Chapleau airport. This was their first catering event. They then expanded into serving meals to the public in Trinity Hall. This led to other catering events, such as weddings, suppers for the curling club, a refreshment booth at the Fall Fair (where they became famous for their mini-pizzas and beef-on-a-bun), and meals at the High School Jubilee in 1982. Trinity Men's Club
During all this time the club was an informal group, with no list of members, held no organized meetings, and most of the organizing was done by one or two people. By 1983, now known as Trinity Men's Club, their popularity was such that the organizing of meals was too much for one or two people to handle. A Catering Committee was established within the Official Board to take over the catering from the Men's Club. As the name "Trinity Men's Club" was well known by that time, it was decided to continue operating under that name.
Through the years Trinity Men's Club raised a considerable amount of money. Besides assisting with general church finances, they purchased new furnaces for the manse, 200 place settings of dinnerware, a photocopier, and a propane cook stove and new electric stove for the church.
Many people have worked over the last century to mould and establish our church, holding position as trustees, elders, stewards, secretary, and treasurer. Local Church Government
From the early church records as found in the "circuit book", it appears that the spiritual interests of the congregation were attended to by the quarterly board, lay preachers, and the minister. After church union, the Session of Elders was adopted from the Presbyterian Church to perform these duties. Temporal and financial affairs of the church were the responsibility of the Board of Stewards, later the Committee of Stewards. These two groups, along with the minister, recording steward, and treasurer, formed the Official Board, which was the governing body of the congregation.
In 1971, a committee was formed to revise the local church government. It drew up a new constitution, which was approved at the 1972 annual meeting. This constitution called for a governing body called the Official Board, with an executive known as the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders consisted of the president of the official board (the minister), a chairman, past chairman, recording steward (secretary), the church treasurer, and the chairman of each standing committee. Although the records do not say so, it is presumed that these people, along with the committee members, comprised the official boaard.
The original standing committees were Worship, Membership, Christian Education & Outreach, Finance, Property & Administration, and Publicity. Each committee was to look after items under its jurisdiction. With the chairmen meeting regularly as the Council of Elders, it was hoped that the church activities and interests would be better co-ordinated.
By 1983, all church operations were being carried out by the council of elders. The official board was no longer meeting, and to all intents and purposes did not exist. As this system was working satisfactorily, it was decide to revise the constitution to "legalize" the status quo. Consequently, at the 1984 annual meeting, a revised constitution was presented to the congregation and approved.
This constitution established the Official Board as the governing body. The Board consisted of the minister, chairman, recording steward (secretary), treasurer, past chairman, and the chairman of each committee. The standing committees were Membership & Outreach (including responsibilities of the former Publicity committee), Worship, Christian Education, Finance, Property, Ministry & Personnel, Catering, and Pastoral Concerns (later renamed Pastoral Care). Ad hoc committees are added as necessary for special purposes.
Several of Trinity United's congregation have entered the ministry. The first to do so was Gerry Huff of Dalton, during the pastorate of Rev. A. F. Bamford (1930-35). Gerry's wife was also an ordained minister. Jackson Strapp, son of Rev. Howard Strapp, entered the ministry during the period that his father was minister here. He married Marion Wedge of Chapleau, and served at First United Church in Timmins. In 1962, the church presented R. W. Edwards to Sudbury Presbytery to be enrolled as a candidate for the ministry. In 2006, Jennifer Broomhead, a member of Trinity, started her training towards becoming an ordained minister in the United Church. She was ordained on June 7, 2009. The Ministry
During the 1960s, Rev. Murray Arnill was instrumental in the entrance of Tom Corston into the Anglican ministry.
