Chalmers Church, Hamilton (1990)

(This material was written by the late Alan Jones and was published in 1990 in the history of the Presbytery of Hamilton entitled, Wee Kirks and Stately Steeples.)

At the beginning of the 20th century, that part of the Niagara Escarpment known as the Hamilton Mountain was a real barrier to Hamiltonians wanting to visit people who lived above the city. One access was a very steep road known as the Jolley Cut. However, many preferred to take a streetcar to the bottom of the Wentworth Street steps, which they could either climb or pay three cents to ride the Incline Railway. The power house above was a flat roofed building located at Upper Wentworth Street and Mountain Park Boulevard. The "incline" continued to provide transportation into the 1930's.

In 1860, a small, red brick building called the "Mission Meeting House" was built at 574 Concession Street, where Presbyterians and other denominations gathered to worship, with Sunday school classes held for children. It served a large area, the nearest places of worship being Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Upper James Street; Burkholder Methodist Church, one mile to the south and Cheyne Presbyterian near Mount Albion.

On November 3, 1903, a small group of Presbyterians petitioned the Presbytery of Hamilton to be linked with Binbrook and Saltfleet. It was so agreed. The Reverend John Young, of St. John's Church, Hamilton, was made interim-moderator.

On January 3, 1905, the presbytery formally recognized the "Incline Mission" as a mission station of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. On April 28th, a group of thirty-nine men and women met at the home of Mrs. Joseph Taylor on Upper Wentworth Street to form a congregation. In attendance were Mr. Young and his elder, Captain Charles Hardy. It was unanimously agreed to hold services until such time as a church could be erected. Inquiries were made regarding the cost of land and a building. Subscriptions would have to be raised, On April 30th, the first Sunday school classes were conducted with sixteen present. On May 5th a board of managers was appointed.

At five hundred and seventy-three Concession Street, on June 23rd, the first sod for a building was turned by a Mr. Smith. At a congregational meeting held on July 10th, it was unanimously agreed to use the name "Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Mount Hamilton." Five days later, Mr. Smith laid the cornerstone of the new building, which would cost three thousand dollars.

On October 10th, meeting for the last time at the Mission Hall, a band played as the congregation marched ceremonially across the street to the new church. The sanctuary was dedicated by the Rev. James Ballantyne, Professor of Church History at Knox College, who also preached the morning service. Evening services were conducted by the Rev. Dr. George H. Smith, Moderator of the Presbytery of Hamilton. The following Sunday, communion services were conducted by the Rev. D.H. Fletcher, minister at MacNab Street church and clerk of the Presbytery. Forty people received the sacrament.

A provisional session apparently composed of elders from other congregations was appointed on November 7th, with Mr. Young as moderator.

The first settled minister was the Rev. Samuel Harutune Sarkissian, a native of Syria, who came to Chalmers after his graduation from Knox College in 1906. He conducted his first communion on February 3, 1907. Mr. Sarkissian served until 1908. During that time, Chalmers was separated from the Binbrook and Saltfleet charge and became associated with Barton Stone Church, Hamilton.

On May 25, 1909, Frederick William Ketchum Harris, a graduate of Knox College, was ordained and inducted as minister of Chalmers, a capacity he was to fill until September 25, 1910. By 1910 the congregation was more established, with seventy-one communicant members, thirty-one families and one hundred and fifty-seven enrolled in the Sunday School and bible class. On April 24th, the first session elected by the congregation replaced the provisional session. A total of one thousand, two hundred dollars was raised by the congregation that year, with five hundred and fifty dollars allocated toward the minister's stipend.

At a meeting of the board of managers on May 1, 1911, it was decided to form a building committee and that an addition be built, costing not more than two thousand dollars. Work was completed in the fall and the church re-opened on October 8th, its sixth anniversary. The Rev. Andrew E. Neilly, formerly of Verschoyle, became minister that year, to remain until 1915. It was also the year when individual communion glasses were introduced.

The following year Church Union became the big event. When the matter was first put before the congregation few bothered to vote. Out of one hundred eligible, thirty-five voted for 'organic union'. Four voted against it. On December 2, 1912, the first meeting of the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of Chalmers was held. Mrs. Neilly was elected president; nine ladies agreed to meet monthly and to pay an annual membership fee of twenty-five cents.

The year 1914 will be remembered as the beginning of the "war To End All Wars." Eighty-three men from Chalmers answered the nation's call to arms. The congregation continued to grow, and by the end of 1915 it counted one-hundred and forty-one communicants. The was also the year of the second "church Union Ballot." Again, just over fifty percent of the congregation voted, with thirty-eight in favour of union and thirty-nine against. On March 2, 1916, the Rev. Austin Lanskaill Budge was called from Creemore.

In 1918, Chalmers wanted a minister of their own and the board of managers felt they were now in a position to afford it. The presbytery was petitioned to relieve Mr. Budge of his responsibilities at the Barton Stone Church. On June 29, 1919, each of the two congregations became single point charges. At the time of separation, Chalmers had two hundred and nine communicant members, creating a space problem. In February, 1919, the session formally discussed "enlarging the church." At a meeting held with the board of managers, two alternatives were considered: first, the building of a new church; second, enlarging their present facility. The decision was made to erect a new building on Mountain Park Avenue, the present site.

As a result of increased growth in the Sunday school and the resultant congestion, the presbytery and Church Extension Union accepted the proposal to erect a new Sunday school building which would also serve as a house of worship, Plans were drawn up at the end of April, 12921. Contracts were let out to Messrs Parish for brick and mason work, and to Bremer and Penny for carpentry work. The cornerstone of the new church at 200 Mountain Park Avenue was laid on July 2, 1921, by Major James Chisholm, representing the Hamilton Church Extension committee, and Mr. D.H. Munn, superintendent of the Sunday school. On January 21, 1922, Mr. Budge conducted an evening communion service for the last time in the old building. One week later the new church building was dedicated. The total cost of three lots, building and furnishings was fifty-three thousand dollars.

In 1925 the issue of church union split the congregation. Mr. Budge spoke strongly against union. Chalmers had two hundred and fifty eligible voters. Chalmers elected to remain Presbyterian when eighty-nine voted for union and one hundred and fifty-seven against. Fifty-nine members withdrew to join the new United Church.

In January, 1926, Dr. J. Fraser Cocks was inducted as minister. His tenure would be brief, for nine months later he received a call to Atlanta, Georgia. On March 10, 1927, the Rev. Walter Inglis McLean was inducted. A former school teacher, Mr. McLean came from a ministerial line. His great-grandfather had been a minister in Russia; his grandfather had served with Dr. Livingstone in Africa, and his own father Archibald served for forty years as minister in Blyth, Ontario.

This was a difficult period for both the minister and the congregation. The wounds left after Church Union took time to heal. As hard economic times approached, the mortgage on the building stood at fifteen thousand dollars. Through the generosity of the Presbyterian Church's Manse Board the mortgage was cut in half and all accrued interest was waived, but it would be another fifteen years before principal payments would be resumed.

In 1930, the 26th Scout Group became associated with Chalmers, the relationship continuing to this day. That year, the Sunday school won the attendance shield at the Annual Presbytery New Year's Rally, a feat they were to repeat many times.

The Depression. Those two harsh words still bring harsh memories for many who lived through that period. Several members of the congregation lost considerable property, due to unpaid taxes. At various times, Mr. McLean was not paid and generously waived what was owing him. Church envelopes were not used, and sometimes even the collection plate was not passed to avoid the embarrassment of those who had nothing to give. But the Christian spirit never flagged. A junior congregation was formed. The Young People's Society of Christian endeavour, the Mission Band, WMS, and the Ladies' Aid continued to thrive.

The period 1939 to 1945 was another dark chapter. Millions of people lost their lives in the Second World War. Seventy-four members of the Chalmers family accepted the call to defend democracy. Their actions and sacrifices will always be remembered.

On September 26, 1947, the congregation was saddened by the death of Mr. C.J. Parker. He had served God and Chalmers as superintendent of the Sunday school for seventeen years. On a happier note, on October 8th, the Mission Band celebrated its 20th anniversary. Mrs. McLean had served as its leader since inception. At a farewell retirement banquet for Mr. McLean, eight hundred people from the congregation and community attended. In 1951 he was honoured with a Doctor of Divinity degree from Knox College.

Dr. McLean's successor was the Rev. William Kennedy Palmer who was inducted on November 12, 1948. Under Mr. Palmer the congregation grew. He conducted a survey that was to lead to the establishment of The South Gate Presbyterian Church. Cause for celebration in 1949 was the mortgage burning ceremony, held on October 17th. On January 17, 1952, the Rev. George Lowe commenced his ministry at Chalmers, and served the congregation faithfully until January, 1965. Up to this date the services of Harry Walker as clerk of session were outstanding. When the Presbyterian Men's organization was introduced, the men of Chalmers responded.

The 1950s proved to be a period of growth for Chalmers. Significant events during that period included: the purchase of a new organ; new pews and panelling for the choir loft; installation of a new oil furnace, and the institution of a nursery to look after young children during church services. The Sunday school continued to prosper, and in l957 it could boast an average weekly attendance of one hundred and seventy-one. Permanent loudspeakers were installed in the sanctuary in l959. Receipts in l959 were one hundred percent higher than those of the previous five years. A sixteen percent increase in the number of communicant members was recorded. At the annual congregational meeting held on January 26, 1959, a sub-committee from the board of managers was given the charge of proceeding with tentative plans for a new church building.

By 1963 the building fund totalled twenty-three thousand, six hundred and thirty-one dollars and fifteen cents. When a combined session and managers' meeting was held, it was agreed that the building committee under the chairmanship of Mr. J. A. Bellingham should secure plans for a new sanctuary and Christian education building.

Chalmers now declared their highest membership - five hundred and ninety-two members. The people were ready to face the cost of building. A member of Chalmers, Leonard Huget, was hired as an architect. The building committee continued to meet and in 1965 the building fund reached thirty-eight thousand, five hundred and six dollars and twenty-four cents. But the call to Chalmers in favor of the Rev. Adam Thomson took precedence over everything else. He was inducted on September 22, 1965.

In l966 the congregation saw a model of the proposed building, at a projected cost of two hundred thousand dollars. Tenders were prepared. However, in 1967 the Synod Corporation of Hamilton and London told the congregation that they should lower the cost. New plans were produced for a building costing just under one hundred and forty-five thousand dollars, including contingencies and architect's fees.

When the congregation gave authorization to begin construction, the sod-turning ceremony took place after the morning service on December 3rd. Among those taking part was Mrs. Ernest Read, the oldest survivng charter member. On April 21, 1968, the cornerstone was laid at 3:00 p.m. On June 16, the new sanctuary was filled with approximately three hundred and fifty people to witness the dedication of the new building by the Rev. William H. McLennan, Moderator of the Presbytery of Hamilton. He also declared the adjoining building " . . . to be set apart for Christian education and recreational use and to be known as McLean Hall . . ." The Rev. Joseph K. Lattimore of Toronto gave the address. Mayor Victor Copps brought greetings from the city. The total cost of the new building was one hundred and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and fifty-three dollars and seventy-eight cents, not including many gifts and memorials. The first communion service was held in the new sanctuary on June 23rd. Another reason for rejoicing was the ordination of George Peters on June 19, 1968.

On February 4, 1971, the Rev. Robert J. Bernhardt was inducted as minister. Born in Boston, he spent most of his childhood in Huntingdon, Quebec, and continues to serve the Chalmers family today. In June 1971, the session introduced the "Chalmers Monthly Newsletter" designed for shut-ins and non-active members.

The early 1970s proved a difficult time for Chalmers. Declining membership and the world economic downturn played significant roles. The annual picnic for 1973 was not held, due to difficulty in obtaining assistance to organize the event. In September the junior choir folded, due to lack of interested children. On October 15, 1973, the treasurer presented the board of managers with a gloomy financial picture. At a congregational meeting held on November 28th, the people of Chalmers were informed that they were eight thousand, five hundred and thirty-four dollars short of the 1973 budget of thirty-one thousand, seven hundred and thirty-three dollars.

The following year brought with it an improvement in fortunes. For the first time in many years the board of managers met their budget. That year, too, Chalmers gained a church secretary in the person of Mary Marsh, who generously volunteered of her time two half-days a week. In October, the 26th Scout Group celebrated over fifty years of scouting at Chalmers. Harry Bryant celebrated over fifty years in scouting at Chalmers. In 1975, the board of managers again met their budget, and a new piano was unveiled and dedicated. In addition, donations were made to the Leprosy Mission, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Telecare, Dawn Patrol Group Homes and the presbytery's Student Bursary Fund.

The year 1979 saw several significant projects appear. In June, the first issue of the new newsletter was released, a quarterly publication distributed at each communion season. Another project was the bible study program called "Knowing God." This was a home study program, augmented by monthly seminars which attracted more people than any other study program in the last decade. That year, too, saw the purchase of tape recording and amplifying equipment, from funds received as a memorial. This equipment allows the shut-ins to hear taped worship services.

The high bank interest rates of the early 1980s forced Chalmers to explore ways of reducing the debt. The quilters donated seven hundred and thirty-six dollars, and the Scout Group gave seven hundred and forty-four dollars and forty-four cents towards the debt retirement. In addition, seventeen members of Chalmers each loaned the church five hundred dollars at a rate of only ten percent. This enabled the managers to retire the bank debt. During the year, the seventeen people who had loaned money were repaid with interest. On December 21st, Chalmers was again free of debt. On April 16, 1981, a mortgage burning ceremony was held, after which the congregation decided to substantially increase their givings, in order to meet a fair share of the General Assembly Budget.

In 1984, Chalmers established a "Benevolent Fund" to respond to individual needs in the congregation or community. In 1985, as a special anniversary project, over one thousand, three hundred dollars was raised for the Huron Feathers Presbyterian Centre at Sauble Beach.

The year 1986 saw a new roof put on the church, at a cost of over five thousand, four hundred dollars, and the following year the roof of McLean Hall was replaced. In 1987, Chalmers was able to exceed the General Assembly Budget of twelve thousand dollars by over two hundred dollars.

In 1988 Chalmers had an explosion in the furnace room. Three weeks later the oil tank developed a bad leak. Things continued to go wrong as a water leak in the boiler room required immediate repair. That's when a decision was made to switch from oil to natural gas.

The life of a Christian congregation is not written encompassed only in terms of ministers, elders or a few prominent leaders - howsoever much those few gave to the cause of Christ. The life of a Christian church is found in the lives of ordinary people in its midst. With them lies the real history of a church. By the grace of God, may those who form today's congregation of Chalmers become faithful witnesses to the risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

(Alan Jones, 1990)