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Talbotville United Church History
According to the Talbotville United Church history published in 1938, "It is not definitely known who the first minister was who travelled this district, but our records show that in 1844 Rev. Edward Baillie held services in the community. He was a minister of the New Connection branch of the Wesleyan Methodist Church." In pioneer days it was common for circuit ministers to travel between and serve a number of congregations, with a varying number of churches being grouped together over the years. It was in 1844 that land was purchased for the first building of a Methodist New Connexion Church in Talbotville on the northern edge of lot 41. The current brick church building was erected and dedicated in 1878, also on lot 41 but closer to the main corner of the village. The manse was purchased in 1860 and the brick addition was built in 1875. The centennial of the church building was celebrated in 1978, and the 150th anniversary of the congregation was celebrated in 1994. It is from these early records that the Talbotville United congregation dates its beginnings and celebrated its 175th Anniversary in 2019.
There were many minor variations on the denomination and combination of churches to form the pastoral charge over the years but as of 1958 Talbotville United has been part of the Suburban Pastoral Charge sharing a minister with Townline United and Yarmouth Centre United. Townline closed in 2006 and Yarmouth Centre amalgamated with Talbotville in 2018. While early church records aren't complete this may be the first time in history that Talbotville has stood as a single point charge. Talbotville has also been blessed in recent years with the addition of members from Fingal United and from Bethany United in Shedden when those churches closed. A significant event for the church building was a fire December 6, 1940 that destroyed the Sunday School room and a lean to kitchen with volunteer firefighters being able to save the sanctuary. The current Sunday School room and kitchen were quickly rebuilt and dedicated in June 1941. Unlike many churches built in the 19th century Talbotville was built without a full basement and all on one level making it easily accessible for most. To make the building fully accessible a ramp and automated entry were built in 2014 with accessible washrooms having been completed in 2005. The congregation enjoys the use of a complete audio visual system and screens in the sanctuary to enrich the worship services.
In 2019 the congregation at Talbotville has all ages represented from infants to seniors with an active Sunday School and choir. In addition to our current Pastor Don Macpherson, many different groups help accomplish the mission and ministry of the church: Worship Design, Women's Ministry, Music Team, Outreach and Communications, Prayer Shawls, Nicaragua Mission team, Refuel Study group, in addition to the church board of elders, trustees, and stewards. The Sunday School continues the traditional Christmas Concert in December, and Outdoor Service and Picnic with certificates and seals in June. The music ministry at Talbotville flourished with the addition of the Talbotville United Church Community Choir that performed eight Christmas and two Easter musicals until 2017. Other events that the congregation has enjoyed over the past decade include: coffee and conversation, youth events and retreats, Rural Life Sunday, food bank donations, Blue Jays games, golf tournaments, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and family skating parties, to name but a few.
It is hard to sum up 175 years in one page and the above summary just touches on a few of the many varied areas that make up the life and work of Talbotville United. This quote, again from the history published in 1938, may say it best, "Nevertheless they have left behind them a heritage of devotion to duty and loyalty to God that should be a source of great inspiration to those who come after them."
Prepared by Janice Fisher for Elgin Presbytery History Booklet 2019
