HISTORY OF GIBSON MEMORIAL

The Kingsley Methodist Congregation was first formed in 1836.

The first church of the congregation in Kingsley was situated a short distance up the Royal Road from Estey’s Bridge on what was called the “sand hill”. Services were conducted by the minister from the Fredericton Church (Wilmot) and the church was often spoken of as the “Sister Church” to Wilmot.

In 1873, the minister from Devon was in charge of the services and Kingsley has been a part of that charge ever since.

In 1897, the senior members of the congregation decided that a new building was needed and along with the Baptists, planned to build a new church that would be used by both Baptist and Methodist congregations.

When work on the new building (the present Baptist Church) was well under way, certain members of the Methodist congregation decided they would like to erect a church building of their own. All members agreed, and soon the building of the present United Church was well begun and was dedicated in 1898 - with Rev. E C Turner, pastor in charge. Among the strongest supporters of the Methodist Church at that time were: Mr & Mrs Anthony Currie, Mr. & Mrs John Barnet, Mr & Mrs James Barnet, Mr & Mrs Samuel Currie and Mr & Mrs George Seymour (McLeod Hill). When the new church was dedicated, Anthony Currie was the first deacon. The first nuptial event to take place win the new church was a double wedding. The two couples were Jean Barnet and Harry Seymour and Henrietta MacFarlane and James Barnet. The first funeral to be conducted from the church as that of Mrs. Harry Seymour in 1962.

At first the new church had no organ and this bothered the younger generation considerably. Finally, three young girls of the congregation - Christine Stein, Maggie Seymour, and Lydia Currie decided to do something about it. They got together and planned to hold a pie social and dance. Plans were well laid and the event was a crowning success with plenty of money raised to meet the expense of a new organ.

However, some of the older citizens of the community frowned upon money for church purposes being raised in such a frivolous way. Their disapproval reached the ears of the three young ladies and they wondered what they should do. Finally, Lydia decided to settle the matter once and for all. She journeyed to Devon (on a bicycle), called on the pastor - - - and told him the whole story about the money and how it was raised. Mr.- - - listened carefully, put his hand on Lydia’s shoulder, and said, “My Girl buy your new organ - - - then go, and sin no more.” At first the organist came up from Devon for the services, but before long, Jean Barnet (Mrs. Harry Seymour) took the position and remained organist for many years. When she resigned. Lydia Currie - by this time - Mrs. George Booker, stepped into the position and faithfully served in this capacity until her daughter Clara (Mrs. Percy Jones) took over and served the congregation well until the time when she moved to another vicinity - Nashwaaksis - and became a member of the United Church congregation in that area. Her capable successor, Mrs. Lloyd MacNeill has served in this capacity ever since and is with us today. Ministers of the Kingsley Methodist - later the Kingsley United Church :

GIBSON MEMORIAL CHURCH

In 1873, the part of Fredericton in which our church is situated was called Gibson, and the upper part from St. Mary’s Anglican Church was St. Mary’s. Later these two villages amalgamated to form the Town of Devon, called for the then Governor-General of Canada, the Duke of Devonshire, and later the town of Devon amalgamated with the City of Fredericton.

In 1873, the Methodists in Gibson became a part of the Marysville Charge. In 1875, they decided to form their own charge and its first settled pastor was Rev. Robert Wilson. As the Gibson centre grew, the village services were held for some years in a room over the railroad depot, and later in Phair’s Hall. I presume before that, they met in the homes. In 1879, steps were taken to build a church. The lot was donated by Robert and Joseph Macklin. Alexander “Boss” Gibson of Marysville supplied the lumber, and after the people had raised a few hundred dollars, he paid the rest of the bills and the church which cost $3,500.00 was opened free of debt. The dedication took place in 1881.

The first parsonage was near the Marysville line on the property later bought by Mr. H. M. Young.

In 1920, a basement was finished under the Church. There was great need of a place to have meetings for young people, and for the Ladies Aid to have suppers and other fund-raising activities. At that time, Gibson Charge was still getting a grant from the Mission Board.

In 1929, a pipe organ was installed. Up until then the platform extended across the front of the church, and the choir was in one corner. Before the pipe organ could be installed, an extension was made on the back of the church for a choir loft. (And here I must say that one of our valuable U.C.W. members, Mrs. J. Ray Burpee, was our valued and loved organist for over 40 years - part of the time in each church.)

Appendix ‘A’

MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED AT GIBSON METHODIST
AND
GIBSON MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA