History
History
Introduction
History is a fascination to the soul. That is especially true when you read the history of your own community. It is also true for 'newcomers' like myself who have grown to love the group of people known as Erin United Church.
This history contains the imprint of many people and behind each name mentioned is probably a story of both struggle and triumph. More than a human story though, these pages are an outline of how the grace of God has been with us through the years 1839-1989. This is our story of being God's people. It is also God's story of dealing with us and being our God. May these words open up the storehouses of your lives and bring food for thought as well as happy memories of years gone by.
This history contains the imprint of many people and behind each name mentioned is probably a story of both struggle and triumph. More than a human story though, these pages are an outline of how the grace of God has been with us through the years 1839-1989. This is our story of being God's people. It is also God's story of dealing with us and being our God. May these words open up the storehouses of your lives and bring food for thought as well as happy memories of years gone by.
REV. JEFFREY DAVISON
History to 1989
This church building was erected in 1871. It has been said there is a very simple, but effective, bit of engineering in the attic that supports the ceiling without having any posts below. The basement has had numerous changes made to it. Originally, a basement was not considered necessary, but some time later it was deepened below the level of the foundation, the sides re-inforced with wood, and wooden floor put in right on the ground. This has been replaced with concrete since Union. What is now the kitchen, had only enough dirt removed to allow the wood for fuel to be thrown in from the back. The church had box seats. Everyone had their own seat, and had stools to keep their feet off the floor on account of the draft.
In 1901 there were 100 members on the Erin roll, with seven official board members representing the six charges on the circuit. By 1906 reports showed the Cataract congregation did not average 12, so by 1910, Cataract, Credit Forks and Belfountain were dropped from the circuit, leaving Erin, Ballinafad and Coningsby.
In 1901 there were 100 members on the Erin roll, with seven official board members representing the six charges on the circuit. By 1906 reports showed the Cataract congregation did not average 12, so by 1910, Cataract, Credit Forks and Belfountain were dropped from the circuit, leaving Erin, Ballinafad and Coningsby.
150 Fruitful Years
The early settlers had need of a church where they could worship in Christian fellowship, To praise God and receive his blessing in this new land of eternal hardship. They built their church, and ever after It was the central core of their existence; they helped the needy and sent to missions, and diligently laboured with righteous persistence.
May God guide our footsteps as he did those before us, to leave something of worth for those coming on; no matter how faint, each footstep will leave Its imprint in memory when we are gone.
May God guide our footsteps as he did those before us, to leave something of worth for those coming on; no matter how faint, each footstep will leave Its imprint in memory when we are gone.
Conclusion
I acknowledge here with grateful thanks, all those who have contributed information and loaned pictures for reproduction, and helped in any way with this history. Without their help it would have been impossible to write. Also, deep appreciation is extended to the Sesquicentennial Committee, those people who have worked so hard in making the 150th year of Christian commitment in Erin, a memorable one, and for standing behind me in all aspects of the production of this book. This is not a complete history. Many contributions have been made by numerous people who have done so much for the good of the church, that it is impossible to mention them all in this brief history. I offer my apologies if I have omitted something you think should have been included, and also apologize for any mistakes that have been made.
DORIS FINES