1871-1921 | 1921-1971 | 1971 to present | list of pastors

1921 - 1971

In 1920 Rev. Thomas Doolittle, M. A., B. Th, was called and a third forward step was taken in securing a parsonage on Main Street south. Mr. Doolittle retired from the pastorate in 1925 and remained a resident in Forest until his death. He was followed by Rev. W. H. Howard, a faithful pastor in many churches, who passed away in 1946, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. E. Burney, of Forest. The longest pastorate in the first 100 years of the Church followed in the person Rev. Andrew Amos Barnes, a local district boy from Arkona. Rev. Oliver Broughton came in 1936, and in 1942 Rev. G. G. Harrop, again a student from McMaster was ordained at Forest. In 1944, Mr. Harrop resigned to enjoy a scholarship for further advanced Old Testament studies at Chicago University Divinity school. He was succeeded in December, 1944, by Rev. Ralph D. Wright, M.A., B.D., of Renfrew, 1946.

Rev. Ralph Wright was pastor at the close of the second World War with the return of the boys from overseas. A fitting honour roll was prepared by the pastor and the church suitably welcomed the returning heros. Also two, Harry Keast and Golden Kennedy did not return. On December 1st, the general secretary, Rev. H. H. Bingham, D. D., led us in dedicating new furnishings in memory of the two boys named, Mr. and Mrs. George Campbell and Rev. W. H. Howard, only the general shortage of materials has prevented us from proceeding with the intended renovations in time for the 75th anniversary. But we rejoice in these our past blessings and are unite and determined to advance for our Master in all departments of our work.

Rev. A. J. Filedus came to us in July 1949. The Family Night was held the last Sunday of each month and a Radio Ministry, the Friendship Hour, was carried over C.H.O.K. Mr. John McDonald of Emmanuel, Sarnia, Mr. Ken Welch of Wallaceburg filled in after Mr. Fieldus departed to Delhi.

Rev. and Mrs. Victor Hall and son Roy came from Chilliwack, British Columbia and held his first service Jan. 1, 1954.

Rev. R. Wilson began his ministry with us in Sept. 1959 and remained for five years, oing to Thornbury.

Rev. A. A. Barnes, 1963, came as an interim member until Rev. Motchman was called. He had been in retirement and was living in Arkona, Ontario at this time. He brought back many fond memories to many.

Rev. A. Motchman, 1964, came to Forest, from the Listowel, Ont. charge, in September of 1964. s the old church parsonage on Main Street was sold in September 1964, he and his sister Mrs. Irene Dodd lived in the McLean's apartment building until the new parsonage was built on Royal Street at a cost of $14200 plus $500 for the lot.

The outside of the Church was painted in 1954, the old shed had been torn down and crushed stone was donated by one of our members for the Church parking lot. The inside of the Church had been painted in 1950. In 1956 a new floor was laid in the Sunday School room. The steeple was repainted in 1969 with the rest of the Church being painted outside in 1970 - 71. A second bathroom was added to the Church in 1970.

In September of 1965 a Junior Teens and Senior High groups were re-organized. In February 1967, Miss Julie Voirol joined the church. She was a retired missionary from Africa and took over teaching the adult bible class. In January 1968, Mr. George Goodhill and Mr. Robert J. Philips were made honourary deacons. In 1969 there was a special Church services for the Town Centennial with a dinner following with a large attendance for the re-union.

On January 21, 1970, there was a special service for the burning of the parsonage mortgage. On March 28th, 1971, the choir was arrayed in new gold gowns in a special service to commence the 100th anniversary of the church.

Over the years we have been privileged to have had many Godly men who have preached the truth from the pulpit and in appreciation for all the early pioneers and founders of our church, and all others, who have gone to their heavenly reward, also including the now living, who in many ways willingly shared in time, efforts, and substance for the Church's progress and witness, we heartily thank God.

During this Centennial Year our oldest church member, Mrs. J. E. Burney, went to her heavenly reward after 79 years of membership here.