The History of Riceville United Church

Riceville Methodist Church became a member of the United Church of Canada by the Act of Union in June, 1925. This new church was result of many years of meetings, planning and compromise between the Methodists, Congregationalists and Presbyterians.

The history of the congregation that made up the Riceville Methodist Church and then Riceville United goes back to the opening up of this part of the country. In 1835, an iterant Methodist minister, Rev. James McNally, who had come from Ireland to West Hawkesbury, visited Riceville to minister to the people. He baptized using the Scotch River, traveled on horseback and by foot, due to the terrible condition of the roads. In 1847, ministers came from Vankleek Hill; the Rev. J.D. Bell held services every fortnight. The earliest records indicate a "Quarterly Meeting Conference of the Ottawa Mission" was held in Riceville on October 30, 1847. Present were Rev. James Gardner, Pres; Rev. T. Lewis, Missionary; Alexis Johnson and Henry Caldwell, Class Leaders; Justus Clark and James Moffat, Stewards.

In 1849, the first Methodist (Wesleyan) church was built at Franklin Corner’s, in what is now the Franklin Corner’s Cemetery. In 1852 another meeting of the Ottawa Conference was held in Riceville at the Scotch River School House, the Rev. E. G. Brown presiding. It was agreed to pay the local minister Rev. J. D. Bell, the sum of two pounds, fifteen shillings, one and one-half pence for table supplies and six shillings, three pence additional for horse feed. Ten years later at a similar meeting held in the Chapel at Franklin Corner’s, the Minister’s salary was set at three hundred dollars annually and he was provided with a house. There were many changes over those ten years.

In 1869, a second church was erected just west of the village, a frame building, painted white. Rev. Alex Short was the first minister of this Little White Church and he had taken a very active part during the construction. There were two weddings held during the first year: George Scott married Catherine Reid and John Charleton married Elizabeth Rowe.

The first christening was Thomas Johnston, son of Mr. & Mrs. William Johnston. Mr. Oliver Blaney donated an acre of land and a parsonage was built next to the church.

The new century brought many changes, the Rev. Calvert who served from 1898 – 1902, gave leadership and acted as architect to help the congregation build a new and bigger church for their expanding membership. It was built just west of the Scotch River Bridge on the north side.

In 1902 the Charge consisted of Riceville, Casselman and Cambridge; Cambridge withdrew in 1904 and in 1911, Casselman was replaced by George’s Lake, Fournier was added to the Charge sometime between1908 and 1911.

Rev. Hunter Hillis served from 1911 to 1916, and his wife organized the first Ladies’ Aid in 1913. (See UCW History)

The Rev. Hector Beach served from 1924 to 1927. Rev. Beach was a very versatile person; he was an organizer, musician and builder. It was under his direction that a Delco electrical system was installed. He had many activities for the young people in the area and participated in a musical group which included Mr. Parent from St. Isidore, who played the violin, Dr. MacIntosh, and many others from the area.

In 1945 Pendleton United church joined with Riceville and George’s Lake, Fournier church closed in 1945, but their Ladies Aid (UCW) continued on for some years after that, helping with the upkeep of the Manse.

In 1946 Rev. Oliver Davidson and his family came from Labrador to serve the Charge and it was during their stay (1951) that the manse burned and another rebuilt.

Riceville United Church has been able to continue through the dedication of the members and adherents, the ability to compromise, work with others and make the best of some difficult situations. Ministers, their wives and families brought new and different ways of doing things, within the church and the community; the benefit of these ideas had far reaching results. There were times when we did not have an ordained minister, only Lay Supply, but with the support from overseeing ministers we were able to carry on. We had church in the manse and then closed our church in the winter and went to Pendleton for services. At one time there were three services on a Sunday, then two and now we have one combined service.

Many improvements have been made to the buildings, horse sheds removed, upgrades to the sanctuary and the basement, the sale of the manse, new furnaces, new doors, the list goes on, that is life. With the establishment of a "Building Fund" and the thoughtfulness of many people, this Fund has grown and provided funds for the new Doors and other projects that are necessary to maintain our Church. This support is truly appreciated.

We have been blessed with many dedicated people over the years who helped provide music for the congregation. Organists included Esther (Scott) Ryan for many years until she and husband Carl moved to Ottawa in 1956, Elizabeth Scott (Aunt Lizzie Leslie), her daughter Ruby (Scott) Reid, Lorraine Rowe, and Catherine (Scott) Clemens. Music always played an important part in the life of the church; there were concerts, socials, picnics and suppers where young and old took part.

Riceville United has had the benefit of many Ministers and Lay Preachers. We were the first in the area to have a woman as our minister. When Rev. Gail and Bob Christy arrived in 1992, we entered a new phase, learning to help when asked, anticipating a need, providing the proper services to make our building accessible and learning to understand Bob’s sense of humour. We are proud of the improvements that have occurred, physically (to the building), internally and spiritually (to us).

With faith in ourselves and cooperation with others, good things will continue to happen! 

Submitted by Margaret Scott

                                
                                     Images of Riceville
         




          
                 Wilson/Clemens Reunion                                 Riceville United Church Board of Managers                         Tobias Hovey & Angela Lavigne
                             Aug 2007                             Back Row: Murray Wilson, Mary Clemens, Karen Clemens-Hovey,                       Feb 2008
                                                                                                             Catherine Clemens
                                                                              Front Row: Margaret Scott, Harvey Clemens, John Clemens
                                                                                                          Absent: Frank Baker

   

“In small communities good things
Happen when people work together;
Not only within the church
But the community and beyond,
With no boundaries visible.”


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