DUNSTAFFNAGE, P.E.I. – Central United Church of the York-Covehead Pastoral Charge will be celebrating its 90th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. All are invited to this special service, featuring two guest speakers: Rev. Joy Noble, Minister of York Covehead Pastoral Charge (1998-2014), and Rev. David Campbell, intern (2012-2013).
Music will be under the direction of Jordan McNally and the church choir with guest soloists Tim Archer, Sharon MacCallum, a trio and Potters Clay/Margaret Power, organist. Guest pianist is Gordon Boothroyd, grandson of the first minister at the church.
will follow with time to reflect and view the church’s history, which began when property was donated by Almon and Pearl Boswall for a church and cemetery. As this land extended across the district boundary of Dunstaffnage and Marshfield, the church was called “Central”.
In 1926 the minister, Rev. F.E. Boothroyd of York Pastoral Charge, took on the challenge of chairman for the construction. In June of 1927, following a successful financial campaign and the selection of a James E. Harris building plan, a large number of churchmen gathered to clear the site. The first tree was cut by Edgar Heartz and the first sod turned by Alex Scott, assisted by Wallace Wood Sr. using a team of horses and a single plow.
Construction was led by building contractor Mr. Barrett, architect, James Harris, masonary, Mr. Arbing and interior carpenter, Kenneth Ferguson. The church was ready to open and be dedicated “to the glory of God” on Dec 18, 1927. This service was conducted by Boothroyd with an overflowing congregation brought by horses and sleighs.
Over the years the church has used many memorial gifts and donations to carry out upgrades including an extension with meeting room, bathrooms and an extended basement. The interior has been enhanced by beautiful stained glass windows, pews and cushions, and in the past five years the exterior has new siding and roof /steeple renewed.
From the Charlottetown Guardian