ST. GEORGE

A post village in the Township of South Dumfries, situated about a mile north of the line of the Great Western Railway, the nearest station being Harrisburg. It is distant 8 miles from Brantford, the same distance from Galt and Paris. There is considerable business done at St. George, situated as it is in a fine agricultural section of the country it contains three churches, viz: - the Canada Presbyterian, the Wesleyan Methodist and Baptist. The Canada Presbyterian Church formerly belongs to the United Presbyterian before the union of the two churches in Canada.
In the year 1832 the Antiburgher of Scotland sent missionaries to Canada. Tow of these missionaries visited a number of families in the vicinity of St George, and were kindly received. Arrangement were entered into for holding public worship in a school house or barn, as might suit the purpose. The Rev Thomas Christie, now of Flamborough took charge of this station, and supplied ordinances as often as a due regard for the welfare of other stations under his charge would permit. A church was built in 1834, and the cause made good progress until near the end of the year 1838, when a call was given to the Rev. James Roy. The said call was accepted and Mr. Roy was inducted into the pastoral charge of the congregation in December 1838. The congregation previously gave a call to Rev Thomas Christie, now of Flamboro, but he did not accept. Mr. Roy labored with great diligence and acceptance for several years, preaching in St. George and Glen Morris until he was suddenly removed by death, in the month of May, in the year 1852. The congregation after the death of Mr. Roy, still kept united, and for several years they did not enjoy the services of a stated ministry. The congregation gave several calls but did not succeed. The church was unanimous in giving a call to Mr. Robert Hume, preacher of the gospel. He accepted the call, and was ordained and inducted into the pastoral charge of the congregation on the 22nd May, 1860. Mr. Hume has labored since that time with acceptance. The congregation has increased under his ministry. He is at the present time [1869-70] the pastor of the church. In the year 1861 the congregation resolved to build a new church as the old church was too small to accommodate all, and hence the necessity of building. Mr. William Watts, contractor of Brantford, was engaged to build the new church. The work was commenced vigorously and during the summer of 1861, the new church was erected. The opening dedication services were conducted by the Rev Dr Ormiston of Hamilton, and Dr. John Thompson, formerly of Galt now of New York on the 17th of November 1861.
The new church is of Doric style of architecture, capable of accommodating in public worship, about 300 persons. It is situated on a beautiful and elevated plot of ground, neat the site of the old church. The building is neat and substantial, and is regarded as one of the best country churches in the county of Brant.
The Regular Baptist Church was organized March 30, 1824, under the ministration of Rev. Simon Mabee. The original membership was eleven in number. Elder Mabee remained pastor of the church till 1828. After this the following, in order of their succession, ministered to the church: - Rev Reuben Crandell till Nov 27, 1835; Elder Elliott till March 16, 1839; Elder Bailey till March 13, 1841; Elder Smith till March 26, 1852; Elder Bailey till March 13, 1841; Elder Smith till March 26, 1852; Elder E Clark till May 12, 1855; Elder Wm Smith til Dec 1859; Thos. L Davidson, D.D., till Feb 11, 1866; Elder Joel Reddick til Aug 31, 1867. Present pastor of the church, G A Dougharty, M.A. Present members 152. The church worships in a neat stone meeting house in the village of St. George. The main building is 40 feet by 60. The vestry room is 24 feet by 30. The church clerk is Benjamin Bell, of St. George.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church is a plain unpretending frame building. The congregation is under the pastoral charge of Rev. James Harris.

The village contains some important and extensive manufacturing establishments. Mr. Benjamin Bell's works were established in 1854. He employs from thirty to forty hands, and an engine of ten horse power. The premises are frame, two stories high and 110 by 50 feet, the moulding shop being 60 x 40 feet. Reapers, mowers, ploughs, cultivators, drag saws, and all kinds of agricultural implements are turned out by Mr. Bell to the value of $ 30,000  annually.

Mr. Wm Snowball is engaged in the manufacture of wagons on a  large scale, employing from twelve to fifteen hands. This branch of his business has been established since 1834. The premises are frame on stone basement, 80- feet by 80, and two stories high. A steam engine of six horse power is used in this establishment. About 100 wagons are turned out annually. Mr. Snowball is engaged as well in the manufacture of flour and flax. The flouring mill contains three run of stone, and is a frame building with stone basement. A new mill, to be built entirely of stone, is shortly to take the place of the old one three stories high, and 60 x 30 feet. The flax mill was established by Mr. Snowball in 1863. It is a frame building, two stories high, 40 x 40 feet. From twenty to fifty hands are employed in this branch of industry.

Mr. Allan Cameron is engaged in the manufacture of ploughs and employs three or four hands.

Messrs Alexander Brookbank and William Fleming's blacksmith shops deserve mention. Several hands are employed by each, and the very best kind of work turned out by them. Carriage ironing, as well as general blacksmithing is attended to.

There are three good stores kept by Messrs J N Keefer, Crawford & Armstrong, and H G McPherson. The St George Hotel is kept by Mr. S. Bradt and travelers will find at his house every comfort, and as good fare as at any hotel in Ontario. There are two other hotels in St. George.

The Common School Building is a handsome brick, erected at a cost of $ 2,000. It is divided into three departments, and has an attendance of 150 pupils, under the charge of Mr. H. McKay, as principal, assisted by Miss R. Smith.

 
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