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Corporate body · 1891-1985

Methodism has a long and noble history in the Random area. The whole of the South West Arm of Random was settled between 1865 and 1880. At Northern Bight, the first arrivals were James Styles and D. Benson, the former was a Methodist. Random first appeared in the Minutes in 1871 in connection with Shoal Harbour. This mission had thirty appointments. By 1874, the circuit included the whole bottom of Trinity Bay with more than twenty appointments. In 1878, Shoal Harbour was divided into two missions - Random North and Random South, and later, the former went back to the title of Shoal Harbour.

Random South became head of the pastoral charge with a total membership of 238 under the pastorate of Rev. K. Davis. The first Methodist building went up in 1878 and Edgar Taylor was appointed as the first resident pastor. The first church was erected in 1899 and the new church, much larger than its predecessor, in 1923.

At the time of the union of the churches to form the United Church of Canada in 1925, Random South was still head of the circuit with thirteen preaching points and a membership of 223. Boundary changes in 1930, saw Hillview, which was formerly called Northern Bight, being made the head of the circuit under the pastorate of Rev. Chesley Howell. The pastoral charge included: Adeytown, Deep Bight, Hatchet Cove, Loweburn, North West Brook, Queen's Cove and St. Jones Within.

In 1933, Little Hearts Ease was added to the pastoral charge and the name was changed to the Hillview-Little Hearts Ease Pastoral Charge and more preaching places were added to this charge for a total of twelve preaching places. Hillview was combined with Little Hearts Ease until 1955.

Boundary changes after 1955 resulted in Hillview being combined with Sunnyside to form the Sunnyside-Hillview pastoral charge and it remained like this for a period of six years. Little Hearts Ease became a pastoral charge on its own with seven preaching points.

Then in 1974, Random South appears as pastoral charge as a result of the amalgamation of the two former charges of Little Hearts Ease and Hillview with a total of eleven preaching points stretching along both sides of North West Arm in Random South. In 1985, the pastoral charge of Random South was disbanded and ceased to exist. The charge was split into two pastoral charges - Hillview and Little Heart's Ease.

Corporate body · 1891-

The original appointments of what is now the Port Blandford mission were Bunyan's Cove and Charlottetown. Both of these towns were on Clode Sound. They were at one time a part of Musgravetown mission. Just after the turn of the century the congregation, along with Bunyan's Cove, Gambo and Benton, became part of the newly formed Port Blandford Methodist Circuit. Later, Gambo and Benton were removed from the circuit and Terra Nova was added.

Port Blandford was reached from Whitbourne after the railway went through and a cause was established there. After a minister was stationed there, the two appointments were taken from Musgravetown.

At the time of the union of the churches to form the United Church of Canada in 1925, Port Blandford was still head of the mission and administering to twenty-five families. Port Blandford, at this time, had a church and a one room school. At Bunyan's Cove, formerly called Bryan's Hole, the preacher visits once in four weeks with the mail man.

At Charlottetown, the second preaching point of Port Blandford, there are twenty-five Methodist families. Charlottetown's first church was burned as seemed to be the case with lots of churches during this time. It was replaced by another church shortly afterwards and served the people of the charge for about sixty years until June of 1963 when the present church building was opened and dedicated on the site of the old church. The minister of the church at the time of the opening and dedication was the Rev. Theodore J. Snelgrove.

Port Blandford remains as head of a pastoral charge with preaching places at Bunyan's Cove, Charlottetown, Port Blandford and Terra Nova.

Corporate body · 1941-

The Pool's Cove Pastoral Charge was formed in 1941 as a pastoral charge in the Newfoundland Conference of the United Church of Canada. It was a successor body to the Congregationalist Mission of Fortune Bay.

In 1874, during the ministry of Rev. Thomas Hall in Newfoundland, the Congregational Colonial Missionary Society in London established the Fortune Bay Mission. Pool's Cove became the headquarters for the mission, and churches were established in Pool's Cove and Bay du Nord. The first minister appointed to the area , Rev. J. B. Saer, ministered to many families scattered along the south coast in Fortune Bay as well as in Placentia Bay. In Fortune Bay itself, congregations were spread from the Little Bay East area on the eastern side to the Belloram area on the western side. Communities mentioned in early registers included Little Bay East, Anderson's Cove, Conne, Fomme, Lake's Cove, Grand La Pierre, Harbour Mille, Bay du Nord, Pool's Cove, and Belloram. The first church in Little Bay East was built under the leadership of Rev. James Middleton in 1910.

The Congregationalist Mission at Pool's Cove resisted the Church Union of 1925 and amalgamation with the Presbyterians, remaining independent until it became part of the United Church of Canada in 1941.

The first United Church representative appointed to the mission was Mr. J. S. Moran (lay supply) who ministered to congregations in Pool's Cove, Anderson's Cove, and Little Bay East. The boundaries of the pastoral charge remained the same until 1970, when, after the resettlement of Anderson's Cove, Pool's Cove and Little Bay East came under the Port Elizabeth Pastoral Charge. In 1972, they came under the Red Harbour Pastoral Charge. In 1975, Little Bay East was incorporated into the Creston-Red Harbour Pastoral Charge, leaving Pool's Cove to once again form the Pool's Cove Pastoral Charge.

Corporate body · 1986-

The Norman's Cove Pastoral Charge was formed in 1986 within the Avalon Presbytery, Newfoundland Conference of the United Church of Canada. Rev. Ebbie W. Snow became its first minister. The appointments of the charge were Norman's Cove, Thornlea, and Fairhaven.

Although Norman's Cove was one of the first communities to be visited by Methodist missionaries in Newfoundland, it first appeared on the circuit list in the 1880s as part of the Railroad Mission with Chapel Arm as the centre. During its history, the congregation have been part of the various missions and pastoral charges formed on and around the isthmus. In the late 1880s, Norman's Cove became a congregation of the Whitbourne Mission, which was re-named Bay Bulls Arm Mission in 1911, with headquarters in Sunnyside.

The date of construction of the first Methodist church in Norman's Cove is uncertain, but a report on a missionary meeting held there in December 1913 stated, "The church was spotlessly clean, varnished and renovated for the occasion." A replacement church was dedicated in 1923.

In the late 1970s, Norman's Cove was listed as head of the pastoral charge. From 1980 to 1986, Norman's Cove was part of the Dunville-Norman's Cove Pastoral Charge, which included the appointments of Norman's Cove, Dunville, Fairhaven, and Thornlea.

Corporate body · 1885-

Nipper's Harbour Pastoral Charge, established in 1885, was formerly part of Little Bay Islands Pastoral Charge and at one time was associated with Tilt Cove, Bett's Cove and White Bay. The pastoral charge was established to administer to the religious needs of the residents of Nippers Harbour and this pastoral charge boundary extended to Snooks Arm, Woodstock and Pacquet. Church records indicate that baptisms and marriages were being performed at Nipper's Harbour as early as 1874.

Because of the needs of Tilt Cove, the boundaries of the Nipper's Harbour Mission were extended from Three Arms to Cape John in 1888. In 1890 the boundaries of Nipper's Harbour Mission were extended again to include a larger area. The Little Bay, Nipper's Harbour and White Bay Mission's were readjusted resulting in Three Arms, Harry's Harbour and Jackson Cove and the whole of principal places included in the White Bay Mission being added to the Nipper's Harbour Mission. Nipper's Harbour Mission was divided again the following year and Tilt Cove was removed and renamed the Tilt Cove Mission with boundaries extending from Tilt Cove to La Scie with the remaining communities under the Nipper's Harbour Mission.

Nipper's Harbour and Tilt Cove were recorded together as a mission in 1895 with a total of 443 members. Edwin Moore and J.C. Sydney were listed as missionaries for the charge. Although the exact date of the building of a church in Nipper's Harbour could not be determined, records show that the Nipper's Harbour church was enlarged in 1896.

After 1925 the following communities were included in the Nipper's Harbour pastoral charge: Burlington, Smith's Harbour, Rouge Harbour, Middle Arm and Indian Burying Place.

On December 22, 1927, the United Church people of Nipper's Harbour sustained a great loss by destruction of their church by fire. This church was valued at $6,000 and was built by the congregation.

In 1928 its restoration was begun by Rev. J.D. Bourne, who organized a church rebuilding committee, and they set to work to erect another. The church was officially opened in 1929, built on the site of the old United Church and is still in operation today.

Corporate body

Methodism in Musgravetown dates back to the 1860's and by the late 1800's Methodism was well rooted in Goose Bay. Congregations were active in Musgravetown, Bloomfield, Brooklyn West (Lethbridge), Portland and a little later Brooklyn. Musgravetown had a church building, a parsonage and a circuit clergyman.

In early records, Musgravetown was known by another name - Goose Bay . The name of the community was changed to Musgravetown after the then Governor of Newfoundland, Sir Anthony Musgrave (1864-1869). Musgravetown was supplied from Bonavista until 1872 when it was formed into a mission under J. P. Bowell. With the creation of the Musgravetown Methodist Circuit in 1872, among the communities served by this circuit was Hopeville later South East Arm, Brooklyn West, and Lethbridge. Lethbridge is just a few miles from Musgravetown and lies in the S.E. corner of Goose Bay in Bonavista Bay.

Although Musgravetown was the seat of the Musgravetown Circuit, each of the communities under its charge had its own little place of worship, often in the form of a school chapel as in the case of Portland and Brooklyn. Lethbridge was no exception. As early as 1874/75, records show money being collected for the church fund. Lethbridge's church was built when Mr. Broughton was on the field. Lethbridge's church was dedicated on 8 February 1903 by Rev. J.C. Sidley. To the great credit of its members, this church was opened entirely free from debt.

In February 1912, during the ministry of Rev. William Harris the church at Musgravetown was destroyed by fire. Almost immediately plans were made to build a church on the site of the old church. The building was commenced in June, the cornerstone laid in November and the church completed December 7, 1913.

On June 10, 1925, the Methodist Church in Newfoundland, with other Methodist Churches joined with some Presbyterian and Congregational Churches to form the United Church of Canada. At the time of the union, the Musgravetown Circuit had four preaching places: Brooklyn, Lethbridge, Portland and Winter Brook with a total membership of 177 families.

By the mid 1960's, the United Church Congregation at Musgravetown had grown enough to be classed as an entity unto itself, with their place of worship, their Heritage United Church in the community. Some of the congregations once embraced by the Musgravetown Circuit were placed with the Summerville Circuit, which, since the late 1950's, has enjoyed Circuit status. The Memorial United Church at Lethbridge became part of the Summerville Circuit, which at that time also included Brooklyn, Charleston, Princeton, Portland and Summerville.

Musgravetown remained an entity to itself until 1994 after which it was combined with Bloomfield to form the Musgravetown-Bloomfield pastoral charge with a family membership of 240 families.

Corporate body · 1874-

Musgrave Harbour, formerly known as Muddy Hole, was colonized by people from Bonavista and Western Bay. In its early years, Musgrave Harbour was visited by Methodist preachers from Greenspond. From 1870-1874, Solomon Matthews did faithful pioneer work there. In 1874, when the Newfoundland Conference of the Methodist Church was organized and a rearrangement of Circuits and Missions was deemed necessary, Musgrave Harbour became a separate mission with the Rev. Henry Lewis as its first minister.

Previously to 1874, Musgrave Harbour was the first born of the Greenspond Circuit. John B. Wheeler, Esq., J.P., was, for many years, the leading lay worker combining in himself a local preacher, a superintendent of the Sunday School, circuit steward and other offices both civil and religious. He was a most acceptable local preacher. The people of this charge are noted for their cordial cooperation with their ministers. Solomon Hann and Ernest W. Mouland entered the ministry from this circuit, and others fill honored positions in the civil life of the Island and other lands.

Musgrave Harbour had the following appointments: Aspen Cove, Ladle Cove and Milford along with Wadham Island which was an appointment of this circuit during the summer when fishermen from other islands attend. Each of the communities under Musgrave Harbour's charge had its own little place of worship. The congregation of Aspen Cove built a new church in 1960. The foundation was poured for Ladle Cove's new church in November 1957 and the church, which is presently in use, was opened for worship in October 1961. The old church in Ladle Cove, which was opened in 1894 by Rev. Thomas Darby, was closed the same day as the new one was opened. Construction of a new church in Musgrave Harbour began in early 1969 and was completed in October of the same year. Wadham Island also had a small church built there.

Corporate body · 1956-

The first Methodist Church in Mount Pearl, known as First United Church, had its beginnings as a congregation in 1956. The congregation started out without a church building, so services of the congregation were held in a school auditorium and later a temporary building was secured which was once used by the Anglican church. Prior to that time, Glendale-Mount Pearl was a preaching place of the Topsail Pastoral Charge. Glendale and Mount Pearl were merged to become the town of Mount Pearl.

The first phase (the basement) of the present church was completed and dedicated in 1958. It was used for two years while money was being raised to finish the project. In 1959 the second phase of the building program was undertaken and completed. The new church was dedicated on October 22,1961 with Rev. Pearce J. Penney officiating. At the time of the dedication of the church, the Mount Pearl pastoral charge was administering to 135 families. Boundary changes in 1964 resulted in Topsail and Mount Pearl becoming separate charges.

By the early 1970's, Mount Pearl's population had nearly doubled and the effect of this increase in population could be seen in the First United Church services as they were now overcrowded. By 1981 the First United Church had undertook and executed a major job of renovating and extending the church in order to meet the needs of the growing membership in the church. In 1982 the total area from Kenmount Road to Brookfield Road including the Donovan's Industrial Park became the Town of Mount Pearl.

As the town continued to grow, the there was growth within the United Church as well and overcrowding became a problem A decision had to be made on whether to change boundaries and form a new congregation or form a Satellite congregation in conjunction with the First United Church. In the spring of 1988 a decision was made and a satellite congregation to First United Church was formed with a membership of 12. This congregation was named Trinity United and this congregation of people met at the Mount Pearl Junior High School for worship.

The membership has grown considerably since then but this congregation is still using the school for worship.

Custodial History: Before Mount Pearl became a pastoral charge on its own, it was part of the pastoral charge of Topsail. The vital statistics records and Boards and Service groups records are presently being maintained at the church office in Mount Pearl. Mount Pearl Pastoral Charge forwarded a small group of records to the United Church Archive. This accession included Annual Reports, Service Bulletin, Board and Committee Records, Financial Statements from Trinity United and First United Church.

Corporate body · 1856-

Little Bay Islands was an appointment of the old Green Bay Circuit. In 1856, its membership was 16 and increases followed in 1859 when the Society class shows 22 members at Little Bay Islands.

The first church or Meeting House for Little Bay Islands was a log house with an open fireplace. It was built halfway between the two harbours, Northern and Southern Harbours. This meeting house lasted for several years because it was not until 1866 that the second Church was built. This church was built on the opposite side of the road from the old cemetery and Rev. F. Scott was the first minister on record, having ministered there in 1867.

The community of Little Bay Islands was supplied from Exploits previous to 1873 when this missions name appeared on the minutes with Charles Myers as its pastor. Sometimes Pilley's Island and Long Island missions were connected with Little Bay Islands and sometimes worked separately. The first parsonage was built in 1874. Two new churches were erected in Little Bay Islands in 1875.

During the year of 1891, the Little Bay Island Mission was divided and the northern part of the mission was renamed Little Bay Island Mission and the southern part was known as Pilley's Island Mission.

Records indicate that a new church was dedicated on March 1, 1885 with preachers being Revs. J.N. Vickers and G. Noble. From this mission, Walter G. Jones, Harold Parsons, William Grimes and W.J. Morris entered the Ministry. According to the Little Bay Circuit Accounts Books 1889-1911, the boundaries of the Little Bay Islands Circuit included the following communities: Boat Harbour, Harry's Harbour, Jackson's Cove, Little Bay, Three Arms, Wild Bight and Wolf Cove.

After 1925, the following communities were included in the Little Bay Islands Circuit: Lush's Bight, where a new church was built in 1921, Cutwells Arm; Wards Harbour, Wellman's Cove, Mile's Cove, Port Anson, Long Island and Beaumont where a new church was built in 1924.