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.
published
Partial
Draft
Title based on contents of the fonds
Fonds consist of records pertaining to the Musgrave Harbour Pastoral Charge which includes Musgrave Harbour, Aspen Cove, Ladle Cove and Milford. These records relate to the activities of the Charge and its functional bodies, financial management of the pastoral charge and the pastoral charge vital statistics. The majority of the records are in the form of minutes, reports, financial records and vital statistics.
Further accruals are expected.
The records of the Musgrave Harbour Pastoral Charge were maintained at the Greenspond Pastoral Charge until it was made a separate Mission in 1874. The vital statistics records remained in the Musgrave Harbour Pastoral Charge until they were transferred to the United Church Archives sometime after 1960.
Some items from Ladle Cove were forwarded to United Church Conference Archives on March 1, 1987. Further accruals are expected at a later date.
Some registers are restricted because of their deteriorating condition. Photocopies have been made available for research purposes.
Finding aid is available.
published
Series consist of statements of receipt and disbursements of the Musgrave Harbour Pastoral Charge for years 1978-1981, 1984, 1987 and 1995-1996. This includes reports from the various groups that function within the pastoral charge.
published
Series consist of Baptism, Marriage and Burial Registers for the Musgrave Harbour Pastoral Charge. The series consist of a combined Baptism, Marriage and Burial Register, 1873-1890; Baptism Register, 1892-1913; Marriage Register, 1892-1911; Marriage Register, 1936-1966, this register contains some loose papers also; Marriage Register, 1936-1966; Marriage Register, 1960-1999; Burial Register, 1892-1949.
published
Series consist of: newspaper clipping regarding the school-chapel in Terra Nova which is shared by the United Church and Anglican church - Two Faiths - One Church, 1969; Hand written list of Ladle Cove Baptisms, 1961-1985 taken from Musgrave Harbour register; Typed copy of Ladle Cove Marriages and Burials, 1961-1986.
published
Series consist of records related to the financial matters of the pastoral charge. This includes: Listing of Ministerial Collections, 1953-1954, 1959-1960, and 1963; Treasurers' Records for Christian Education, 1960; Ministerial Support Records from Musgrave Harbour, Ladle Cove and Aspen Cove, 1947; Musgrave Harbour Orphanage Fund, 1960; Weekly Offerings Records, 1914-1959; Financial Statement for Musgrave Harbour Pastoral Charge, 1959; Central Treasurer's Report, 1986.