A Christmas Legacy: The Enduring Spirit of Scottish Settlers and Churches in Glengarry
This holiday season marks the 200th anniversary of the Malcolm and Isabella MacCrimmon’s emigration from Scotland to North Glengarry. The Christmas season, it is a perfect time to reflect on the rich history of the Scottish settlers who shaped not only North Glengarry’s landscapes but also its religious and cultural foundations. The establishment of churches remains a testament to their resilience, faith, and the deep sense of community they brought with them.
These settlers often faced hardships as they sought new opportunities in an unfamiliar land. For many, the church was more than a place of worship; it was a focal point of social life, offering support, structure, and connection to their homeland.
Building Foundations: Establishing Scottish Churches in Glengarry
One of the most notable aspects of Scottish heritage in Canada is the establishment of churches that not only served as religious centers but also as community gathering places. For the Scottish settlers, these churches symbolized continuity and the preservation of their cultural and spiritual identity.
St. Columba Presbyterian Church, Kirk Hill
In 1794, Protestant settlers arrived in the Kirk Hill area but lacked a minister to lead them in worship. It wasn't until 1819 that Rev. John McLaurin, from Breadalbane, Scotland, came to serve the community at Glenelg (later known as Kirk Hill). By 1820, the settlers had established a congregation and erected a modest wooden church on the east hill. The church's construction led to the renaming of the area as Kirk Hill, and in 1822, the first sacrament was celebrated. As the church building was unfinished, the service was held outdoors.
In 1843, a division within the Church of Scotland over state control led to a split in the congregation. Some members remained with the established church, while others joined the newly formed Free Church, establishing a separate Presbyterian church on a nearby hill.
On February 27, 1862, the congregation decided to build a new structure, and St. Columba of Lochiel was born. The church spire was added in 1888, completed the following year. In 1911, the church became part of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, officially renamed St. Columba Church of Kirk Hill.
Kirk Hill United Church
The early settlers of Kirk Hill, arriving in 1794, initially had no church but were served by Rev. John Bethune. In 1845, following the 1843 Disruption in Scotland, deputies from the Free Church of Scotland visited Canada, finding support among Presbyterians, including those in Lochiel. A division took place, with some members leaving the Lochiel Church of Scotland to form the Lochiel Free Church of Scotland.
Though without a church or minister, the new congregation was guided by student ministers. In 1847, under the leadership of Rev. Daniel Clark, they began plans to build a church. Mr. and Mrs. Roderick McGillivray generously donated land for the church and cemetery. The congregation contributed labor and materials, including stone from Lot 33-7 of Lochiel. During the summer of 1847, a tent was used for services, with student minister Alexander Cameron preaching. By 1851, the first membership roll included 31 charter members, marking the beginning of Kirk Hill United Church's enduring presence in the community.
Kenyon Presbyterian Church, Dunvegan
The congregation of Kenyon Presbyterian Church was primarily composed of settlers from the Isle of Skye and Glenelg in Scotland. For nearly a century, Gaelic was used in public worship, and as late as 1930, the church was still listed with “Gaelic essential” for its services.
Rev. Daniel Clark’s arrival sparked the desire for a permanent church building. Initially, a site on the boundary between Glengarry and Prescott counties was considered, but the final location chosen was Lot 25 in the 9th concession of Dunvegan, with the land generously donated by Norman "Captain" McLeod.
In 1862, a large manse was built for Rev. Clark and his wife. By 1871, the congregation’s growth necessitated a larger church, and excavation for a new 60’x40’ stone building began. The church was first used for worship in 1873 during a Communion Season, offering shelter from inclement weather.
A Community Bonded in Faith and Fellowship
The Christmas season was particularly significant for the Scottish settlers, as it provided an opportunity to gather in celebration of their shared faith and heritage. Many of these early churches became the heart of Christmas celebrations, where families and neighbors came together for festive services, carol singing, and the celebration of Christ’s birth. In the long, harsh Canadian winters, these gatherings offered warmth and connection, helping to alleviate the isolation that many settlers felt.
One of the enduring traditions that continues to this day is the Scottish custom of "Kirking the Tartans," which is still observed in some churches during Christmas and other special occasions. This practice involves bringing tartans, the traditional Scottish plaid, to church to symbolize the connection of the Scottish community with their homeland and their shared faith.
Preserving Heritage Through Worship
The church buildings became iconic landmarks in many communities, with their steeples often standing as tall symbols of faith and resilience. Many of these churches also became centers for the preservation of Scottish language, music, and traditions, from the playing of bagpipes to the singing of hymns in Gaelic.
The community bond forged by these settlers is a lasting testament to the strength of their faith and the importance they placed on coming together to celebrate the key milestones in life—Christmas being one of the most cherished.
The Malcolm and Isabella MacCrimmon family story will continue in the months to come with chapters outlining pioneer work to establish a home and the farm, contributions to the community of Dunvegan and personal achievements. The official reunion marking 200 years on the family farm is scheduled for July 5, 2025.
The MacCrimmon Reunion Committee
