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THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
of Webster Memorial United Church was the occasion for praise and much commendation at the achievement of such a significant milestone. Fifty years of Christian ministry had left an indelible mark on the lives of those who had passed through its portals.Those who remember what Webster Memorial was like in the beginning admit that Webster has seen many changes. Let us journey through those fifty years as we reflect on Webster then. . and Webster now.
IN THE BEGINNING
August 5, 1940
- Eleven interested persons drafted a letter to the Clerk of Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Jamaica indicating their desire to form a congregation in that district. At the same time a letter was sent to the Mission Council of the Church of Scotland requesting the services of Rev. J.A.T. Beattie in the formation of the new congregation. The letters were signed by twenty-four foundation members.
May 5, 1941
- The South East Presbytery met at Iona House, 51 Half Way Tree Road. With the Rev. Beattie and the twenty-four foundation members, the congregation was officially inaugurated. Meetings were held at Iona House but in a short time, the rooms proved too small for Sunday services. The problem was soon solved. In the wooded common behind Iona House was an old cement floor once a cow-house. Bushed and cleared, it proved an ideal place for an outdoor church. This is how it was reported in the ?Presbyterian? in July, 1941: ?
?We explored the eight acres around the house and to our great delight we discovered an old cement floor which was, at one time, a byre. We set to and worked on it? On Sunday morning it was ready for the service and it was really lovely.?
The congregation still had no official name and was described as the ?Open Air Church?.
THE FIRST COMMUNION May11, 1941
- The first congregational communion was held at 7:00 a.m. Thereafter, regular services were held at this time every Sunday.THE NEW NAME
There is some uncertainty at what point the new charge was officially named Webster Memorial. The name was in memory of Rev. Duthie Webster, an Elder from Scotland who had donated £1,000 to start the new charge. Also, the land on which the Hall and Church were built was donated by Mr. Carl Webster, a generous supporter of the church.FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL
Margaret Stuart also played a significant part in the founding of the congregation. She began the Sunday School and gathered the first helpers. Dorritt Bent was appointed the first ?Primary Leader?.THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL MEETING May 19, 1941
- The first congregational meeting was held and Managers (now called elders) appointed.Page 1 / Page 2 / Page 3 / Page 4 / Page 5 /