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St. Philip’s Presbyterian
The first Westville congregation to formally organize with building plans in mind was St. Philip’s Presbyterian. The congregation met on March 21, 1870, as a part of St. John’s congregation, Stellarton, in connection with the Church of Scotland. On that date it was decided to erect a church, and the cornerstone was laid on June 24, 1870. The church was named after Rev. W.M. Philip, at that time minister of the Stellarton church, and, accordingly, the first pastor of the new Westville charge. He resigned in October 1870, and shortly afterwards returned to Scotland. The church was opened and dedicated on January 7, 1871, by Rev A.W. Herdman of Pictou. On February 27, a call was extended to Rev. Charles Dunn, who served until 1887. On his departure, St. Philips became a separate and self-sustaining congregation.
Rev Thomas Stewart of Glasgow, Scotland, became pastor in May 1888, and remained until 1899 when he returned to Scotland. Rev. George B. MacLeod then served the congregation for two years, and Rev. D.M. Gillis was minister in 1903. Rev. W.W. MacNairn was inducted on December 4, 1904, and on February 24, 1907, the new St. Philip’s Church was dedicated. Mr. MacNairn resigned in December 1922, after a pastorate of 18 years. He was succeeded by Rev. L.B. Campbell, who remained until February 1, 1926. On this date a majority of the St. Philip’s congregation joined with a majority of the Carmel congregation to form the United Church of Westville.
St. Philip’s was the second church to get an organ and the first organist was Mrs. Clara Gunn Grant, mother of Mrs. Ward (Isabel) MacLean.
St. Philip's Presbyterian
Church, which was opened and dedicated on January 7, 1871.
Inset
is probably Rev. W.M. Philip, the first pastor of the
Westville Charge