Catherine Connel

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Potter
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-136458
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Death:
Tombstone Reads 14 Feb 1885

Catherine — David Potter. David was born CALC 21 Jun 1791, Enmoe, Perthshire, Scotland; died 21 Nov 1883, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-161896
• Occupation: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1853, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1853, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1883, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada

David married Elizabeth Buchanan 17 Nov 1853, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Reeve Alexander Buchanan and Elizabeth "Betsy" Leese) was born 1829, Branchton, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 Feb 1917; was buried , Elora Cemetery, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-75168
• Occupation: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: Bef 1859, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1859, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; foundryman
• Residence: 1883, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada

John married Isabella White 14 Sep 1859, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. Isabella (daughter of George White and Sophia Anssem) was born 1833, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-161898
• Occupation: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1883, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States

Notes:

In 1863 the old church was replaced by a new one. This was entirely paid for within four years. At that time it had outside steps, a centre aisle from back to front, and no organ or choir loft. In 1866 a momentous event was held in the new building. It was a meeting of the U.P. Synod of New York. Clergymen from many parts of the United States assembled in the towm. Galt felt itself to be at the heart of the Presbyterian world. Perhaps the guests were not so sure of this. They must have felt they were coming to a wilderness because very few ventured to bring their wives any further than Niagara. The Synod meeting was followed in 1869 by another occurrence that echoed and re-echoed. This was the Carroll and Russell revival, evangelistic services held by the Free Church at the market square. Their teachings were challenged by the United Presbyterian session. The following is an extract from the session minutes when it met by special call March 23, 1869, with all members present. "At the request of several members of session you have been convened that we might distinctly know the present position and views of those members of session who have been giving their presence, influence, and co-operation to what is known as revival meetings held in Knox's Church, Galt, during the winter-meetings at which doctrines have been taught and practices followed which are in direct opposition to the standards and principles of our church; and which have led to divisions and offences among members of our congregation of the most painful nature: and through which the most unchristian language has been used in reference to the doctrines and usages of our church: not to speak of the amount of abuse heaped on the head of the moderator of this session." The outcome was that Wm. McLachlan, the Superintendent of the Sunday School, two other elders and a number of families withdrew from the congregation. One aftermath concerns a fourth elder. His name was David Potter. He lived on what is now the Myers farm on the East River Road. He was one of the founders of the church. He had given it staunch support from the time he had come to the community in 1827. Official notice was taken of the fact that, from 1870 on, he was neglecting his duty as an elder, and even absenting himself from the Sunday services. When a committee of the session was sent to interview him they reported back that Mr. Potter had told them there was no longer use in his attending session meetings. His opinion was not respected either by the moderator or by some of the members. As for the Sabbath services he was not profited by the preaching. He had good sermons at home, which he read. When a short time later the church called a new minister, David Potter resumed his usual place in the session and congregation.


FIRST UNITED CHURCH, GALT by Andrew W. Taylor, B.Sc.A.
Thirty-Fifth Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, Kitchener 1948