-PART ONE!

In this area, Presbyterians have had a continuous history since 1793. Rev. Jabez Collver, a native of New Jersey, had been ordained there without the benefit of theological training - he learned his profession by following it. He must have been a man of great physical vigour and mental force, because at the age of 64 years he decided to face the hardships of pioneer life in the wilds of Canada, having been promised grants of land in Norfolk County as a United Empire Loyalist. His wife Anna and seven sons and one daughter accompanied him with their own families. He built the first log cabin in Windham Township and it served as a manse or church as the occasion required. The county was only forest then but with a small number of settlers, and he formed a Presbyterian congregation the year of his arrival in 1793.

Submitted by Jean Aitken

JABEZ COLLVER--PART TWO!

As settlers arrived in this area, Jabez Collver visited them on foot (or snowshoes), in a saddle, or in a rough cart. A huge cow-bell on the old mares's neck gave notice of his approach and enabled him to find her when he was ready to start out again.

He received no pay for his labours, but was content to share a settler's frugal meal, and even sleep on a shake-down on the floor. Tradition says, however, that once at least, his people presented him with a fine linen shirt, which was likely made according to Dutch-American custom from the type of linen provided by women of the congregation for the communion service.

He continued preaching almost to his death in 1818 in his 88th year. He and his wife and family were buried in what afterwards became Old Windham Churchyard.

His parish was "the wilderness"; his reward the Master's "Well done".

Submitted by Jean Aitken