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The Auld Kirk in the Scotch Settlement. The congregation, many of them Scottish immigrants, began gathering in 1822, and a log church was built in 1823. This building was built in 1869. It closed its doors in 1885.

Anniversary Sunday was always a special event in church life. Members would invite as many as 20 or 30 relatives to the church service and then provide them with a hot dinner and an afternoon of fellowship before returning for the evening service. This was one such occasion at the Scotch Settlement Presbyterian Church. This photo was taken at the Lloyd home following the anniversary celebrations on the first Sunday of June. Back L-R: Mrs. Howard Robson, Laura Lloyd, Alvin Smith, Edna Smith, Gordon McCutcheon, Mac McEwan, Edith Carscadden, Ivadell McDevitt, Myrtle Ritchie, Percy Carscadden, Howard Robson Middle: Garl McEwan, Velma Smith Front: Edgar Lloyd, Budd Robson, Walter Lloyd, Helen Robson, Alice Smith, Milton Ritchie.

Contains news clippings and articles on the Scotch Settlement

Gordon MacDonald shot his first fox at age 10. The Scotch Settlement Church shed is in the background.

Mrs. David MacDonald (known as Dolly) sitting in picture, the maternal grandmother of John MacDonald Campbell born Nov. 4, 1898. Annie Campbell Saint (standing), the aunt of John MacDonald Campbell. Picture was taken at the home of Frank Saint (husband of Annie Campbell Saint) at the Scotch Settlement, now the home of Sinclair MacDonald. Mrs. David MacDonald (known as Dolly) was Dolina Sinclair, daughter of George Sincalir and Margaret McKay (Dolina died Dec. 1917). Annie Campbell Saint married Frank Saint, she was the daughter of James Campbell and Isabella Sinclair. Dolina and Isabella were sisters.

Grave of Christina Bannerman in the Auld Kirk Cemetery. Christina, wife of George Bannerman Died December 17, 1875 Aged 86 years native of Sutherlandshire, Scotland

New Canadians point to their European homes. From left: Galdino Zucchette, Danny de Poali, both from Italy; Helen Speke, Hungary, Dino de Poali, Danny's brother.

The Auld Kirk Church is located on the south half of Lot 8 on Concession 6 of West Gwillimbury. In 1819, a group of Scottish and Irish settlers arrived in Upper Canada, and developed the area known today as the "Scotch Settlement". After the initial goal of building homes to fulfill the stipulation of the land grants, their thoughts turned toward building a church and school to educate their children. In 1822, land was obtained from John Faris, an Irish farmer, for a graveyard. In 1823, a log church was built on the land, and it also served as a school house during the winter months. This building, which was later moved to a different location, was the first school and church in Simcoe County. The congregation first met On January 6, 1822. James Sutherland, a settler, was authorized by the Church of Scotland to conduct baptisms and marriages until there was a settled minister. The first settled pastor was not until 1831. In 1832, they decided to send for a minister from the Established Church of Scotland, which resulted in a split in the congregation, and a new Church being formed in Bond Head. The remaining congregation stayed true to the belief's of the Church of Scotland, and the church never had an organ, and only Psalms were sang, not wrtten hymns. All of the sermons were long and in Gaelic, and were interpreted. In 1869, the present church was built costing $1000 to the congregation. Due to dwindling numbers, the church was closed in 1885. A new roof was put on in 1912, and in 1929, shutters were put on the church and the doors repaired. A fence was also put around the cemetery, and the driving shed was moved to a local farm where it still exists today. Another restoration of the church was done in 1958, when a new roof was put on, the windows were put back in, new steps were built, it was painted inside and out, and the floor was jacked up. Two plaques were dedicated in 1958. One was unveiled by Henry McKay in honour of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. James McKay, some of the first settlers. The other was unveiled by Angus Campbell, for the Ontario Government's recognition of the Selkirk Settlers.

The Auld Kirk Cemetery on the 5th Line in the Scotch Settlement marking the final resting place of many early settlers.