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Newspaper article on the History of the Scotch Settlement

"The deluge of rain on Sunday did not deter the descendants of the sturdy Scotch Settlement pioneers from attending the unveiling ceremonies at the Auld Kirk cemetery. A remarkably large crowd, considering weather conditions, was in attendance, and with the speakers sheltered by a large covered truck, and the audience huddled under umbrellas, the program, as arranged was conducted with as much detail as though the sun had shone... Dr. Wilfred Jury, representing the Archaeological and Historic Sites Board, in addressing the gathering, made a suggestion which is likely to make the occasion one which will be followed by further tangible evidence that the residents of the Scotch Settlement, both past and present, and of this district, are keenly interested in preserving records and articles of historic interest for the benefit of this and future generations." ...

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.

Postcard of the Auld Kirk at the centenary 1822-1922.

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

Article about early settlement in Bradford and West Gwillimbury. It also touches on the early education systems in this area. Scanned from a donation of the Bradford Today supplement to the Bradford Witness.

Article about the opening of the fire hall on Melbourne Drive, which is its current location today (2017). The fire department moved from a small fire hall next to the courthouse and Town Hall on Holland Street East.

"Bradford Council for 1964-65, returned by acclamation for 1966-67, from left to right: Councillor Kenneth Tupling, Councillor Oswald Davey, Reeve R. Bruce Stewart, Mayor Joseph Magani, Deputy Reeve Fred C. Cook, Councillor Tom Evans, Councillor Fred Dow."

Fabric badge for the Auxiliary OPP detachment, attached to the Walter Reeves badge collection. The Auxiliary OPP Force came into practice in 1960, after Walter had died, so it could have been acquired as a memento to his work.

A recent fabric badge for the OPP detachment, acquired in memory of Walter Reeves as a Town Constable.