FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH

Religious services for the English speaking community of Rougemont were organized in 1840. Before this time, it is believed that services of a community nature were held by the settlers and that a traveling missionary would have from time to time made visits to this district.

In the latter part of the year 1840, the Reverend Mr. Thorndike of Chambly Canton acted as Missionary of Rougemont, holding bi-monthly services in different houses. He worked zealously with the young people and soon formed a good choir. Singing practices were held in the home of Robert M. Standish and John M. Standish.

In 1843, Rev. Thorndike left the Canton of Chambly. About this time, the Reverend Thomas Johnson, Missionary at Abbotsford Quebec, began to hold services at Rougemont. During two years, services were conducted on the 'house to house plan'and also in the school.

Plans were being discussed to erect a church building. At a meeting called in early 1843, it was unanimously decided that a building be erected. The next months were spent in deciding on a design for the church building. From the history of St.Thomas' by Waterson:

" all were unanimous that a Church building for worship must be erected. But as often happens, in natures of that kind, 'The biginning is not always the end'. Just here, the difficulty to be overcome, was not one of labour, but affecting design. Time is momentous when we all have designs or plans. They wish to be carried into effect. But if time be Christ must not push matters at such a crisis, wisely thought the Rev. Johnson."