Hunter River Presbyterian Church

The Hunter River Presbyterian Church is a historic church located in Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is registered as a nonprofit organization with the registration number 118965425RR0001.

History

The congregation of the Hunter River Presbyterian Church was formed in 1886 and became part of the Brookfield, Hunter River, and New Glasgow Charge. Initially, the congregation held meetings in various community locations until the current church building was constructed in 1889. The church officially opened its doors for services on January 22, 1890. Initially, it was shared by three denominations (Presbyterian, Anglican, and Church of Scotland), but over time, it became exclusively used by the Presbyterian community as attendance from other denominations declined[1][5].

Architecture and Design

The church is noted for its Gothic Revival style, featuring a large rectangular sanctuary with a steeply pitched gable roof. A small entrance tower on the east side of the building is topped with a conical roof. The exterior is clad in clapboard and wood shingle siding, painted white with decorative horizontal moulding underneath the sills of the Gothic arch windows. The design is characterized by its simplicity and balance, with many narrow pointed arch Gothic windows. The building also features an open eaves design with exposed rafters, adding a touch of elegance to its overall appearance[1].

Community Involvement

Music plays a significant role in the church's worship services. Historically, hymns were led by a precentor until the introduction of musical instruments in 1939. Today, the church uses an organ and an electric piano, and there is an active choir and Praise Band. The church offers various community activities, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and participation in organizations like the Atlantic Mission Society. The church operates in collaboration with other local Presbyterian churches as part of a larger community of faith[2][5].

Current Activities

The church continues to be active in the community, with a congregation of approximately 30 families. Many of these families reside locally, but some members travel from further away to maintain their connection to the church and community where they grew up. The church hall, built between 1979 and 1980, supports various community events and activities[5].