Middle Musquodoboit Pastoral Charge

The first Church in Middle Musquodoboit was built on the center of the land now called "Pioneer Cemetery" during the ministry of Reverend John Laidlaw. Construction of the Church started in 1814 and was finally completed after some difficulties in 1818. It was a two-story building, and could supposedly occupy 700 people. In 1868, only 50 years later, it was torn down and sold at public auction. The present Church, originally built as a Presbyterian Church, stands east of the old Church on property was purchased from Jonathan Layton for $40. The entire cost of construction was $3,440. It was opened and dedicated for worship on December 12, 1869 and on October 1871 named "Middleton". The name "Middleton" came from the maiden name of Rev. Robert Sedgwick's wife, Jessie Middleton. The choir used to occupy the two front seats in the gallery until land was donated for the Chancel. In 1899, Robert Reid donated the existing Church bell in memory of his wife Mary Ann Archibald. The stained glass windows were made possible in 1909 by the Sewing Circle. The first organist was Mrs. Daniel Reid. In July 1915, two stone tablets were unveiled in the Church, one in memory of the Ministers of the Presbyterian faith who served in the first 100 years, and the second to the pioneer men and women who, with heroic courage, laid the foundation of the Church in the Musquodoboit Valley. Finally, in 1958, the Church was lifted and a foundation poured, which created main floor rooms still used today as classrooms, a kitchen, and washrooms, all laid by volunteers. Upstairs there is a beautiful Sanctuary with a hand painted wall mural and downstairs there is an office, a boardroom and an open common area for suppers, etc. In the early 1800's the people of Higginsville, Newcomb's Corner, Elmsvale, and Deacontown had to travel to Upper Musquodoboit or Middle Musquodoboit to worship. A group called for fundraising to have their own building and by the mid 1880's they had constructed a church with the official opening on January 21, 1887. The Church cost $1687 to construct and all but $94 was raised by the sale of pews to various families. On June 19, 1925 Riverside Church became part of Middle Musquodoboit Pastoral Charge and entered the United Church of Canada. Services are held in both Churches on alternating Sundays.