Glen Tay Social

Posted by Diane Duncan on November 15, 2023 in Blog Posts, Community & Family History, Featured Flag | 4 comments

When I was back in Ontario during the summer of 2022, I was able to view the site of the ‘old church on the hill’. As a child I had heard stories about the village Sunday school led by Mrs. Buchanan and knew that at one time there was one tombstone had been found on the land where the church once stood. All that remains in the bramble of shrubs are a few stones that formed part of the foundation of this building. I’ve never seen a photo of the church, nor do I know if it was a repurposing of another building. It was probably built when the Glen Tay woollen mill was at full production to service the families of the workers. I hope that someday an image of the building will be found. The following, found in the Perth Courier of 24 December 1897 provides us with a glimpse into village life at the turn of the century.

“One of the greatest events for some time past and which was in the form of a “social,” was held at the little “kirk” on the hill, Tuesday evening, Dec. 21st. The church was crowded to its utmost capacity, to listen to the splendid programme which was given, mostly by the children. To see such a crowded church in Glen Tay, makes ones heart leap for joy, and as some people remarked, it brought back very vividly the good old “Socials” they used to have here, when the woolen factory, the cheese factory, the saw mill, the grist mill, and the tannery were in full operation. The Rev. Mr. Currie, of Perth occupied the chair, and the choir consisted of some twenty-five trained children, who acquitted themselves splendidly. The chairman, in his happy style, made a short and appropriate address, after which the choir sang, “We are marching on.”Miss Jennie Dodds then recited, after which a duet was rendered by two little tots, “Jesus loves me.” This duet drew forth loud applause, for to see the two little girls, one of which was only three and half years of age, was a real treat. Master Bertie Menzies recited “Our Xmas”. A solo and chorus followed. A recitation was given by little Ethel Imeson. Master W. Collins then followed with a Temperance Lecture. Master Everetts Adams recited, “Great Men,” the choir sang, “Soldier and Pilgrim.” Bessie Cuthbertson recited “While I’m a girl,” Louise Rudsdale, a little tot of three and a half years, sang a solo “When he cometh,” which delighted the whole audience, her little sweet voice being heard to great advantage. Albert Chaplin recited, “Somebody asked me.”

Then followed one of the chief features of the programme, tea, sandwiches, fancy cakes, and lots of good things were handed around to the evident enjoyment of all. After the repast, order was at once restored, and Mr. James M. Barber recited in great style, “Prohibition.” It was exceptionally well rendered, he has a fine voice well adapted for speaking, and if he were to study elocution he would excel as a public speaker. Misses Lena Dodds and Mena Hossie gave a duet, “Little Eva,” Laura Jackson recited, “The way that Harrison does,” a dialogue and chorus followed. Willie Hossie recited “The Minister’s wife” which took the audience by storm. A dialogue was given by Misses Laura Jackson, Jennie Dodds and Maude Wrathall. The choir sang the chorus, “God is love;” James Chaplin gave a recitation and the choir gave another chorus’ “There’s a friend for the little children.” Master Ernest Dodds recited, “The boy of it,” which was well rendered. The closing chorus, “Come to the Savior,” was well rendered by the choir and after the singing of the Doxology the meeting terminated. It is rumored that some of the older ones may, in the future, get up one of their old-time socials, and if they do there is no doubt, but that the church will be crowded as was the case Tuesday evening. Great credit is due to the ladies of the village who helped to make the social a success. The affair realized over $90.00; which goes to the library fund of the Glen Tay Sunday School.