Alexander, Manitoba. Alexander United. 1887

Alexander is a community west of Brandon in the Rural Municipality of Whitehead.

The predecessor of Alexander United Church was Alexander Presbyterian (built in 1887) which together with Alexander Methodist (built in 1886) formed a Local Union in 1919. Rev. Hyslop Dickson was the minister at the time. After Church Union in 1926 the Methodist church became a Masonic Temple. The Presbyterian church became Alexander United with Rev. H.T. Reynolds as its first minister.

Before these churches were built the Presbyterian services were at the Alexander railway station with Rev. William Hodnett officiating. Methodist services were held in the home of G. M. Yeoma by Thomas Lawson, a student from Brandon, who also conducted services in Griswold in 1881.

Ministers at Alexander Presbyterian Church included Rev. George Lockhart (1891-1895), Rev. C. Mc Diarmid (1895-1897) and Rev. John Calder (1898). Rev. Lockhart returned in 1907 with his wife. She took on the roles of orchestra conductor and Sunday School teacher.

In 1908 an annex and spire were added to the building. This enlarged the space for Sunday School.

A special service on October 23, 1929, celebrated the addition of a basement. The spire was removed in 1955.

From 1925 to 1969 the Alexander Pastoral Charge included Kemnay. From 1952 to 1968 it included Roseland.

Photographed in 1987.

Published in Senior Scope, August 29, 2018.

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