For half a century, the location of a journal linked to a church in Cambridge, Ont., was unknown until it resurfaced at a Value Village store in London, located 100 kilometers away. The journal, penned by Rev. James Dickson during his tenure as the inaugural minister at Central Church from 1880 to 1914, sheds light on his journey from Scotland to Canada, detailing his experiences in the early days of pre-Confederate Canada.
Ingrid Talpak, a church volunteer, expressed astonishment at the discovery of the journal, emphasizing Rev. Dickson’s pivotal role in the church’s establishment. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the journal has left volunteers puzzled, with questions lingering about its whereabouts and the circumstances leading to its discovery at a distant location.
The journal was reunited with the church on October 7 after a woman traveling on Highway 401 contacted them, revealing she had found an old book belonging to the church. Despite initial uncertainty about the book’s significance, it turned out to be the missing journal, sparking excitement among the volunteers.
The journal, which includes a letter dated October 11, 1979, mentioning its loan for microfilming in Woodslee, Ont., offers valuable insights into everyday life in Galt during Rev. Dickson’s time. Talpak highlighted the journal’s contents, which feature names of families still prominent in the community today, providing a glimpse into historical events and parishioners’ lives.
Efforts are underway to digitize the journal and ensure its preservation within the Cambridge community. Talpak disclosed plans to showcase the journal during a fundraising event on October 24, aiming to engage the community with its historical significance. Seeking guidance from the City of Cambridge archives, the volunteers are committed to safeguarding the journal for future generations to study and appreciate its historical value.
