struggling church in many ways. It was evident that a sense of outreach to communities far beyond the parish of Centennial resulted in the organization of the Women's Missionary Society and these two organizations of women worked constantly for the church for many years. Women, along with the men, have always played a large part in the work of the church.

Rev. J.J. Ferguson, after a year of hard work was succeeded by Rev. Peter Addison (1892-1893) and then by Rev. W.J. Smith who ministered to the church for two years (1893-1895). He was succeeded by Rev. E.I. Hart (1895-1898). Rev. Hart's father had been a missionary in China. Rev. Robert McKee was Centennial's next minister (1898-1900). His ministry lasted only one year.

Church Starts To Expand

In 1900, at the turn of the century, Rev. Alfred Bedford, was called to our pulpit. He stayed with us for four years (1900-1904). His task was a heavy one: the church was growing in attendance and membership. However, Rev. Bedford succeeded in lifting the congregation to new heights of endeavor and achievement. It was his conviction that a church spiritually alive would be temporally healthy. At this time there were 250 members on the roll and total monies raised was some $2435. It was during this time that things began to get better financially and conditions generally improved. Many new homes and stores were being built. Towards the end of Rev. Bedford's ministry, many young couples were coming into the community to set up their homes. So it was that in 1904 when Rev. E. A. Pearson (1904-1906) became minister, the movement of families into this area was in full swing. The late Honorable Lester Pearson, former Prime Minister of Canada, was the son of Rev. Pearson. It was also in 1904 that Mr. Jesse Edgar Midleton became choirmaster; a position he held for 35 years.

The Need for a Larger Building

With the influx of newcomers, Centennial was "bursting at the seams". The main sanctuary of the small building was filled to capacity for worship and the Sunday School was occupying every available space.

By 1906, church membership had risen to 500. Centennial had made its name as the "Friendly Church". There was an urgent need to serve the growing community. However, there was still a considerable mortgage on the original church. The matter was put before the congregation and the people rose to the occasion by sacrificially subscribing $15,000 towards a new building. The Methodist Social Union provided $20,500 in cash. In 1906, during the final year of Rev. Pearson's ministry, the present Centennial Church was built at a cost of $50,000. It should be mentioned that Mr. Edward Willans, who had come to the church early in 1900 and served as Treasurer from 1905 to 1914, was of inestimable help with his knowledge of business and finance during this period.

The church was opened and dedicated to the Glory of God in the fall of 1906.

Following Rev. Pearson, Rev. John Pickering became minister, serving for four years