Chapter XXIX

Bishop Strachan—A teacher—A preacher—A student—Holy Orders—A
Presbyterian—Becomes an Episcopalian—A supporter of the “Family
compact”—Sincere—His opinion of the people—Ignorant—Unprepared
for self-government—Strachan’s religious chart—He was deceived—
The Methodists—Anomalous connection—A fillibustering people—
Republicanism egotistical—Loyalty of the Methodists—American
ministers—Dr. Strachan’s position—His birth place—His education—
A.M., 1793—Studying Theology—Comes to Canada—A student of Dr.
Stuart’s—Ordained Deacon—A missionary at Cornwall—Rector at
York—Archdeacon—Bishop of Toronto—Coadjutor—Death—A public
burial—Rev. Mr. McDowell—First Presbyterian at Bay Quinté—
Invited by Van Alstine—On his way—At Brockville—Settles in a
second town—His circuit—A worthy minister—Fulfilling his
mission—Traveling on foot—To York—Marrying the people—His death—
His descendants—Places of preaching—A Calvinist—Invites
controversy—Mr. Coate accepts the challenge—The disputation—
Excitement—The result—Rev. Mr. Smart—Called by Mr. McDowell—
Pres. clergyman at Brockville—Fifty years—An earnest Christian—A
desire to write—“Observer”—A pioneer—A cause of regret—Not
extreme—Mr. Smart’s views on politics—The masses uneducated—The
“Family Compact”—Rise of responsible government—The Bidwells—
Credit to Dr. Strachan—Brock’s funeral sermon—Foundation of
Kingston gaol—Maitland—Demonstration—Sherwood’s statement 273