Straffordville Gospel Hall, ON

Straffordville is a community within the municipality of Bayham, in Elgin Co., Ontario. Its Gospel Hall is one of the oldest open brethren (OB) assemblies in Canada still in operation, the work started in 1877, and doors opened on July 1st, 1880.

Mary Anne Gillard Elsbrie (b. 1854 Drayton, Somerset, England - d. 1931 Woodstock, ON) made a decision to follow Christ there on that day, as well. She was a daughter of Joseph Gillard (b. 1827 Drayton, Eng. - d. 1909 Oxford, ON) & Elizabeth Millish Gillard (b. 1829 Wedmore, Somerset, Eng. - 1895 Elgin, ON). Her husband was James Elsbrie (b. 1851 Eng., emig. 1872, d. 1948 Ingersoll, ON). The Elsbrie family relocated to start Salford Gospel Hall by 1904, and were later involved in the early days of Woodstock Gospel Hall in Oxford county.

Our Record 1931-4: "Woodstock, ON: On March 2, Mrs. Jas. Elsbrie departed to be with Christ, in her 76th year. She was saved at the opening of the Straffordville Hall, on July 1, 1880. Bro. R.E. Tree (correspondent @ Woodstock Gospel Hall) conducted the services."

In 1927, the correspondent for Straffordville Gospel Hall was Lewis Garnham.

Also See

• T&T historical article 2000-2
• JoinMyChurch.com listing for SGH address, phone, assembly photo, etc.

Sources

• Ancestry.com
• Our Record: 1931-4
• OB AB 1927