Latest revision as of 06:33, 4 February 2021

The Lakeshore Gospel Hall at Lambton Shores, Ontario was founded in 1873, one of the earliest assemblies planted in Ontario. Many early references to this assembly and activities are to the nearby hamlet of Ravenswood which had encouraging response in evangelistic activity in the first century or so, and in the earliest days it was regarded as the assembly in Ravenswood, although it is presently considered part of Lambton Shores. It has met in homes, as well as its present building at 8908 Fuller Road in Forest. This assembly was founded as, and continues to meet as an open brethren meeting, and would likely appreciate a letter of commendation from those visiting from other assemblies.

Early History

Truth & Tidings 2018-9

Assembly History: Southwestern Ontario by Russell Fuller

"Donald Munro, a 19-year-old Scotsman, was saved by God’s grace in 1858. He immediately began telling others, but it wasn’t until 1871 that he arrived in southwestern Ontario to visit his brothers in Parkhill and Forest. His preaching in both of these towns brought many to Christ. Up to this point, Donald had not been baptized as a believer, nor did he understand gathering to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he was seeking the Lord’s guidance about these matters.

Along the south shore of Lake Huron, 5 miles from Forest, was a district known as the Lake Shore. Mr. Munro was invited to visit, staying with Mrs. Alex Johnson, Sr., who many years before was saved in Scotland during the Huguenot movement. A Methodist church building had been built on the Johnson farm at Lot 66, Lakeshore Road, and Mr. Munro preached there for two weeks, with many souls professing salvation. Before the year was out, he returned to Scotland and was baptized by Mr. Donald Ross in Aberdeen, and began to associate with believers in a small assembly in Jarrow.

Returning to Ontario in 1872, Mr. Munro continued preaching the gospel, but now also taught the truths so recently learned concerning baptism and gathering. Soon there were assemblies in the towns of Parkhill and Forest. Along with Lake Shore, these were the earliest assemblies from the so-called “Scottish Movement” to be formed in North America.

At Lake Shore, against the wishes of her mother-in-law (mentioned above) and husband, who came to witness, Flora Johnson was the first to be baptized. The creek was frozen over that March day. Unfazed, she entered the cold water and was immersed by Mr. Munro, who had chopped an opening in the ice. This so encouraged her husband, Hugh, and his mother that they asked if they might be immediately baptized, which the preacher was happy to do.

In 1873, a few believers gathered in a farmhouse on the Lord’s Day to remember Him in the breaking of bread. They had learned this from such Scriptures as 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. The farmhouse was owned by Hugh & Flora Johnson, natives of Argylleshire, Scotland."

In the 1880's some brethren, builders by trade, preached the Word in the Ravenswood area, located on present day Hwy 21 about 4 miles from the Johnson (now Fuller) farm. Among those saved include Herbert Rawlings (whose daughter married Archie Fuller). The Ravenswood assembly and those meeting at the Hugh Johnson farmhouse, merged in 1887 when the Lake Shore Gospel Hall was built.

"As time progressed, the gospel prospered, being preached by Mr. John Smith, young Mr. T.D.W. Muir, and others. Mr. Muir labored extensively in Michigan, making his home in Detroit. Mr. Smith later made his home in Cleveland, Ohio, but during the summers, his family would resort to their cottage on Ipperwash Beach, just a mile from where the first Lake Shore Gospel Hall was built in 1887, at a cost of $362.83.

The assembly at Lake Shore grew to the point that a larger modern facility was needed, which was erected mostly by volunteer labor and opened in 1980. This hall is located on the lot where the former Johnson Methodist building, mentioned above, had been, but for several years was used for apple storage. From 1957-1976, this place known then as the Storage Corner, was used by the brethren for gospel tent meetings. In 1965, this writer was saved during the tent season.

By the grace of God, the assembly at Lake Shore has continued for 145 years, waiting for our Lord’s return and the “shout” as He has promised. The Sunday school work reaches out to the indigenous people of North America, with a reservation located at Kettle Point. Parents gladly send their children, and families are encouraged to attend, as special community dinners are provided throughout the year. We seek to spread the gospel, supporting those who labor locally and in foreign fields. Our prayer is that assembly testimony may continue “until He comes.”

Centennial

There was a 100th Anniversary Celebration held in 1974, and Clarence Hodgson penned a booklet about this time, Amazing Grace about the history.

Aka

• Lake Shore Gospel Hall
  • Ravenswood Gospel Hall merged with Lake Shore in 1887

Locations

• Hugh & Flora Johnson farmhouse 1873-1887
• 1 mile from Ravenswood on a 1/2 acre lot 1887-1980
• 8908 Fuller Road 1980-2021+

Leadership

Correspondents

• Hugh Johnson 1873-1887+
• William Beattie @ Forest +1927+
• Robert Kersey @ Ravenswood +1936-1950+
• J.K. Porter @ Forest +1954-1971
• A. Hodgson @ Forest 1972-1983+
• Hugh Kersey @ Forest +1985-1995
• Robert G. Fuller @ Forest 1996-2008
• Russell Fuller 2009-2021+

Alumni

• Who's Who at Lakeshore Gospel Hall, Lambton Shores, ON
• Visiting Ministry at Lakeshore Gospel Hall, Lambton Shores, ON

Also See

• Lakeshore Gospel Hall FB

Sources

• Barley Cake, Truth & Tidings, Words In Season, Letters of Interest, Believers Magazine, Witness, Light & Liberty, Our Record, Assembly Annals
• OB AAB's 1904, 1927, 1936, 1943, 1948, 1950, 1954-1956, 1958-2020
• Russell Fuller