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They certainly had no intention of beginning an English work but rather felt called to help in some way with the evangelization of French Canadians. While this vision would eventually be realized, God also used them to establish an assembly in Sherbrooke as well as several others still functioning in the surrounding area along with a number of adjunct ministries, including a French Bible institute, a retirement home, an orphanage and a summer camp. All of these, with the exception of the orphanage, are still carrying on successfully.
At this time, open Brethren works were few and far between in the province of Quebec. Assemblies in the Gaspé were all affiliated with the Exclusive Grant Brethren. In Montreal, only Ebenezer Gospel Hall, now Rosemount Bible Church, and Bethel Gospel Chapel Montreal would have been considered open assemblies. Only one French-speaking assembly at Girardville was then in existence.
Upon arrival, Dr. Hill took over an established medical practice from an aged doctor who was retiring. There being no assembly in the area, the Hills soon found a spiritual home at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church in the city and quickly became involved in the Sunday School. Their home was opened to gatherings of young people for fellowship and mutual encouragement. By 1939, these had morphed into a Sunday Evening Fireside Group which drew an increasing number of youthful participants, much to the discomfort of several of the local churches in the area. The same year the workforce was augmented by the arrival of Dr. William Klinck and his wife, Dorothy, sister to Margaret Hill.
