After being missing for half a century, a journal belonging to a church in Cambridge, Ontario, was discovered in a Value Village store in London, 100 kilometers away. The journal was penned by Rev. James Dickson, Central Church’s inaugural minister from 1880 to 1914, renowned for constructing the church. Born in Scotland, the journal details his journey to Canada through Montreal and his experiences in early pre-Confederate Canada.
The circumstances surrounding the journal’s disappearance remain a mystery that volunteers are working to unravel. The journal was returned to the church on October 7 after a woman traveling on Highway 401 contacted them, revealing she found an old book that belonged to the church. Initially presumed to be an old Bible or hymn book, the significance of the journal became evident upon inspection.
The only clue regarding the journal’s disappearance was a letter found inside, dated October 11, 1979, indicating it was being loaned for microfilming in Woodslee, Ontario, as part of the church’s upcoming 100th anniversary celebrations.
The journal, which provides insights into everyday life in Galt and its residents, contains photographs, bills, and newspaper clippings from that era. Notably, it mentions prominent family names in the community, like the Barrie family, which are still relevant today.
Volunteers plan to digitize the journal and exhibit it during a fundraising event on October 24. Efforts are underway to preserve the journal within Cambridge and seek advice from the City of Cambridge archives for proper storage and handling. The journal’s historical significance and primary source value have been highlighted, offering a glimpse into Rev. Dickson’s life and the community of Galt during that period.