Free Church of Scotland

The Free Church of Scotland in DeSable is valued for its age, its construction and its connection with the McDonaldite Church movement and the Free Church of Scotland.

This church is one of a number of churches established in the province by Scottish-born Rev. Donald McDonald (1783-1867). This church in DeSable was the largest west of Charlottetown, capable of seating 500. Ordained as a Church of Scotland minister, McDonald worked as a missionary minister in the Highlands of Scotland and Cape Breton prior to relocating to Prince Edward Island in the 1820s. McDonald experienced a deep spiritual awakening and ministered to the followers of his church, or "McDonalites" as they were known, for 40 years. McDonald lived amongst his adherents, having no home or family. Another long-serving minister was Rev. John Goodwill who led services for 40 years.

The current church was built in 1855 by Silas MacFarlane replacing a circa 1822 church on the same site. A spire was added some years later. In 1946 the original roof shingles were removed and replaced. In 1988 the sandstone foundation was replaced with concrete and in 1990 vinyl siding covered the building except for the spire and carved ornate woodwork on the tower. The original pews were replaced in 1931. The interior of the church is unique in the province in that the floor plan has a raised pulpit on the north side of the nave, similar to New England meeting house architecture.

The Free Church of Scotland is an impressive building visible from land and sea. A landmark in the area, the church is a symbol of the province's early Scottish settlement.

Source: Culture and Heritage Division, Department of Tourism and Culture, Charlottetown, PEI

File #: 4310-20/F2