History Mystery

“This goes under the caption, ‘things I found in my basement,” says Aline. She is cleaning out the house that once belonged to her in-laws, and there is no telling what could turn up. Aline thought we would be interested to see this ceremonial trowel with the following inscription:

"Presented to Mr. Robert Munro at the laying of the church cornerstone, Presbyterian Church, Park St. Louis, October 9, 1909"

We believe that Park St-Louis is an old name for part of Lachine near the waterfront, but we have not been able to find a Presbyterian church that would have been established there in 1909. Aline doesn’t believe Robert Munro is any relation to her in-laws, so the provenance of the trowel is a mystery. Any feedback from those with longer memories would be welcomed!

Aline passed the trowel on to Douglas Hastie, knowing that his background was in Verdun’s First Presbyterian. Doug will pass it on to his brother in Ontario who will offer it to the Presbyterian museum.