Description Crerar Papers

To John Crerar. Esq.

Sir:

The Session of St. Andrew's Church Pictou, with which you have been so long and so intimately connected, having heard of your intended departure from your native country, cannot let you withdraw without espressing their regret at your removal, attachment to your person and family, and best wishes for your health and happiness, in the land to which you are about to proceed.

This Session calls to remembrance your steadfast attachment to the Church of your Fathers, your constant attendance upon her ordinances and your deep interest in all that concerns her welfare; more especially, they cannot soon forget how much this New Church owes to your counsel and liberality, that you were one of four who so largely contributed to the extinction of the original debt, and that your advice has mainly directed and means contributed towards the present improvement in the building and surroundings whereby eventually the Church will become an object of attraction to every beholder.

But it is not the Congregation alone but in the Community also you will be missed:  your public spiritedness, your efforts for the enlargement of trade and commerce all testify to your patriotism and worth.  In fine, we desire the expression of your regard to Mrs. Crerar and family and pray God to conduct you all in safety across the deep to the land of your destination, and, if it is at all consistent with His will and your intentions, to restore you at length to your native land Congregation and Townsmen, in whose Cemetery slumber the bones of your parents and also of some of your children.

Signed in name of the Session of St. Andrews Church 

Pictou, N.S., August 1874

A. W. Herdman, *

W Gordon, Session Clerk