A journal that belonged to a church in Cambridge, Ontario, went missing for five decades before resurfacing at a Value Village store in London, 100 kilometers away. The journal, penned by Rev. James Dickson, the church’s inaugural minister from 1880 to 1914, chronicles his journey from Scotland to Canada and his experiences in early pre-Confederate Canada.
The circumstances surrounding the journal’s disappearance remained a mystery until its recent return to Central Church. A woman traveling on Highway 401 contacted the church on October 7, informing them of her find at a Value Village. Despite initial uncertainty about the journal’s significance, it was identified as the missing artifact.
An intriguing clue found inside the journal was a letter dated October 11, 1979, mentioning its loan to a regional collection in Woodslee, Ontario, for microfilming. Volunteers speculate that this process was tied to the church’s impending centennial celebration.
Rev. Dickson’s journal offers insights into daily life in Galt, showcasing his observations on local families, events, and community sentiments. The document contains photographs, bills, and newspaper clippings from the era, shedding light on historical aspects of the region.
Volunteers plan to digitize the journal for preservation and public viewing, with an upcoming display scheduled during a fundraising event. Recognizing its historical significance, efforts are underway to safeguard the journal within Cambridge and seek guidance from local archives for proper storage and handling.
City information and archive analyst Dan Schmalz emphasized the journal’s value as a primary source, providing a valuable glimpse into Rev. Dickson’s life and the historical context of Galt. Drawing parallels to other historical writings, Schmalz highlighted the journal’s role in documenting early settler life and community dynamics.
The recovery of the journal has sparked interest in preserving this valuable historical artifact within the city of Cambridge for future generations to study and appreciate.