Church history brought to life in new book

Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson shows the cover for Far From Ordinary, a book he has written to help mark the 225th anniversary of First Presbyterian Church in New Glasgow. (Goodwin photo)

It began as a way to honour the 225th anniversary of First Presbyterian Church in New Glasgow.
The end of the journey has allowed Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson to add author to his resume of pastor, fire fighter and community volunteer.
Far From Ordinary chronicles the history of the church from its beginnings in 1786 and the lives and events of people associated with the church.
It tracks the church’s origins in Pictou County to its current location on the corner of James and MacLean streets and the clerics who began serving the church, starting with James Drummond MacGregor.
“It started as four services with10-minute narrations and it just kept growing,” Matheson said.
Soon there were six narratives, and Matheson plunged into the work over the several weeks that followed to complete the research, compile the information into a smooth working document.
Less than half the book is actual prose that precedes its heart, a year-by-year chronology of the events that shaped and influenced the church to the present day.
“To catalogue the year-by-year events in an easy format people could read just made sense,” he said.
The initial printing was for 500 copies, which sell for $15 each or two for $25 at the church and at Coles book store.
Matheson said it’s not certain if another printing will take place.