The Establishment of Religious Communities in the Eastern Townships of Lower Canada, 1799 to 1851

The author outlines the relationship between settlement in the Eastern Townships from 1799 to 1851 and the organization of churches in the area. Her examination of population figures and organized churches shows that population and religious expansion form a single pattern which is determined by geographical conditions. Looking at all the religious groups in the Eastern Townships during the period under review (Church of England, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, and Roman Catholics), the author argues that similar methods of expansion were used and the phases of missionary visits, missions and organized church are common to all. Church and sect differentiations are shown to be minor considerations in the face of geographical necessity.

Master's Thesis

McGill University

Montreal

1977

x-245p.

en