Perth in Lanark County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Reverend William Bell

1780 - 1857

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 29, 2023

1. Reverend William Bell Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

One of the most influential Presbyterian clergymen in Upper Canada, Bell was born in Airdrie, Scotland. In 1808, he entered a Congregational academy in London to train for the ministry and, after completing his studies in Scotland and serving as an itinerant preacher, he was ordained by the Associate Presbyterian of Edinburgh in 1817. Bell then emigrated to Upper Canada, settling in Perth. With indefatigable energy and missionary zeal, he ministered to the Presbyterians in this district for four decades, recording his observations and experiences in his book Hints to Emigrants and in his journals. An uncompromising, intense man, Bell also played an important role in the fierce organizational and doctrinal disputes that characterized the early history of the Presbyterian church in the province.

Un des plus influents ministres presbytériens du Haut-Canada, Bell naît à Airdrie (Écosse). En 1808, il s'inscrit à une académie congrégationaliste à Londres, afin de devenir minister. Après des etudes en Écosse, il travaille comme ministre itinerant avant d'être ordonné par l'Associate Presbytery of Edinburgh en 1817.

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Bell émigré ensuite au Haut-Canada et s'installe à Perth où il dessert avec zèle et énergie les presbytériens du district pendant quarante ans. Il consigne ses observations et experiences dans un livre intitulé « Hints to Emigrants » et dans ses journaux. Homme passionné et intransigeant, Bell a joué un role important dans les querelles acharnées sur les questions de doctrine et organization qui ont marqué les débuts de l'Église presbytérienne dans la province.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation/Fondation du patrimoine ontarien.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.

Location. 44° 54.149′ N, 76° 14.992′ W. Marker is in Perth, Ontario, in Lanark County. It is at the intersection of North Street (County Highway 10) and Drummond Street West, on the right when traveling north on North Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Drummond Street West, Perth ON K7H 3E3,

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 29, 2023

2. Reverend William Bell Marker

Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Haliburton Highlands to Ottawa Valley

and in Eastern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Matheson, the Merchant (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Matheson House / La Maison Matheson (about 180 meters away); Old Fire Hall (about 210 meters away); The Balderson Theatre (about 210 meters away); The Perth Courier (about 210 meters away); Kellock Block (about 240 meters away); William Morris (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perth.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of French language version on reverse side of marker. • Can you help?