Over the years, much has been written about the Disciples of Christ, in articles, books, and pamphlets. Most of the writing has been devoted to the history of the American section of the church, and understandably so. This book is a history of the Canadian Disciples. Of course, we in Canada have always had a close association with our American brethren, and still do; it is an association that is cherished by both sides. Yet it may be truthfully said that the Disciples in Canada have had a life of their own. That life has been affected by the circumstances of the geography of our country, the characteristics of Canadian, regional and cultural features, and by the church life as a whole. Now for the first time we shall be able to sit down and view our development in more than a piecemeal fashion. We shall have a better understanding of ourselves, we shall be able to appraise the efforts and contributions of a century more fairly and objectively than ever before. Perhaps we shall gain a clearer notion of where we are going. It is important, very important that we endeavor to do these things.

      Thomas Carlyle once said, "History is the essence of innumerable biographies." The history of our Canadian Disciples is more than the history of a movement and the environmental forces which produced and influenced it. In the pages of this book are the people whose loyalty and devotion, conviction and energy were, above all, the most powerful forces in the creation and support of the church. These pages are a memorial to them.

      They are also a memorial to the author. Reuben Butchart has worked at the task of writing this History for a number of years. One can scarcely appreciate the painstaking efforts which such a book requires.

      Mr. Butchart does not claim to be a historian, nor to have written a formal history. This is not important. Disciples both in Canada and the United States are in his debt. He has collected a great run of facts and set them in good order. He has coupled with them his own interpretation, which is certain to stimulate our thinking, whether we agree with all its points or not.

      It has been my good fortune to have been associated with Mr. Butchart for nearly two years now in the production of this book. For the privilege of such an experience I am humbly grateful.

Donald E. Pratt      

[DCC vii]