Rev. Robert E. Knowles

The eloquence of the Rev. Robert E. Knowles was largely responsible for building Knox’s Presbyterian Church, Galt, into the largest Presbyterian congregation in Canada during his incumbency.

The son of an Irish minister, Robert E. Knowles of Ballymena, he was born at Maxwell, Grey County, on March 30, 1868. He was educated at Dr. Tassie’s School, Queen’s University and Manitoba College, where he studied theology.

Ordained in 1891, he held two pastorates during his lifetime – Stewarton Presbyterian Church at Ottawa and Knox’s Presbyterian, Galt. A distinguished traveller and lecturer, Knowles also became a writer. The best known of his literary works were: “The Attic Guest,” “The Undertow,” “St. Cuthberts,” “The Dawn of Shanty Bay,” “The Web of Time” and “The Singer of the Kootenay.”

Knowles at one time preached a sermon on temperance that was believed to be largely responsible for the passing of the local option in Galt.