Fondos - Musgrave Harbour Pastoral Charge fonds

Musgrave Harbour, formerly known as Muddy Hole, was colonized by people from Bonavista and Western Bay. In its early years, Musgrave Harbour was visited by Methodist preachers from Greenspond. From 1870-1874, Solomon Matthews did faithful pioneer work there. In 1874, when the Newfoundland Conference of the Methodist Church was organized and a rearrangement of Circuits and Missions was deemed necessary, Musgrave Harbour became a separate mission with the Rev. Henry Lewis as its first minister.

Previously to 1874, Musgrave Harbour was the first born of the Greenspond Circuit. John B. Wheeler, Esq., J.P., was, for many years, the leading lay worker combining in himself a local preacher, a superintendent of the Sunday School, circuit steward and other offices both civil and religious. He was a most acceptable local preacher. The people of this charge are noted for their cordial cooperation with their ministers. Solomon Hann and Ernest W. Mouland entered the ministry from this circuit, and others fill honored positions in the civil life of the Island and other lands.

Musgrave Harbour had the following appointments: Aspen Cove, Ladle Cove and Milford along with Wadham Island which was an appointment of this circuit during the summer when fishermen from other islands attend. Each of the communities under Musgrave Harbour's charge had its own little place of worship. The congregation of Aspen Cove built a new church in 1960. The foundation was poured for Ladle Cove's new church in November 1957 and the church, which is presently in use, was opened for worship in October 1961. The old church in Ladle Cove, which was opened in 1894 by Rev. Thomas Darby, was closed the same day as the new one was opened. Construction of a new church in Musgrave Harbour began in early 1969 and was completed in October of the same year. Wadham Island also had a small church built there.