William Forlong (1816-1906)

Brief biography
Chaplain to the "Black Watch" in Bermuda from 1848. Left because of poor health from warm climate. Free Church Minister 1853-57 Kirkmaiden, SCT.

Dumfries and Galloway Standard of 21 January 1857 reported: FREE PRESBYTERY OF STRANRAER.--This court met on the first current. The principal business before it was the consideration of a letter from the Rev. William Forlong, of date December 9th, 1856, demitting his charge as minister of the Free Church, Kirkmaiden. No compearance was made on behalf of the congregation. The clerk read a letter from certain of their number expressing affection for Mr Forlong as their pastor, their high sense of his devotedness in the work of the ministry, and their unfeigned sorrow at the prospect of his removal. Mr Forlong stated that he still adhered to his letter. Mr Forlong did not specify the reasons that moved him to demit his charge ; but stated in his letter that he felt them to be very strong in their bearing on himself personally, and of such a nature as to prevent him seeing his way to the continued discharge of his duties with comfort to himself and benefit to the congregation. In these circumstances the presbytery could pronounce no opinion as to the necessity of Mr Forlong's demission or the validity of his reasons ; but found with deep regret that they had no other course than to accept of it, loose him from his charge, and remove his name from the roll. In taking this painful step they recorded their unabated affection for Mr Forlong, and commended him to the blessing of the great Head of the Church wherever his lot may be cast - http://search.findmypast.co.uk/bna/viewarticle?id=bl%2f0000461%2f18570121%2f015

Minister Kentville, Nova Scotia, ca 1859-69; Montreal 1873-93. 1901 Census: St Antoine Ward, Montreal: "immigrated to Canada 1856" [Nat Archives, Ottawa, Reel T-6534]