The walls and ceiling were covered in a patterned tin. This photo was taken ca. 1921.

This church served a small but dedicated congregation. A portion of land on Main Street, 100' x 50' was granted by John Knight with additional property purchased from James McLaughlin. The first trustees included John Macgowan, Uriah Matthew, John McLean, Dr. E. B. Muttart, Caleb C. Carlton Sr., John Gregory and the Rev. Aquilas Lucas. The first known visit of a Wesleyan minister to the area was the Rev. William Burt in 1824. This building was the site of many celebrations. A child christened here in the spring of 1882, Caleb Cushing "Cush" Mellett, worked as a tinsmith in Boston.

In 1917 he joined the United States Army and served as the driver for General John J. Pershing. Mellett passed away in Boston in 1938 and was interred in the Union Cemetery, Souris West.

On September 18, 1921, Susan Mellett Carlton married the Rev. Joseph Gilbert Joyce, eventual founder of the radio station VOWR of St. John's Newfoundland & Labrador, in this building. Their two sons went on to high achievements in their professionald and personal lives.

On June 28, 1912, the funeral services for the late Dr. Ephraim B. Muttart, a well known Souris physician and former Canadian Member of Parliament were conducted here, prior to the burial in Souris West. The funeral services were largely attended. The church was full and there were several hundred people or more standing on the wooden sidewalks and in the middle of the street. In the days before public address systems, the windows were opened wide. The minister conducted his service in a loud voice so those on the street could hear.

In 1925, the United Church of Canada was formed. In Souris the Presbyterian and Methodist church members came together. A decision was made to use the larger Presbyterian building as the main church, and to develop the Methodist church as a church hall and community gathering place. Many events were held here, including fundraising teas for the church and the new Souris Hospital, constructed in the mid 1940's. Wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations, graduation banquets were hosted here. St. James Church Sunday School Christmas concerts entertained full houses each year. The Orient Masonic Lodge held their regular meetings and hosted the annual visitation of the Grand Lodge in this building. Many prominent members of this order, provincially and nationally walked through the doors. The hall was leased in 1973 by former mayor Ray Leard who welcomed hundreds to view his collection of old photographs and historical artifacts.

Anniversary celebration in November 1964, for Mr. and Mrs. Robert MacKenzie of Souris. Neighbour, William A. Acorn (far right) was the evening's Master of Ceremonies.

The Hall served as a polling station for the Town of Souris, as well as a polling site for for provincial and federal elections. It became famous Canada through the writing of Toronto journalist Gregory Clark. In the 1966 deferred election, this was the site of the Advance Poll for the old First District of Kings. In 1965, the Mayors & Municipalities Association of P.E.I. met here with then Premier Walter R. Shaw. Political rallies were held here. Arguably the most famous visitor through the doors was the national leader of the New Democratic Party in 1962. Now recognized as one of Canada's greatest citizens, Tommy Douglas spoke here to a small but interested crowd.

The congregation of St. James Church complete decided to renovate the church structure. While this was underway, the Church Hall returned briefly to its former use as a church. With the construction of a hall in the new basement under St. James, 116 Main Street was sold to Griffin's Commercial Fishing Supplies. It later hosted Creamer's Appliance Shop, Andy's Carpet Shop, Mike's Entertainment Centre, Pat & Steve's Convenience Store, C. J.'s Variety, Lunch Counter & Conveniance Store, the Salvation Army Thrift Store and now the Xitaka Restaurant In 2008 a young entrepreneur moved to Souris from Portugal with her family. 116 Main Street was extensively renovated and moderized into the Xitaka Restaurant seating 50. The business was officially opened on September 20, 2008 featuring a Canadian menu with a light Portuguese touch. The menu features fast dinner ideas featuring daily specials, entrees, sandwiches, house dishes and salads. Beverages include coffeee, tea and licensed items such as wine, beer and cocktails. Healthy and affordable, you are invited to "Taste the difference".

Owner & Staff of the Xitaka Restaurant Nadia, Sandra and Manuela

Copyright
Waldron H. Leard