1915-02-08ad

It was a last minute call to Charles Robert McCullough to fill in for an ailing speaker, Dr. S. Banks Nelson, who had been scheduled to speak at Knox Church on February 7, 1915.

McCullough, both locally famous and nationally famous, as a founder of the Canadian Club, readily was able to speak on Canada and the Great War.

To a large gathering, he articulated why Canadians should recognize the duty to participate in the war:

“ ‘There is no greater honor,’ said Mr. McCullough, ‘than to die for one’s country. We have received a legacy of bravery from our ancestors in the past, the heroes of the battles of Stoney Creek, Lundy’s Lane and Queenston Heights. There have been many monuments erected to the memory of these brave men, who, although they were outnumbered, fought, and because they were on the side of right they were given the victory.

“The greatest call Canada has ever known came last August when Britain refused to sacrifice her honor to the German tyrant. Canadians then responded nobly, and they have been doing so ever since. But Britain still needs men, and our motto should be to serve, if not on the field, at home, and we at home can help look after those who are at the front, fighting England’s battles. Rich and poor alike can do their share in this war, and, as in the days of long ago, we are fighting for the right, and the just God will give us the victory.’ “¹

¹ “Canada and War : C. R. McCullough  to the Knox Church Men.”

Hamilton Times.     February 8, 1915