Ayr Monument

The Ayr-Weigh scales belonging to the Watson factory were located in the center of this small village for three quarters of a century. After the Great War was over, the public-spirited citizens felt the need for a memorial cross. On Oct. 4, 1920, a motion was passed by councillors George Cross and William S. Ottman that R.S. Armstrong and W.A. Upton be appointed to the memorial committee. The scales were removed at a cost of $83.25 and action started. The Department of Militia and Defence Ottawa granted permission to the request of Miss E.D. Watson that, through Colonel Osborne of the Imperial War Graves Commission, the Cross Type A 1, designed by Sir Reginald Bloomfield could be used at no fee. The plaque on the one side reads, "Their name liveth forever" and on the other side of the cross is written "To the memory of those men of Ayr and country side who in the Great War died for King and Country 1914-1918". On September 3rd, 1922, the monument was formally unveiled by Colonel Oliver of the Galt. The cross is of grey granite, standing 14 feet, 5 inches in high. It is absolutely plain in design, save for a bronze crusader's sword on one side, and is finely proportioned. The simplicity of the cross and to Sir Reginald Bloomfield's design, no names were to appear to the cross. On the plot a rough field boulder has been sunk as support for a bronze tablet with the names of those who died, which are as follows:

On April 25, 1922, the contract between McIntosh Granite Company, Toronto, and the committee was signed in the amount of $2,400. The cross is to be completed August 1, of that year and this was paid by Dec. 30, of the same year. The total cost of the Memorial plot and of preparation of the site was $3,400, and all contributions were voluntary. The plot is elevated, sodded, and has a concrete curb. On Aug. 4, 1924, its centennial celebration and its history were given complete coverage. That memorable day began at 4 a.m., with guns and firecrackers awakening the population for the start of the day's activities.

The third Memorial Ceremony service began with a parade headed by the Canadian National Band from Stratford. Representatives from the Great War Veterans Association were present from Kitchener, Paris, Brantford, Dundas, Toronto, Brampton, Galt and Preston. Harry Griffin, member of the local GWVA (Great War Veterans Association) welcomed the gathering. The Boy Scout group placed bouquets of flowers around the base of the cross. Capt. A.E. Shields, Toronto, address the marched to the cemetery where several hymns were sung and graves were decorated. Silence was observed, the Dead March was played by the band and the Last Post sounded. Major Alfred E. Lavell, D.D., of Toronto was a guest speaker in the evening Memorial Service held at Knox Presbyterian Church. The Stratford Band provided a sacred concert held in Victoria Park.

In the village files, there is a letter dated June 7, 1926, written to the Reeve and Councillors of the village of Ayr as follows:

Gentlemen: The committee appointed by the citizens of Ayr and vicinity in 1921 to erect a suitable memorial to perpetuate the memory of these who gave their life in the Great War, having completed its task, desire to transfer to the corporation this beautiful memorial in the form of a "Cross of Sacrifice." This memorial the cost of which was $3,021.88, was paid by public subscription, and we request that the corporation now take of it. Signed on behalf of the committee H.R. Graham, Chairman; A.D. MacIntyre, Secretary.

From the Village of Ayr came the following answer to: Mr. A.D. MacIntyre, Secretary of the Memorial Committee

Dear Sir: The Reeve and Councillors of the village of Ayr accept from the Memorial Committee the Memorial Cross "Cross of Sacrifice" with the thanks and desire to congratulate the committee on the very efficient manner in which the work in connection with it was carried out. Yours truly, Signed C.M. McIntyre, Clerk.

This plot is where we remember those who have passed on as a result of the two wars and this memory is sacred as the ground of the whole plot.

Taken from The Galt Evening Reporter, 16 November, 1963