Our History:
When Church Union came into effect in 1925, the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches united under the name of the “United Church of Canada”.
At that time, a small group of Presbyterians from Hardwood Lands and Nine Mile River decided to continue to worship as Presbyterians, rather than being united.
They continued to worship in the rural school and a vacant store until 1931, when Charles Grant, who was of the conviction that it was necessary to have a church in the community to give guidance to the young people, donated a parcel of land as a site for a Church.
An abandoned Congregational church in South Maitland was purchased at a cost of $175.00. The building was very carefully dismantled and torn down; the materials loaded on trucks and transported to the new site. Ground for the new church was broken with a team of oxen. The people of the community, with the help of craftsmen, rebuilt the Church, brick by brick, piece by piece.
Some of the original windows, doors, pulpit, bell and organ are still a part of the building. Pews were purchased from Oxford Furniture to seat 150 people. The hardwood floors still remain.
Amazingly, the total cost of $2400 was entirely met and the doors opened free of debt on October 22, 1933!
A Young People’s Society was organized on November 26, 1939 and ran until well into the 1950’s. During this time, there were up to 50 members.
The Women’s Missionary Society (now called the Atlantic Missionary Society) dates back to 1916, and was formed under the leadership of the Minister’s wife, Mrs. J. A. MacKenzie. Now in 2017, the Society is still going strong, holds monthly meetings, and supports mission projects near and far.
In 1998, a new front vestibule was added, along with washrooms on the downstairs level.
Two years later, our basement was completely refinished, opening up more space for our annual suppers and a larger Sunday school area.
We are proud that after almost 85 years, our church is still an integral part of our community, and we welcome all to come and worship with us.