We are a Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and a member of the Synod of Southwestern Ontario. A family of 31 churches, grouped into 21 pastoral charges.
We are situated in Bruce and Grey Counties, amidst some of the most beautiful farming and recreational lands this province and Canada have to offer. On two sides, we are bordered by what have been well described as inland seas. Directly to our West, is Lake Huron, and to our North and Northeast, are the North Channel and Georgian Bay, respectively.
Although primarily a rural area, we do boast one city, Owen Sound, plus many, many beautiful villages, hamlets and other small communities. In the majority of southern Bruce and Grey Counties, a drive in any direction will find you surrounded by incredible rolling farmland. In many of these areas you can witness the most modern farming practices, along side the step back in time represented by the many traditional Mennonite and Amish farms and communities.
If you venture up the famous Bruce Peninsula, you can immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Niagara Escarpment and the many picture perfect bays and inlets, including Stokes Bay, where our summer charge, Knox Church, is located.
Support Ukraine
Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) is receiving donations for Ukraine. As a member of the ACT Alliance and Canadian Foodgrains Bank, PWS&D is well positioned to provide urgently needed food and non-food support. Read the appeal and donate here.
God’s Love
Includes Everyone
We seek to be an inclusive, affirming Presbytery, honouring the diversity of God’s creation. Our community is richer when we include people of all ages, gender identities, racial and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, economic circumstances and family configurations. We seek to provide a safe space so that each person can bring every aspect of their whole self into participation within the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Acknowledgement of First Nations
Traditional Territories
As recommended to Synods, Presbyteries and Sessions at the 2016 General Assembly, we wish to acknowledge the traditional territory upon which our Presbytery is situated, and upon which we are gathered.
We want to acknowledge the Territory of the Anishinabek Nation: The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations. And further give thanks to the Chippewas of Saugeen, and the Chippewas of Nawash, known collectively as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
For many thousands of years, the Chippewas of Nawash and Saugeen Ojibway Nations have sought to walk gently on this land. They offered assistance to the first European travellers to this territory and shared their knowledge for survival in what was at times a harsh climate.
TRUTH, HEALING & RECONCILIATION
Beginning in the 19th century and continuing until the late 1960s, the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) partnered with the Government of Canada in running Indian Residential Schools. It is clear that these schools, in policy and practice, were an assault on Indigenous families, culture, language and spiritual traditions, and that great harm was done.
The Confession of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (1994) seeks forgiveness from our Aboriginal neighbours. We continue to lament and regret our part in that legacy.
Today we seek a new relationship with the original peoples of this land, one based on honour and deep respect. We cannot change the past, but we seek to continue to share in the work of healing and reconciliation, respectfully following the leadership of Indigenous communities and leaders.
