Beginning in 1867, Presbyterian settlers in Lakehurst shared a schoolhouse with local Methodists for Sunday worship. In the early 1870s, the Presbyterians proceeded to build their own log church, although the property did not belong to the congregation until 1883, when it was deeded to them by Joseph Brodie for a payment of $1. With possession of the land, the congregation could begin plans to erect a more substantial brick church. Lumber for the interior woodwork, including a lofty ceiling, was ferried across Gannon’s Narrows by Jim Jopling, under whose direction local farmers volunteered their labour to build the new structure. Finally, after ten years and a total cost of $1500, the construction was complete and the new church was ready to be opened as a house of worship.
On October 10th, 1893, Knox Presbyterian Church was officially dedicated. A theology student was serving the congregation at the time, although several ministers came to take part in the dedication service and to attend the dinner which would follow in the original log church next door. Lakehurst’s Methodist and Presbyterian choirs joined to sing at the service, an event which long preceded the construction of the choir loft which would not appear until 1922. The old log church was eventually taken down in 1924, and the old driving shed was removed in 1948, but the simple structure of Knox Church has remained the same since it was built. Hydro was installed in 1952 and the wood stoves were replaced by a furnace in 1974.
The congregation has a long history of involvement and outreach in the community and beyond, largely through the work of the Ladies Aid and the Women’s Missionary Society. Knox has become the community church for many who live in the Lakehurst area, especially during Christmas time, as its Christmas Eve service always draws a crowd.
For generations, the members of Knox Church were served mainly by lay preachers and seminary students, but connections with other congregations eventually made calling ordained ministers possible. For many years, Knox was tied to the nearby Presbyterian congregations in Buckhorn and Rockcroft. When these churches closed, Knox joined with Lakefield and Warsaw and has kept its connection to St. Andrew’s, Lakefield to the present day. Holding a seasonal worship schedule since 1979, Knox continues to reopen its doors each spring to welcome longtime members and visitors to worship the Lord together.