About Knox Gravenhurst
The history of Knox Presbyterian Church, Gravenhurst began over a century ago in 1875. In December of that year Rev. Allan Findlay of Knox Church, Bracebridge officially “erected” the congregation and supervised the election and ordination of elders. Plans were immediately drawn up for the building of a suitable church and despite hard times and limited funds, construction was started in 1877 and the building completed in 1878. The Church was dedicated later that spring in a service at which the guest preacher was Rev. D.J. Macdonnel, one of Canada’s most famous clergyman at that time. Coincidentally, the Village of Gravenhurst was incorporated in the same year.
In March, 1878, Knox Church Gravenhurst was combined with Presbyterian congregations in Washago and Severn Bridge, to form on Pastoral Charge, for the purpose of securing a minister. In September 1878, that goal was achieved with the induction of Rev. Alexander Dawson. Rev. Dawson remained with the Charge for 10 years during which a “commodious and elegant” manse was built.
This building is now the Bethune Memorial, a Parks Canada Historic Site, commemorating the humanitarian and medical services of Dr. Norman Bethune, who was born in the manse in 1891. His father, Rev. Malcolm Bethune served the Knox congregation from 1889 to 1893.
Over the next two decades three new ministers assumed the pulpit of Knox and guided the church through a period of steady growth to the point that major internal renovations were carried out [1910-1913] to accommodate the increased size of the congregation. During this period the church acquired the reputation, under one musically gifted minister, of having the “best church choir between Toronto and North Bay”.
In 1915 Rev. A.M. Smith was inducted at Knox and the congregation entered a period of dynamic change, decision and for many, pain and anguish. For a number of years talks had been progressing between the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches of Canada regarding a formal union of the two denominations. Knox, Gravenhurst preceded the rest of the country with an informal union with the local Methodist Church in 1922. In 1925 the official union of the two Churches took place and the Knox Church, Manse and all assets were taken over by the new United Church of Canada congregation.
Following Church Union those members of Knox who opposed the union movement became a mission congregation and met for the next several years in the Anglican Parish Hall, with services conducted by student ministers. In 1933 a close relationship was established with Knox Church, Bracebridge, which had not gone into the union, and with the support and encouragement of this congregation, Knox, Gravenhurst rented its old church building from the owners at that time, The Independent Order of Odd Fellows [in 1935] and then purchased the building outright in 1936. In June, 1937 the Church was re-dedicated as Knox Presbyterian and the congregation returned to its roots.
The years following the re-dedication to the present saw the congregation ably served by a succession of capable, dedicated ministers. Over this period a Church Hall was added and some changes were made in the Sanctuary to soften the more austere features characteristic of early Presbyterian Church in Canada [when even Hymn Books and Organs were considered unscriptural].
Knox, Gravenhurst worships in the oldest church in town. The Church and congregation together, have survived threats to their very existence – the former from the great fire of 1887, which destroyed almost the entire town; the latter from the schism of the church union movement. That both have prevailed for over 125 years is testament to the strong faith and devotion of some of the original settlers, who saw the Christian Church as a force for stability, order and comfort in a new homeland.
– Written by Rev. Dr. James Thomson.
Heritage Property Designation – 2014
The Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee recommended Knox Presbyterian Church as a building of historical and cultural significance. Knox is the oldest church building in Gravenhurst. Renovations to preserve the exterior have kept the original board and batten appearance. Dr. Norman Bethune was born at the Manse while his father Rev. Malcolm Bethune was the minister at Knox. The Chinese people have made Gravenhurst and the old Manse a place of pilgrimage.
An invitation to celebrate our Special Heritage Homecoming Weekend (September 20th and 21st 2014) was sent to many who had been a part of the life and work of Knox. Saturday afternoon Drop In was a time of fellowship with friends. Displays of old newspaper articles, pictures of church activities in former years and a few old items such as the original communion service brought back many memories. The Olde Tyme Gospel Band entertained the congregation in the evening with inspirational songs and instrumental selections. Everyone enjoyed singing favourite old hymns with lively leadership of the band. Intermission provided time for refreshments and conversation.
Sunday morning the sanctuary was filled with joyful conversations among friends from as far away as British Columbia. The inspiring worship service was shared by our last four ministers: Rev. Dr. J.A. Thomson, Rev. Dr. J. A. Sitler, Rev. Dr. G. Vais, and Rev. Steven Webb. Bob Tompkins, a former organist, played and sang “Bow the Knee”.
After morning worship service, Henry Smith, a member of the Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee, explained the importance of the designation of properties of historical, cultural and/or architectural significance. Their motto is: “Preserving Gravenhurst’s Past and Present for our Future“. Mayor Paisley Donaldson brought greetings from the town and expressed her enjoyment of the worship service. The plaque was unveiled by Mayor Donaldson and Olean Chlystyk, liaison with the Heritage Committee. The plaque has been mounted over the front door showing the Heritage Designation 1878.
Written by Olean Chlystyk
For more information, come to the church and check out our book, “The History of Knox Presbyterian Church Gravenhurst“, by Olean Chlystyk.
Knox Presbyterian Church Gravenhurst Today
