One definition of journey found in The ITP Nelson Canadian Dictionary is: “A process or course likened to travelling; a passage.”
Like most congregations, since its creation, Knox Presbyterian Stratford has been on a journey. And like most journeys, the congregation has experienced its shares of highs and lows.
Much of the source information referenced up to 1931 is from “Knox Church, Stratford, Ontario – A History, 1844-1931” by A.W. Fisher. A link to the condensed “Knox Church, Stratford, Ontario – A Short History and Guide Book” can be found here. Please note that all references to the church building in this section and in the linked document refer to building, prior to its purchase by the BMI Group.
The Early Years 1844 – 1904
Ministers
1844-1846: Rev. Daniel Allan
1846-1849: Occasional Supply Ministers
1849-1877: Rev. Thomas MacPherson
1878-1880: Rev. Patrick Macfarlane MacLeod
1880-1889: Rev. Peter Wright
1891-1904: Rev. Malcolm Lachlan Leitch
Prior to 1844, the Church of Scotland was represented in Stratford by St. Andrew’s. In 1843, the “Great Disruption” occurred in the Church of Scotland which led to the church breaking into the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland. This division found its way to Canada, and in 1844 a large number of families left St. Andrew’s to form the Free Church. The congregation originally worshipped in the old log schoolhouse where Stratford Intermediate School is now located (formerly Stratford Central Secondary School). Under Rev. MacPherson, the first permanent church was erected at the southeast corner of St. Vincent and Norman Streets. Outgrowing this location, the congregation purchased the lot on the corner of Waterloo and Ontario Streets and erected a new church, which was opened in 1873 as Knox Presbyterian. In the late 1890s, Knox continued to grow with an expansion to the sanctuary and pipe organ installation.
Tragedy & Change 1905 – 1925
Ministers
1905-1925: Rev. Robert Martin
The Sunday School addition was opened in 1907. Tragedy struck on May 13, 1913 when a lightning strike on the spire, ignited and engulfed it, causing it to collapse into the church, destroying the sanctuary in the ensuing blaze. The Fire Chief, Police Chief and a police constable were killed in the fire. The congregation, led by Rev. Dr. Martin was determined to rebuild and on March 21, 1915 the new building was dedicated.
As the congregation re-established itself in its new building, they now had to deal with the issue that had started gaining traction in 1911 – Church Union between the Presbyterian, Congregational and Methodist churches. Votes taken at Knox in 1911 and 1915 showed a majority in favour of Church Union. Dr. Martin, in a letter to the Session in November 1924, indicated his support for Union and his intent to join the Union Church in 1925. The final vote taken in Knox for Church Union concluded Jan. 24, 1925 at which time the majority voted not to participate in Church Union.
An application by the First United Church Stratford to obtain either St. Andrew’s or Knox’s building for their use was heard in September, 1925. After review by the three ruling commissioners, the application was refused. Both buildings remained with the Presbyterian Church.
The Road Forward 1926 – 1949
Ministers
1925-1932: Rev George Rowland
1933-1949: Rev. Charles S. Oke
Not a lot of history is available for this time period. It is noted that Rev. Oke was quiet man and a strong teacher who implemented Sunday afternoon men’s bible study.
The Last Half of the 20th Century 1950 – 2000
Ministers
1950-1961: Rev. Donald B. Mackay
1961-1970: Rev. William Weir
1970-1982: Rev. Frederick Neill
1983-2000: Rev. Dr. David S. Thompson
It was during the time of Rev. Mackay that renovations were carried out in the Sunday School portion of the building in 1956. Problems with the new sanctuary were also discovered. A portion of the building was found to be unsafe, due to the use of poor mortar in the original construction. Dr. Mackay put forth the idea of tearing down the existing building and erecting a new, structurally sound one, but there was no congregational support for this. The final decision was to remove the tower on the southeast corner, and repoint the building as required. The interior was redecorated at the same time. To pay for the renovations, Dr. Mackay supported the congregations fund raising efforts. Elgiva Adamson and the Ladies Aid started the Festival Meals Program which ran from 1953 to 1959 to help pay for the renovations. This project created great unity in the congregation. In 1959 the chapel was installed in the east transept.
Rev. Weir was very down to earth and did a lot of pastoral care.
Rev. Neil was a strong supporter of pastoral care and congregational life. He introduced the annual Robbie Burns’ celebrations and the St. Patrick’s Day dinners. He brought a strong sense of community to the congregation.
Rev. Dr. Thompson started the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan services as well as the Community Christmas Eve Service. He excelled at fund raising, including raising funds for the second sanctuary repainting in 1994 to celebrate the 150th anniversary. During his time, the youth group grew under the leadership of David and Nancy Mackenzie.
The New Millenium 2000 – Present
Ministers
2000-2003: Rev. Karen Horst – Interim Minister
2003-2009: Rev. Dr. Terry Hastings
2009-2012: Rev. Dr. Bryan Lapier – Supply Minister
2012-2017: Rev. Mark Gedcke
2017-2018: Various Supply Ministers
2018-2019: Rev. Marlene Peck – Supply Minister
2019-2020: Rev. Joseph Grey – Supply Minister
2020-2022 June: Rev. Linda Robinson – Supply Minister
2022 June-2022 August: Rev. Dr. Bryan Lapier – Supply Minister
2022 September-2023 March: Rev. Linda Robinson – Supply Minister
2023 March- Present: Rev. Dr. David Thompson – Supply / Interim Minister
Rev Horst and Rev. Dr. Hastings had the congregation undertake more mission-oriented work within the community, nationally & internationally.
Under Rev. Horst, the original Spa nights to support the Cancer Care Mission Wig Room were initiated.
During Rev. Dr. Hastings tenure, mission trips by the youth group were undertaken to Evangel Hall in Toronto. A praise band was formed to provide alternative musical worship and involvement for youth, initially quarterly, then monthly. Dr. Hastings led a joint mission trip by Knox and St. Andrew’s in late 2005 to Biloxi, Mississippi to assist with the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
During 2006 – 2007, discussions were held between St. Andrew’s and Knox regarding the possibility of amalgamation. Over the course of the discussions, consensus was not reached, leaving each congregation to continue with its own ministry.
On June 30, 2022, the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church Stratford sold the building located at 142 Ontario Street to the BMI Group. The congregation continues to meet and worship at this location. This article, which appeared in the Presbyterian Connection, Issue 24, Winter 2022, provides insight into the process that will take the Knox Presbyterian Congregation into the next stage of their journey. As of March 30, 2023, Knox was informed that the Stratford Arts and Culture Collective may not be part of the collective journey forward. Please see this link for more information: https://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/entertainment/local-arts/stratford-arts-and-culture-collective-parts-ways-with-new-knox-church-owners?fbclid=IwAR1XQyq2tg5BWq-1Z0GNwqewyLCSNo7z5T-WpHoT36RBqgml_tBoYHRgOwQ&mibextid=Zxz2cZ .