The beginnings of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, South Lancaster, date back to 1787 when the Reverend John Bethune, a Scottish Presbyterian minister, settled in the area and started several congregations. Soon after Bethune’s arrival, a place of worship was needed, so in 1790 a log structure was erected on the shores of Lake St. Francis. It was utilized for sixty-five years. As the worshipping community began to grow, a larger building was needed. The sod was turned for the construction of the present “Old Stone Church” in 1850. Most of the stone required for St. Andrew’s was quarried in Charlottenburgh and finished on the site by stone masons who where brought over from Scotland. Five years later, upon completion, the new building was dedicated to the glory of God. The total cost of the new church was $6,500.
In 1860, the original log structure was torn down. To retain part of it’s history, the massive lock and key which were forged and cast in Scotland, were cut out and placed on display in a cabinet in the new church vestibule. A white carved dove, from the original log church, was put in place on the north wall above the pulpit. Over the years many people have admired the dove and love to hear stories about how it symbolizes the Holy Spirit and serves as a reminder of the congregation’s ancestral roots.
Throughout the years many renovations have been made at St. Andrew’s. In 1967 a beautiful church hall was built at a cost of $32,480. This hall has been used for many church activities and by the wider community. Church suppers, tea and sales, meetings, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Bible Studies and Youth Group events are just some of the functions and groups that have used the wonderful facilities.
Due to congregational growth, another church hall extension took place in 2003 with the addition of a Christian Education Centre. On January 4, 2004 the first Sunday School classes were held in the new facility. The centre houses a nursery, Christian library, choir room and two classrooms. In 2010, the congregation decided to renovate and restore the balcony area of the sanctuary which had been in disrepair for many years. The refurbishment project started in the fall of 2010 and was completed in June 2011. The pews which adorn the balcony were received from St. Andrew’s Church in Oxford Mills, ON.
St. Andrew’s continues to be a rich and vibrant congregation. Hundreds of faithful people have contributed to the work of the church and the spreading of the Good News over the years and continue to do so. In a day and age when many congregations are decreasing in membership or closing their doors, St. Andrew’s, South Lancaster flourishes; thanks be to God.