Many members of this community today can trace their ancestors to the early pioneers who
settled in the Vankoughnet area, (Oakley Township), drawn here in response to the free lands
grants, the construction of the Peterson and Victoria Rds, the Black River, and the bountiful
supply of white pine timber in the area.
History tells us that once people built their homes, the next community step was to erect schools and churches. It is known from early records that worship services were held at the #1 Oakley Public School in the 1880’s where Presbyterians, Anglicans and Methodists met on alternate Sundays.
In June 1888, a building committee was formed to “take into consideration the building of a
Presbyterian Church”. It was decided to build a frame structure 22’ x 30’ with a stone foundation on an acre of land donated by David Gray, a nearby settler.
Excerpts from the minute book state a bee was held in March 1889 to clear the site, that logs
were taken to Cook’s mill to be sawn into lumber, that 16 pews were built by A. Carmichael at a cost of .50 cents per pew, and that arched windows were constructed by T. McMurray for $2.50 per window. Completion of the church structure was accomplished through the work of many dedicated volunteers and several fundraising events were undertaken to help with the cost of construction; such successful events were quilting bees, magic lantern shows, concerts and suppers.
The completion of St. David’s Presbyterian Church was celebrated with a communion service
conducted by Rev. Findlay of Knox Presbyterian Church, Bracebridge.
In 1911 the decision was made to brick the church – the Ladies Aid, to contribute to the cost, held
many fundraising events. Occasionally the group was also called upon to help with the minister’s
salary.
St David’s Women’s Missionary Society was formed in 1938 with a tradition of raising money for
missions abroad and supporting local charities.
As the congregation grew steadily over the years a much needed addition was completed in
1984, thus almost doubling the seating capacity, allowing also for a basement with kitchen
facilities, a washroom and a furnace room.
A beautiful stained glass window, saved from the demolition of a local Anglican Church, graces
the wall behind the pulpit. Dedicated care has been taken to preserve many of the original
features of the structure, such as original panes of glass, pews, pulpit, hand-planed panelling,
original communion table and pump organ. (the pump organ was retired to make way for an
electric keyboard) The addition of other stained glass windows are a welcoming sight in the
newer part of the church.
In order that all people feel welcome, in the early 2000’s St David’s made the sanctuary fully
accessible.
St David’s mentored many students from Presbyterian theological schools during the summer
months. Currently, worship services are led by retired ministers and guest speakers. St David’s hosted CBC’s A Christmas Carol in 2000 and 2001, participated in Ontario Doors Open 2005, formed, along with local St Stephen’s Anglican Church the annual outdoor Worship at the Falls, conducts annual Vacation Bible School, and has an annual Advent fund-raising
event The Tree of Lights with monies donated to two local charities.
As St David’s has always strived to stay current to enhance and grow the worship experience, it recently added internet whereby Sunday services are available by “zoom” – many people from across the Country and beyond log in to join those in the pews to worship together.
Throughout its history St David’s Presbyterian Church has been self-sufficient …. quite an
accomplishment for a small rural church!
Through the grace of God, and the dedication of those with the spirit of our forefathers, St
David’s will continue to serve its community into the future.