St. John’s United Church

In 1835, a Scottish Presbyterian Church (The Auld Kirk) was established in Brockville. Early services were held in a schoolhouse, then in the Courthouse. The first Minister, Reverend Colin Campbell, was sent from Scotland by the Colonial Mission of the Church of Scotland. There were 51 communicants. One of our prize possessions is a copy of the Covenant written in Gaelic, which was drawn up and signed by Church Officials.

(The First Presbyterian Church in Brockville was founded as early as 1811, by Reverend William Smart. In 1842 a move to unite the two Presbyterian Churches failed. A further attempt, at the turn of the century, also failed, but it laid the groundwork for the motion in June 1925 to become a congregation of the United Church of Canada.)

The congregation of St. John’s was called to a special meeting in July 1844 to discuss the erection of a place of worship. It took eight years before the opening and dedication of the Church occurred. This took place on June 27, 1852, with The Reverend Doctor Machar, principal of Queen’s College, Kingston, conducting the service. The presiding Minister was Reverend John Whyte. The building was constructed of an attractive slate coloured stone, sited on a rise looking towards the St. Lawrence River. The first organ was installed and dedicated in 1873.

In 1882, the building was closed for extensive repairs and enlargement, and was reopened Nov. 12, 1882. The west wall of the church was taken down and a large wing added, to double the accommodation. The basement was used to house a Sabbath School. The Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church closed it to enable his congregation to join St. John’s at the reopening.

On Feb. 12, 1899, St. John’s Presbyterian Church went up in flames. Within a year, the congregation, under the leadership of Reverend Daniel Strachan, moved into a rebuilt church. The well-equipped new church was erected at a cost of $14,000. A large, handsome Pipe Organ was installed. The dedication service, on Feb. 11, 1900, included special preacher Professor W.G. Jordon, DD, of Queen’s Theological College, who preached at the morning and evening service. Reverend Robert Laird., Minister at First Presbyterian Church. preached at the afternoon service.

At church union in 1925, the church became St. John’s United Church. A new Casavant Pipe Organ was installed in 1951, with chimes added in 1967. A public address system, including speakers in the belfry, was also installed in 1967.

Three members of the congregation of St. John’s have been ordained as Ministers: Reverend David Davidson (1953), Reverend Donald L. Nichol (1967), and Reverend Myra Garvin (1992). Rev. David Davidson is currently serving the congregation as a Voluntary Associate Minister. Rev. Marion Johnston is Minister of Visitation.

At the time of church union in 1925, there were two women’s organizations active in the church. One was the Ladies Aid Society. The second ladies group was called the Cameron Class” after Rev. A.G. Cameron. In 1927, the “Mothers Club” was formed. In 1944, The Women’s Association of the United Church of Canada was formed, and in 1951, it affiliated with the Dominion Council of Women’s Associations. All of the St. John’s ladies groups combined to form the local Women’s Association. Regrettably, age, and lack of young members overtook the UCW and they ceased organized operations in June 1995. Some members of the organization are still active in “special interest” groups such as Rug Hookers, Quilters, Exercise Group, Toddler Time, and a Fellowship group to cater for church events, usually on a potluck basis.

St. John’s has had exceptional Choirs - the present Senior Choir under Music Director Anne Landon is a joy to hear, and is requested to make visits to other churches in the region. The Junior Choir, under direction of Jane Dargie, displays great talent. In recent times, the previously operating Youth Groups, CGIT, etc., have fallen by the wayside. The Scout movement, however, is alive and well at St. John’s.

Notable events in St. John’s History:

• 1835: Congregation founded
• 1836: First Minister inducted
• 1852: Building erected (St. John’s Church of Scotland)
• 1873: Introduction of the organ
• 1875: St. John’s becomes St. John’s Presbyterian Church
• 1881: Organ replaced
• 1882: Church enlarged seating of 150 to 300
• 1899: Church destroyed by fire
• 1900: Church rebuilt and dedicated
• 1900: Organ replaced after fire
• 1925: St. John’s Presbyterian becomes St. John’s United Church
• 1951: Organ replaced (Casavant pipe organ)
• 1967: Fire in alcove