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CENTRAL UNITED CHURCH website HISTORICAL PROFILE 1829—2003

1829
Sunday, August 2nd, Rev. Peter Jones, a Methodist MissionaryBiography traveling by canoe, came to this district known as “The Rapids”, later to be named “Port Sarnia” in 1836 and “Sarnia” in 1857 Reference. He and his party met with the Chief of the local Indian band, “Chief Wawanosh” Historical Referencesand held an open air service with Indians and settlers.

1830
Through 1829 and 1831 unorganized worship services were held in a settlers’ log cabin.

1831
A building was constructed on the St. Clair Indian Reservation to serve as a School and Church for the Indians and settlers. The building funded by the Colonial Government and commonly known as   “The Mission” was located on the north shore of Mission Creek. The location on Devine St. west of Front St. is identified by a Memorial Stone erected in 1932 by the United Church of Canada. A          zinc box containing Church records was placed within the Memorial.

1832
Rev. Thomas Turner, who came to Canada in 1825, was appointed by the Wesleyan Missionary Society as “The Mission” Minister. A Church organization was formed and regular services                 began in “The Mission”.

1833
The First Parsonage was built. Rev. Turner was lodged on the American side of the river pending completion of the building.

1834
Rev. James Evans was appointed to succeed Rev. Turner; his efforts blazed the way of the Church for future years.

1836
Enrolment was 7 white and 191 Indian members.

1837
A new Methodist Church known as “The Chapel” was built on Lochiel St. west of Brock St. This new church had a belfry but no bell and the lighting was by candles. The front door faced to the west. This new church divided the Mission into two congregations. The Union Sabbath School meeting in the Chapel was the only Sunday School in the community until 1857.

1844
The full membership of the Indians and whites was 236.

1845
The first time a musical instrument was used in a Sarnia Church was at the opening of the Chapel when a cello was played.

1846
The community population was 420 and there were 5 local Churches established.

1847
Church stewards were appointed for the first time.

1850
The Chapel membership was 678.

1852
Ladies Sewing circle was organized. (The predecessor of United Church Women)

1854
The Chapel was moved to a nearby lot donated by Hon. H. Cameron and placed so the front door faced onto Lochiel St. A vestry was added. The second Parsonage was built immediately south of the church. Ushers were first used to attend to casual “hearers”.

1855
Rental of the Church pews to members was established as income for the Trustee Board.

1864
A larger church became necessary. The cornerstone was laid on July 6th for a new Wesleyan Methodist Church to be built on the East side of Vidal St. midway between George and Lochiel Streets. The first organ was purchased and Miss Lizzie Brassy served as the organist. The Church was officially opened in 1865. Lot cost $600, building $4,000 & furnishings $500.

1865
Sabbath School commenced with 47 scholars.

1868
The old church, “The Chapel”, was totally destroyed by fire. A Sunday School Missionary society was formed.

1869
The second parsonage was moved to the site of the old church facing onto Lochiel St.

1870
A burial ground was purchased (Block F in the Town cemetery for $70.00). The burial ground was closed in 1902 and the bodies all moved to plot 109 in Lakeview Cemetery.

1872
A July excursion by the Steamer Milton D. Ward netted $358.45 toward the Church debt.

1873
A Sunday School was organized and opened in the North Ward developing into Parker Street Church which was opened in 1912 and became a separate charge in 1913.

1874
The church was closed for cleaning, painting and repair. Plank walkways were laid and a suitable privy was built in a proper part of the back yard.

1875
A Sunday School was organized and opened in the south ward leading to Devine Street Church being established; it became a separate charge in 1892. The Church ended its ministry in 2001. The envelope system of giving was introduced.

1876
The Ladies Aid Society was organized with its aim to furnish the parsonage and assist in liquidating the debt. Water was installed in the parsonage as there was no cistern and the well water was not good.

1879
A Liszt organ was purchased. The old organ was given to the South Ward Sunday School. A shed was built behind the church to house the horses of those driving in from the country.

1880
An increasing congregation and the need for more room prompted planning for a new church. A lot was purchased for $3000.

1881
A decision to sell the old church and build a new one was made.

1882
The last service in the old church was held on May 11th and the cornerstone for the new church was laid on August 21st. Services were initially held in the town hall pending the new church being available, then in the new Sunday School room which was the first section completed. The cost of the building including pew cushions and carpeting was $28,000 & the organ and choir loft $3,404.

1883
The new Methodist Church was opened and dedicated on November 11th. Enrolment of the Sabbath School was 285 students and 29 teachers.

1887
The old Mission building was entirely destroyed by fire.

1888
The third parsonage was located where the Chapel now stands. It was demolished in 1955.

1889
Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) organized. Was first considered in 1885.

1898
The first Casavant organ was purchased.

1901
Church debt was $ 19,825.

1915
CGIT (Canadian Girls’ in Training) was founded.

1917
Pew revenue for a year was $841.50. Pew prices ranged from $1.50 to $2.50, the gallery was free (in 2003 the pews still carry the numbers used for allocation purposes).

1921
The Brotherhood of Central Methodist Church was formed. Dissolved 1928.

1922
Turner Hall was opened and named for Rev. Thomas Turner, the first (Methodist) Minister. The new hall, built as an annex to the church, replaced the original Sunday School building.

1925
Church Union, Central Methodist Church becomes Central United Church. The Ladies Aid and Women’s Missionary Society became the (WA) Women’s Association.

1929
The Session was formed as a valuable addition to the religious fellowship and influence. A new Casavant organ was purchased. White Gift Sunday inaugurated as a means of providing aid to those in need.

1928
The United Church Missionary & Maintenance fund was established. One of Canada’s longest existing Charitable funds. A branch of the Christian Endeavour Society (Union) was established. Phased out about 1985.

1930
A Mission Band was organized. Dissolved circa 1965.

1931
Concern was voiced that the relationship of the congregation was being weakened by the influence of the radio and pleasures of the highway.

1932
100th Anniversary. Special services were held and a Historical Pageant “Light’s and Shadows on the St. Clair was presented conveying 100 years of life in the district. A Memorial stone was erected on Devine Street by the United church of Canada to define the location of the early Mission.

1934
4th Sarnia Scout Group formed.

1936
The existing Church mortgage on the church and organ was $28,342.04. Century Club founded, an outgrowth of the senior boys Sunday School. Objective was to attract 100 members. This was achieved in the late 1940s

1939
The Benedicti Club (young married couples) was founded. Disbanded in 1988. Church Sanctuary improvements were completed :including re-decorating, modern lighting and oak paneling of the choir loft and pulpit platform.

1941
Church roll was 1063. A Baby Band was organized.

1942
”Explorers” girls’ group organized. Dissolved in 1982

1944
The Allegro Club (married couples) was formed.

1946
Church mortgage paid off; a mortgage burning service was held.

1947
Central Service Club Women’s group was organized. Disbanded in  1977.

1951
Cana Social was Club formed.

1954
A home was purchased at 241 N. Brock St. as a new manse.

1955
Hanna house (next door to the church on Brock St.) was purchased and used as an apartment complex until 1982 when it was demolished.

1956
Sod was turned for construction of Chapel, Church Hall and Turner Hall renovations.

1957
Opening and dedication of the new structure and facilities.

1959
The AOTS (As One that Serveth) men’s club was formed and joined the National association. Disbanded in 1978. Young Peoples’ Union (a Programme of Fellowship and Christian Education) was founded.

1962
Women were received as members of the Session. The Women’s Association became known as United Church Women (UCW) at a special inaugural service.

1975
The Brock St. manse was sold and a home at 744 Denmark was purchased as the new manse.

1976
Wheels, the Church newsletter began, the successor to earlier publications dating back to the 1960s.

1979
A planning committee was formed to address the needs of building maintenance and concern with  membership loss.

1981
“Ministry with Older Persons” founded through the receipt of a significant bequest. A Bequest Committee was established within the Trustee Board to administer the bequest and memorial funds.

1982
Central Forum was begun (an outreach project of the Ministry with Older Persons) as a community service, with speakers on various topics. Ebenezer friendship and fellowship group was organized. Planning committee renamed Positive Action Committee. 150th Anniversary celebrated with special services and an evening banquet.

1984
Planning and Coordination (PC) committee formed replacing the Positive Action Committee.

1986
“We Care” fund drive for restoration projects was underway.

1991
Dedication service was held recognizing the  “We Care” work being completed. The Men’s club was formed. The last manse at 744 Denmark was sold. The proceeds invested with the income allocated towards the minister’s housing allowance. The “Friendship Circle” for seniors was formed as an outreach of  The Ministry to Older Persons.

1992
The site of the first “Mission” on Devine St. was declared an Official Heritage Site.

2000
A ”Church Board” type of organization was adopted. Genesis, a social group of young families was inaugurated.

2002
Church membership January 1, 501

2003
Homecoming - Friendship weekend - Social time with a Special Worship Service. Issue #1 October 29th, 2002 Rev. Issue #2 May 17, 2003 Sarnia, Ontario C.N. Reatherford