History

IN THE BEGINNING …

Circuit ministers of the St. Thomas (comprised of Fingal, Yarmouth, Malahide, North Street, Southwold, Port Stanley and St. Thomas) first ministered to Methodists in the congregation that would eventually join with others to become Port Stanley United Church.

During the first few years services were held in the school house, until 1852 when a frame church was built to house the congregation.  “The church is a frame building, 30 X 45 feet, and although we cannot boast of a handsome steeple, nevertheless the building is neat and commodious, the pulpit tastefully trimmed, and the outside not left to blacken in the sun like too many of our churches – two coats of paint being put on, embracing neatness and durability. This building was later moved to Lot 8, Colborne Street.

Rev. W. Pollard preached morning and evening to large, devout assemblies, many of whom travelled a long distance to hear their pastor and valued friend. 

A new cornerstone was laid May 24, 1889, by Miss Bowman of London. Mr. Duffy was the architect and James Ellison was the builder. An excerpt from minutes of a meeting on June 29, 1889 states   “Tenders were received from Lewis and Company and Hobbs Company.  Mr. Lewis agrees to supply all the windows of rolled cathedral glass in lead sash, also nine double iron ventilators for $154.00 to be placed and completed.” (This offer was accepted.) The total building cost was $2,739.00 and the total cost was $5,614.43. The following year a parsonage was built on the north side of the church.

On January 19, 1925, a majority of members of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches were in favour of uniting their churches. The united congregation met at the former Methodist church with a total of 106 Methodists and 31 Presbyterians. In 1926, Union United Church closed and joined with Dexter and Port Stanley. In 1937 a new vestibule added greatly to the church.

1960’s Saw Growth

By 1962, more space was needed and a Christian Education building was added along with extensive alterations at the cost of $65,000. In 1964, the Fingal United Church congregation joined to make a three point circuit.

In 1974 the church celebrated by burning the mortgage for the addition begun in 1961. John Brown was accepted as a candidate for the ministry in October 1974, being ordained May 18, 1978, in Windsor, Ontario. He preached his first sermon after ordination at Port Stanley on May 21^st. Also during 1978, volunteers gutted the entrance to the church to construct more convenient stairways to the church and lower hall.  This new entrance was enhanced with coach lamps on either side of the door.

Manse Demolition

The manse was found to need extensive renovations and after due consideration, the building was demolished. This area on the west side of the church was converted to church parking and remains as a parking lot.

Major Renovations

In 1992 storm windows and other repairs were undertaken for the eight stained glass windows in the sanctuary and the above the entrance stairway.  Overall cost for the three windows was over $7,700.00.

Later, an elevator was added at the front door to increase accessibility to both levels. In 2023 heating, air conditions and ventilation systems were improved to provide a more comfortable meeting space. In 2025, a new glass front door was added with power access and doors in the lower level were automated for washroom and hallway access.  

United Church of Canada Creed (1968)

Summer, 2020