From the deep religious labours of many of our pioneer ancestors, Main Street United Church was formed. These Christians formed congregations in the area and then later amalgamated to build our existing church.
The original Main Street United church was built in 1886 at a cost of $18,000. In 1906, it was decided that there was not enough room for the 800 people attending so the transepts were added to the existing building at a cost of $600 each. In 1925, the United Church of Canada was formed. Over the years, the congregation grew and in 1958, a new wing was added to accommodate the growing Sunday School.
Unfortunately, in 2013, concerns were raised about the building’s stability. Spaces and cracks had formed over the years and when major structural damage was discovered, decisions were made to vacate the entire old structure and hold worship services and meetings in the 1958 addition. The last worship service took place in the 1958 addition on February 23, 2014. The Church’s board sought recommendations, hoping to save the existing building, but in the end it was decided to demolish it. Demolition started June 2014.
Lockhart’s Funeral Home, graciously, allowed Main Street United Church congregation to hold their worship services and meetings within their gathering building. The church office as well as the Sunday School moved to another building, until the new building could be constructed.
On June 18, 2018, Main Street United Church’s Congregation was able to have their first service in the newly constructed building.
Main Street United Church continues to be a gathering space for its congregation and the surrounding area. Many services, Sunday school classes, suppers, events and more have taken place since its inception. Come join us each Sunday to learn about faith, scripture, and community, to promote the development of spiritual growth through teaching, sermon, and, fellowship.
The United Church Crest
That All May Be One
The Church Crest of The United Church of Canada contains traditional Christian symbols as well as several elements from the partners of our union in 1925.
The Greek letters alpha and omega at the bottom of the crest are the first and last letters of the alphabet and represent the eternal living God. The crest is divided by a large X, the Greek initial for the word Christ. The oval shape of the Crest reminds us of the out-line of a fish, another symbol used by early Christians to identify themselves.
The three symbols – the dove, the Bible and the burning bush- come from the first three traditions of the union in 1925. The dove stands for Methodism in Canada and Bermuda: an emblem of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The open Bible represents the Congregational Church’s emphasis on God’s truth. The burning bush that is not consumed denotes the sovereignty of God from the Presbyterian heritage. In 1968, the Canada Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church became part of The United Church of Canada. Ut omnes unum sint … That all may be one. The words on the border are joined by maple leaves and the name of the church is written in our two official languages.
The Church Crest: symbols of many traditions, the signature of a united and uniting church.
