“A church built in 1910 to get a heritage designation in Mississauga.” That headline tells part of the story. But there is so much more to discover about Dixie Presbyterian Church.
Welcome to Dixie Presbyterian Church. It stands at 3065 Cawthra Road. The corner of Cawthra Rd and the access loop to Dundas St is its home. This is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and community. It started with a small group of people. They had a big dream.
Let’s step back to the 1820s. The story of Dixie Presbyterian Church began with services in homes. A precursor to the church met. It was called Sydenham Presbyterian. They gathered in Thomas Robinet’s home. When the Robinet family moved services rotated. They were held in other parishioners’ homes.
In 1878 a significant step was taken. The congregation joined Union Chapel in Dixie. This chapel served local Baptists. In 1882 Dixie Presbyterian joined with two other congregations. Together they formed Port Credit-Dixie-Malton pastoral circuit.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1910. The congregations bought property on Cawthra Road. They wanted a permanent home. Herbert G. Paull, a Toronto architect, designed the church. It was to be in the Edwardian classical style. Lieutenant Governor John Morrison Gibson laid the cornerstone on July 23, 1910. The church was built for $10,000. Red brick stone from Milton was used. Rev. George Duncan donated a 200-pound bell. The first service was held on Dec. 11, 1910.
Rev. Karen Pozios has been in ministry with the congregation since 2012. The church has a rich history. Presbyterian families held their first service on June 16, 1878. They met in the old Dixie Chapel. It was a small stone building on the corner of Cawthra Road and Dundas Street. In 1905 the congregation outgrew the Chapel.
Dixie Presbyterian Church has evolved. In 1963 a modern wing was added. It included a new kitchen. An elevator was installed in 2006. The washrooms were improved. These changes made the church accessible.
The Dixie Presbyterian Church congregation was predominantly rural until the early 1950s. Since then the community has grown. Now Dixie is in the middle of Mississauga. It is the 6th largest municipality in Canada.
Attendance peaked in the 1980s. The church has a diverse congregation. It represents the city. In 2004, there were 100 members. In 2023, Dixie Presbyterian celebrated its 145th anniversary.
Dixie Presbyterian Church is more than bricks and mortar. It is a vibrant community. It brings God’s hope and compassion to the city. It extends this to the world. This church has ties to local families. It is a rare example of Edwardian Classicism style. The church received a heritage designation for its history. It recognizes its ties to local families and its unique design.
Today Dixie Presbyterian Church continues its mission. It participates in God’s word. It serves all people. Whether worshipping in person or online the community remains strong. The Rev. Karen Pozios and Music Director Zain Solinski lead the congregation. They foster caring relationships. They engage with the local community. Dixie Presbyterian Church is a beacon of faith. It shows the richness of being part of God’s family.