Was it fate or foresight that brought Applewood United Church into existence? This church stands as a testament to faith. It also embodies community spirit. Let’s delve into the story of Applewood United Church.
In May 1952, 20 families gathered at Lakeview Central School. Dr. C.A. Myers and Rev. J.C. Torrance led the service. The Toronto Home Missions Council had surveyed the area. They recognized the needs of the growing population south of the Q.E.W.
A meeting followed in June at Lyle and Margaret McKay’s home. Plans emerged to continue the church at Lakeview School. Discussions centered on the development north of the Q.E.W. In September, Mr. J. Storey became acting minister for the year.
The original meeting of the Applewood Congregation took place May 1, 1953. It was held in the G.S. Shipp and Sons’ sales office. The location was at the corner of the Service Road and McIntosh Crescent. That evening, they chose the site for the present church. Plans were made to erect “the Portable”. It featured an auditorium seating 200 and a Sunday School room. The portable was ready by September 20. That first Sunday, the building overflowed. The official service for the ‘Constitution of the Congregation of Applewood United Church’ was December 7, 1953. This date marks the church’s inception.
Rev. Lawrence A. Purdy started as Applewood United Church’s first minister in July 1954. At the first anniversary, Sunday School began at 9:30 a.m. Two church services were inaugurated. One was at 10:30 a.m. and another at 11:45 a.m. Young children attended Sunday School in the Portable. Older children met in Applewood Public School classrooms. The school was rented to accommodate the large number of children.
James A Murray designed Applewood United Church. He was an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, School of Architecture. He retreated for a weekend to evolve a suitable expression of Christian faith. He worked with contemporary skill and materials.
Construction began September 25, 1955. The official sod-turning took place then. On April 15, 1956, the “Laying of the Foundation Stone” ceremony followed. Almost a year later, Applewood United Church was complete. On March 17, 1957, the congregation gathered in the new sanctuary. They witnessed the service of dedication. The new church allowed organizations to expand and improve. New activities started too.
Rev. B.K. Cronk took over in August 1959. Rev. Marilyn Hunter joined as assistant minister five years later. During this growth, facilities became crowded. In 1965, additions were made. These included the library and the minister’s study above the parlour.
Rev. James Perry succeeded Keith Cronk and Marilyn Hunter on July 1, 1968. He served Applewood for over five years. In December 1973, Rev. Donald V. Sterling was inducted as minister. Don served for 10 years. Sunday School attendance was high. The Copper Beach tree near the pre-school entrance was planted during Don’s ministry.
Applewood enjoyed the shared ministry of Rev. Gerry Brown and the late Rev. Bob Lacey for the next two years. Rev. Robert Lyon-Stewart and his family joined for five years. Lay involvement in services increased during this time.
In 2003, Bethesda of Forest Glen and St. Luke’s-on-the-Hill joined Applewood. The three congregations formed the “NEW” Applewood. In 2004, Applewood continued a major sanctuary renovation program. It had begun in 2002. Applewood is proud of its heritage and excited about its future. In 2014, they became an Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Canada.
Applewood United Church stands as a beacon. It is a testament to faith. It is a symbol of community. It is a place for all.