Seventy thousand dollars. That’s how much it cost to build the new brick Knox United Church we are standing in front of back in 1872. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of this congregation.
Hello everyone. Welcome to Knox United Church in Scarborough. I am excited to share its rich history with you.
Knox United Church began as Knox Presbyterian Church in 1848. It started in a simple wood-frame building. This was a result of the Church of Scotland disruption. This led to the formation of the Presbyterian Church of Canada.
Elder William Clarke Sr. was a key figure. He withdrew from the “Auld Kirk” at a Synod Meeting in Kingston in 1844. Rev. James George and many Presbyterians from Scarborough remained. They stayed with the Church of Scotland. That church is now St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. It is located north of Thomson Memorial Park.
The original Knox congregation met with another group in York Mills. They eventually settled in Agincourt. This was a developing village in Scarborough Township. Forty local residents became the first members of Knox Presbyterian Church. It was initially known as “Knox’s Church Scarboro”.
By 1853, Knox became the center of the “Scarborough Township Pastoral Charge”. This included Melville in West Hill, Zion Church in Cedar Grove, and Chalmers Church. By 1883, Knox Church had grown into a single-point charge.
With a growing membership, the current brick church was built in 1872. This church still stands at Sheppard Avenue East and Midland Avenue. It is surrounded by a large cemetery. Many early settlers and prominent church leaders are buried here.
In 1925, the congregation voted to join the United Church of Canada. A smaller group left to form a “Continuing” Knox Presbyterian Church. It is now located nearby on Sheppard Avenue East.
The Christian Education Centre was added in the 1950s. In the late 1940s, many veterans moved into the Agincourt area after the Second World War, and the community grew. To accommodate the growing congregation and provide space for Sunday School, Knox decided to excavate under the building and to enlarge the Church facilities. Volunteers were organized into five teams or shifts, one for each night of the week. The work began early in 1950, and the new facilities were dedicated in March. This was known as “The Big Dig.”
In 1874, a heavy windstorm damaged Knox United Church, blowing off the spire. The steeple has undergone restoration projects in 1930 and 1982.
The original windows were replaced in 1939 with leaded glass windows. These windows were refurbished. Stained glass was installed following the 1998 renovations.
In 1970, the members of Birchmount-Sheppard United Church joined Knox United Church.
Today, Knox United Church has a diverse congregation. It reflects a range of ages and includes people from about 20 countries. Knox also has an active Mandarin Chinese Fellowship. The members of Knox believe that it continues to play an important role in the Agincourt community.
For over 170 years, Knox has changed with the community. It is a testament to faith and community spirit. As you leave today, remember the story of Knox United Church. It is a place of worship, a historical landmark, and a vibrant community hub.