Tucked away on the side of a mountain in Westmount stands Mountainside United Church. It is a beacon of faith and community. Mountainside United Church is not just a building. It is a testament to the enduring power of unity and the rich tapestry of Montreal’s religious history.
Mountainside United Church’s story begins with the merging of four congregations. Their roots trace back to 19th-century Montreal. The original Dominion-Square Methodist Church was dedicated in 1865. It stood at Dorchester and Windsor Streets. In 1912, the property was sold. The goal was to establish a church in Westmount. It would be located on the Boulevard between Lansdowne and Roslyn Avenues. This new church was named Dominion Methodist. It opened its doors in September 1914.
In 1925, Dominion Methodist united with Douglas Methodist. Douglas Methodist was in a business district at St. Catherine and Chomedy Streets. The two congregations became Dominion-Douglas. They joined the United Church of Canada. The United Church of Canada came into being on June 10, 1925.
St. Andrew’s traces its roots to November 1885. It began as Melville Presbyterian Church. It was on Cote St. Antoine Road at Stanton Street. With the formation of the United Church in 1925, its name changed to St. Andrew’s United Church. Sadly, a fire destroyed much of the church in August 1965. A new building was erected on the same site. It was dedicated in October 1967. This building was sold in 1985. St. Andrew’s and Dominion-Douglas Church then joined together.
On January 6, 1985, the newly united congregation worshipped together. They gathered in the refurbished sanctuary on the Boulevard. In 2004, Erskine and American joined St. Andrew’s-Dominion-Douglas. This merger created an even longer name. The congregation was invited to suggest a new name. After a series of votes, Mountainside United was chosen. It was a fitting name. The building is perched on the side of a mountain in Westmount. The church celebrated its new name. It also marked the 80th anniversary of the United Church of Canada. This celebration happened during a Sunday service on October 16, 2005.
Mountainside United Church has become a multi-cultural family. It rejoices in unity. It celebrates God’s presence in all that it does.
One notable figure associated with Mountainside United Church is John Leslie. In 1948, Leslie Hall was named in his honor. This recognized his lifetime commitment to the congregation. Leslie’s vision helped locate and build the new church. It was then called Dominion Methodist. He was a member of the Board of Trustees since 1901. He served as its Secretary from 1904. He chaired the Building Committee.
Another significant figure is Dr. George Douglas. Douglas Methodist Church was named for him. He was one of Canada’s most respected ministers. Dr. Douglas founded Wesleyan Theological College at McGill University.
Dr. Frederick James Tees also played a vital role. He served as Clerk of Session for over 25 years. Tees Hall at Mountainside United Church was named in his honor. This recognized his many years of service.
Mountainside United Church stands as a testament to faith, unity, and community. It embraces its diverse congregation. It honors its rich history. It continues to be a welcoming place for all.