Undeterred by fires and challenges St. Mark’s United Church stands as a testament to faith. Its story is one of resilience and community. St. Mark’s United Church has a rich past. It began as a Methodist Society in 1859.
Initially services were held in Rev. Dr. Robert Wilson’s home. He became the congregation’s first minister. The first church building appeared in 1861. It opened the following year as Fairville Wesleyan Methodist Church. Twenty-two years later its name changed. It became Fairville Methodist Church.
Tragedy struck in 1892. Two separate fires destroyed the church and manse. But the congregation did not give up. In 1893 a second church started construction. It was on a new site on Church Avenue. Only three months later disaster struck again. Fire destroyed it as it neared completion in August.
Again the congregation rebuilt. On January 13 1895 the new church officially opened. Rev. Douglas Chapman dedicated it. In 1925 the church joined the United Church of Canada. This new entity included Methodists Presbyterians and Congregationalists. The next year Rev. H. B. S. Strothard led a name change. St. Mark’s United was overwhelmingly chosen. It got more votes than the other three names combined.
By its 100th anniversary the congregation had outgrown its building. A new building was proposed. Mr. Dexter generously donated land. The sod-turning ceremony occurred in June 1960. The cornerstone laying was in December of that year. In 1961 the new St. Mark’s United Church was ready. Rev. Kenneth Findley dedicated it on September 10.
St. Mark’s United Church celebrates participatory and inclusive worship. Joy and celebration are woven through worship and work. Respect and care define the community. If you are in Toronto visit St. Mark’s United Church on Sunday morning. Services are at 11 am or 10 am in the summer.
Today St. Mark’s United Church continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of its members. It remains a beacon of hope and community. Its history inspires a future of faith and service. The story of St. Mark’s United Church is not just about a building. It is about the people who bring it to life.