With the theme of “His faithfulness to all generations,” Knox Presbyterian Church in Vankleek Hill celebrated its 200th anniversary on the weekend of Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25.
According to a history of the church written by Minister Emeritus, The Reverend Robert Martin, the land where the first Presbyterian church building in Vankleek Hill was constructed in 1825 was donated by Simeon Vankleeck Jr., son of the town’s founder, Simeon Vankleeck.
The heritage of the church has strong ties with Scotland and the Church of Scotland. Many of the early immigrants to the area were Scottish, spoke Gaelic, and were Presbyterians. Until the end of the 19th century, ministers at the church were required, if possible, to preach in Gaelic. The original stone church was built on John Street.
The second church was built in 1860 to accommodate the increased number of worshippers. It was known as the Brick Church and was built where the fire station is now located. By the end of the century it was becoming obvious that the Brick Church was too small to hold the congregation comfortably and a decision was taken to build a new church. The site chosen for the new church was close to the site of the original stone church, but it was not until May 24, 1900 that the cornerstone was laid. The new church had seating for 600 people and a basement in which the Sunday School could be accommodated. The work continued well until September 20, 1900, but tragedy struck. That morning, the Rev. John MacLeod climbed to the top of the scaffold to inspect the work and the wall collapsed. He and two of the builders were killed. Work continued and the new church was dedicated June 16, 1901.
For the first 76 years of its life the church in Vankleek Hill was known as Vankleek Hill Presbyterian Church but on May 7, 1901 the congregation received permission from the Presbytery to change the name to Knox Church. The work of the congregation was spread to missions in the outlying areas. For many years there were mission stations at the Ridge, where a church was opened, and at Caledonia Flats. Summer students were employed to look after these areas with morning worship and Sunday School. There was also co-operation in missions with the local Methodist congregation.
In 1917 the congregation suffered a major catastrophe: the church burned to the ground. The congregation was homeless – but not for long. The Methodists and the Baptists rallied around and granted the use of their sanctuaries. The church was rebuilt and 16 months later was rededicated.
In 1925, the United Church of Canada was formed by Methodist, Congregationalist, and many Presbyterian congregations. However, at Knox in Vankleek Hill, 66 members voted for the union and 229 voted against.
The work of the church went on under the long ministry of Rev. Edwin Preston. This was followed by three shorter ministries: the Rev. Gordon Faraday (1949-52), the Rev. Harold Funston (1953-56) and the Rev. Douglas Fox (1956-61). The Rev. James McGowan came in November of 1962, stayed for almost 11 years and later retired in the area. He was succeeded by the Rev. Kenneth MacLeod who ministered to both St. Paul’s Church, Hawkesbury and Knox. He stayed for two years and was succeeded in 1978 by Rev. Robert Martin who came from the Church of Scotland. Rev. James Douglas has served as the minister at Knox since 2007.
On Saturday, May 24, a tree planting ceremony was held in the churchyard prior to an anniversary dinner in the church hall, where there were also historical displays and photos of various wedding ceremonies which have been held at Knox over the decades.
A special 200th anniversary worship service was held on Sunday, May 25. A banner in recognition of the anniversary was also created by Ruth Martin, wife of the Rev. Robert Martin.
Submitted photos:
Tree planting photos: James Morgan
