Committees

Church Council - Consists of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Minister, and the Convener or a representative of the following committees: Spiritual Life, Community Outreach & Inclusion, Staff Relations, Property & Maintenance, Financial Affairs, the United Church Women (UCW), and the Trustees.

Spiritual Life Committee is responsible for fostering, promoting, and providing opportunities to nurture, deepen, and strengthen our spirituality through prayer, meditation, and reflection through our worship services and Christian education.

Community Outreach & Inclusion Committee extends care and demonstrates concern for all within our community of faith. They are committed to encourage outreach with the intent of welcoming and incorporating new people into our Congregation's fellowship.

Staff Relations Committee members are appointed by the Congregation at our Annual Congregational Meeting and are responsible for ensuring a harmonious, satisfying, and positive working relationship among the Church staff and the Congregation.

Property & Maintenance Committee cares for all physical aspects of the Church and includes overseeing the Cemetery Board, policies for usage of the Church and its grounds, and short-range and long-range planning for maintenance and improvements.

Financial Affairs Committee is responsible for monitoring and administering all financial matters, preparing an annual budget, approving expenditures, managing investments, fund raising strategies, and providing the congregation with regular financial statements.

The United Church Women (UCW) is a thriving group of ladies, whose tireless efforts include financial support through various fund raisers, organizing social events such as pot-luck dinners and games evenings, and catering services.

The Trustees are the glue that binds us to our history and maintains a solid foundation for our continuing legacy. They ensure the care and on-going life of our heritage..

History

The beginning of the United Church congregation in Victoria Square dates back to 1832, when the Primitive Methodists first established what was then termed a "class" here under the leadership of "Daddy" William Haton. This group built a church on the east side of Woodbine, north of Elgin Mills. Around the same time, John Wesley, leader of the Wesleyan Methodists, was initiating a new influence on our way of life.

John Wesley was born in England in the 17th century. He and his brother, Charles, preached a strictly disciplined way of life and because of this, they and their followers were known as Methodists. Toronto's early settlers included many Methodists: Egerton Ryerson, Bishop Strachan, and Timothy Eaton for example.

Our Wesleyan Chapel was built in 1845 on the site of our current Church. By 1880, a larger building was required, so the Chapel was moved to a location on Elgin Mills by William Frisby where it was used as a blacksmith shop. The brick Church, built in the Gothic Revival style, was then erected. In 1884, the Wesleyan Methodists and Primitive Methodists of Victoria Square came together to worship in the new brick Church.

In 1925, the United Church was formed by combining Methodists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists. The Evangelical United Brethren faith joined in 1968.

In 1980 we celebrated the building's 100th Anniversary with several special events.

A few years later, we undertook the "Easy Access" project: this was to be a very large addition to the back of the Church to incorporate an office for the minister, a conference room, new washrooms, and - most importantly - a ramp to facilitate wheelchair access. The architecture was planned with the utmost care to ensure the new addition would blend with the historical appearance of the original building. Initiated by Arnold and Verda Mortson, this project required the whole congregation, friends, family, and community to work together. In 1992, we were very excited to dedicate the addition!

In 2003, beginning with the leadership of our Trustees and then by the Heritage committee, the little Wesleyan Chapel was brought from Elgin Mills to the Church property on Woodbine where it is being lovingly restored to its original condition.

We have a wonderful heritage and have experienced many exciting milestone. We're looking forward to an equally exciting future and hope that YOU will be part of it!