St John's Church, Port Stanley, Ontario

The village of Port Stanley, Ontario is located south of London on the shore of Lake Erie. Port Stanley has a large sheltered harbour that was used to transport coal and wood between Southwestern Ontario and the United States. Today, a commercial freshwater fishery operates from the harbour. Port Stanley Terminal Rail operates a tourist train between Port Stanley and St Thomas.

St John's was originally built as a Congregationalist church in 1852 and purchased by the Presbyterians in 1870. It is one of the oldest churches in Elgin County. The attractive white frame building is a fine example of pioneer architecture, with its classical shape and Gothic and Romanesque windows.

Special services include the Blessing of the Nets that is held in the afternoon on the first Sunday in February.

Rev. Charles William Gordon (1860-1937)

Charles William Gordon was a Presbyterian clergyman and successful novelist.

He was born at St. Elmo in Glengarry County, Canada West.   As the most succesful Canadian novelist of the early 20th century, under the pen name of Ralph Connor, his themes for his novels were drawn from his boyhood memories of Glengarry and later missionary experiences. His books included 'The Man from Glengarry', 'The Sky Pilot' and 'Glengarry School Days' (published 1902).

Gordon was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1890 then served as a missionary in Banff, Alberta for 3 years.   In 1894, Gordon became pastor to St. Stephens in Winnipeg. There in 1897 he began publishing his short stories as a fund-raising effort.

During the War of 1914-18, he serving in France as chaplain to the 43rd Cameron Highlanders of Canada.   Subsequently, he toured the United States speaking in favour of American participation in the war.   Returning to Winnipeg, he chaired the Manitoba Council of Industry for 4 years and negotiated many labour disputes

Rev. Gordon was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada 1921-22 and helped form the United Church of Canada in 1925.

St Andrew's Church, Ancaster, Ontario

The congregation of St Andrew's Presbyterian, Ancaster was established in 1826. The present stone building was completed in 1875. Over the years there have been many improvements and additions but it has retained its 19th century outward appearance. The most recent major renovation to the interior of the church was carried out in 1989 when the original wooden ceiling in the sanctuary was exposed and restored, new pews were installed, and a new organ was purchased.

The Rev. Henry Huberts was inducted as the Minister on April 6, 2008. The Moderator, Dr. Ian McPhee, conducted the service and Dr. Clyde Ervine of Central Church, Hamilton, delivered the sermon and charge to the minister and congregation. The service was enhanced with special music by the choir and musicians of St. Andrew's Church under the direction of their Music Director Susan Plewes.

Knox Presbyterian, Georgetown, Ontario

Georgetown, Ontario is about 60km west of Toronto. It was amalgamated with Acton and other communities to form the town of Halton Hills (2006 pop 55,289).

The Knox Presbyterian, Georgetown congregation first met in 1860 and built its first church in 1867. That building was replaced in 1887 but was destroyed by fire in 1901. The current church was constructed immediately after that fire.

The Kirkin' O' the Tartan Service took place May 4th to celebrate Scottish heritage. This type of service is thought to have originated by Rev. Peter Marshall at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington DC, during the Second World War to raise funds for British war relief. The service is held across North America in mostly Presbyterian Churches but is also found in Episcopalian, Methodist, Roman Catholic and other denominations.