The Story of St. Paul's

In the early half of the 19th century small groups of settlers from Scotland, England and Ireland made their way to Canada and settled in the township of Scott. Leaskdale was quickly favored by some early settlers for its mill-site possibilities and by 1857 there was a general store, a post-office, a grist-mill, a saw mill, a black-smith, an Inn, a wagon-maker, a shoemaker, a carpenter and lumber merchants. In other words Leaskdale was thriving.

As in their homeland, many of the residents dearly loved their church and sought out places of worship and a place to educate their children. Some traveled considerable distances for worship while others attended local services put on in houses and barns by a Reverend McKay who traveled by horse-back from Hamilton.

This state of affairs did not long suit the residents, so they joined forces and determined to form a congregation and have a minister of their own. The year was 1861. The governing body of the Presbyterian church was petitioned and a committee, after careful consideration recommended that a church be formed in the area, and they recommended that it be in the village of Leaskdale.

In March 1862 a congregation of 13 was formed with the following families represented. Mustard, Leask, Ross, Oxtoby, Imrie and a man named Alexander Henry. Mr Henry was a cook and chaplain and was one of the first teachers of the tiny congregation. It wasn't long until others joined in.

Initial meetings were held in homes, but on August 25, 1863, in the home of Alexander Ross, it was decided to build a church at Leaskdale. A building committee was formed and a call for tenders issued to construct a 30 x 40 foot church. On September 15, 1863, the tenders were opened and the lowest tender accepted. The cost was $150.

A site was selected in the centre of town so as to be equal distance for those at each end of town and the land was kindly and freely given by George Leask. The building efforts were successful and it was completed in April 1864. Records show that after the construction was completed and all debts were paid the sum of $61 was in the hands of the Treasurer.

A number of competent ministers followed over the years sharing preaching posts in between Leaskdale, Uxbridge and Zephyr at various times. Additions were made to the original building for a Sunday school room, and the building was well used by a growing congregation. By the turn of the century, 1905, it was decided that the building was no longer large enough nor up-to-date and in 1906 the existing brick structure in the centre of Leaskdale, the former home of St.Pauls, was constructed.

Over the years many ministers and students from Knox college preached and guided the Leaskdale flock, some staying many years, others just preaching a few weeks or months. In 1993 the pulpit was vacant once again. Representatives of the congregation considered their situation and concluded that, "if current patterns continue, the congregation of St. Paul's in Leaskdale will likely close its doors within 10 years." Several decisions were made.

First, the congregation would give itself to embracing change and committing to being even more friendly. Secondly, some members gave themselves to more earnest prayer, seeking God's direction and favor.

The Lord has blessed the work within St. Paul's. The Living God has grown an authentic community of faith in Leaskdale. Visitors and the wider community were welcomed into the flock. Bible studies flourished and prayer times increased in number and attendance. Songs are heartfelt and joyful, God's Word is happily preached, worship has come alive! God created a hunger for Himself within the hearts of people in Leaskdale and surrounding communities. St. Paul's is one example of this. Young people are wanted, older folks celebrated, each age group essential to what our Lord is doing.

The church prospered spiritually and in numbers as well, requiring the introduction of 2 morning services in 1999. Then, in 2000, St. Paul's embarked on a journey, a new journey of expansion. Funds were raised, land was provided, building teams organized and it was clear that God was "growing us together" and that He was "on the move"! In September 2005 construction began. On June 9, 2006, our contractor, Peak Construction turned over the keys. Possession was granted to our new facility exactly 100 years after the last new building.

We give God thanks for the new building he has allowed us to occupy. It is His House and He deserves all the credit and honorLet it be used for His honor and His purposes!

Praise be to God.

This text is adapted from a reading done by our children at our first worship gathering in the new building June 25, 2006.