St. Andrew’s United Church celebrates 190 years of faith and community
On October 26, St. Andrew’s United Church in Markham hosted an Open House to welcome the public and commemorate its 190th anniversary.
Reverand Deb Foster and Leadership Team Chair Michelle Irwin share their stories about the church’s rich history, experiences and cherished memories.
Foster explains that St. Andrew’s was one of the Methodist churches that joined into what became the United Church of Canada in 1925. The history of St. Andrew’s goes back to the early 1800s. Foster says that about two-thirds of the local Methodists founded the congregation in 1834 and noted that the sanctuary is the oldest part of the church. It was built in 1862 at a cost of only $6,500 due to talented labour and the donation of needed material. The bell tower is from the original construction. The floor, rope and ladder up to the bell show their age but are still sturdy and reliable. The bell is rung every Sunday at 10 a.m. to call the congregation to worship.
St. Andrew’s has community outreach programs. It hosts meetings for the Markham Lion’s Club, “In Search for Meaning” conversations on Monday mornings, and a “Community Café” on Tuesday mornings. Foster relates that they have a food drive called “Souper” on Superbowl Sunday and strive to form partnerships with other community organizations. Foster says that members of St. Andrew’s are sincere, kind, generous and have compassion for one another. She calls them her “church family.” Gesturing to a jar of colourful stones filled by the church’s children, she says, “It symbolizes that we welcome everyone. All are welcome. All the time. All belong.”
Irwin sets the agenda for leadership team meetings, makes herself available to speak to the congregation about their concerns, and meets with the minister regularly. She also leads “Joyful Noise” for children ages seven to eleven. Irwin recalls that she joined the church in 2011 as an administrator and wanted to get more involved once she became a regular attendant. Since she retired six years ago, she has taken on more volunteer roles.
Reflecting on the church’s 190-year milestone, Irwin believes St. Andrew’s long-standing presence affirms its strong community roots and commitment to service. Her fondest memories centre around relationships. “We’re a family. That sounds like a cliché,” she admits, “but I know with certainty that if I have a problem, people would be there for me.” She recalls community-driven efforts like creating Thanksgiving baskets and assisting a new mother as examples of the church’s constant care and compassion. She adds, “We’re always there for each other.”
Photo: Michelle Irwin and Rev Deb Foster.
*Story submitted by Andrew Fuyarchuk.