Brief History of

Park St. United Church

       On Sunday October 29, 2006, Park Street United   Church amalgamated with St. Andrew’s United Church after 164 years of ministry in Chatham.

      Park Street United Church began in 1842 as the Wesley and Methodist Church on King Street East. The present Park Street site was purchased in 1870 and the new structure completed in 1873. The name was changed to Park Street Methodist Church. The first meeting of London Conference was held at Park Street church in 1885.

      The first pipe organ was installed in 1874 and later replaced in 1912. In 1906, four years after renovations, a cyclone blew the tall spire down. Repairs were completed in 1910.

      On June 17, 1925, Park Street Methodist Church became Park Street United Church. Between 1927 and 1930 Dufferin Hall was completed to meet the growing needs of the Young People’s Organization and Wesley Hall was dedicated in 1930.

      In 1971, the Rt. Rev. A. B. Moore, the Moderator of The United Church of Canada unveiled a plaque in celebration of the 100th anniversary. In 1977 the Gabriel Kney organ was installed. A lift was added in 1986. Wedgewood Place, a Non-Profit Housing Project for 50 family units was completed in 1993.

      The ministry of Park Street church has been an important part of the community. It has a 60-year history of hosting the Kiwanis Music Festival. From 1905 to 1974 it was the site for nurse’s graduation ceremonies. 

      Music has always been an integral part of the Park Street heritage. During the first half of the1900’s, the choir presented choral concerts and traveled throughout Ontario. In the 1980’s and 1990’s the choir and Park Street Players presented several musicals. The City Band has had a long association with Park Street church. 

      In 1993 Stephen Ministry was introduced to Park Street. In 2004 the Parish Nurse program was introduced. 

      Park Street church has always had a strong sense of mission. Globally, members have maintained a generous support of the Mission and Service fund of The United Church of Canada. In 1998, Park Street was first in Mission and Service giving for the whole of Canada. Locally, the benevolent fund has helped many in Chatham.

      A decision in February 2006 to seek amalgamation resulted in conversations with St. Andrew’s United Church and an agreement was reached by both congregations and Kent Presbytery in October. An offer to purchase the Park Street property was approved in August and finalized in January 2007.