St. Andrew's History

        St. Andrew’s United Church is blessed not only with one of the friendliest congregations in the area, but one of the most beautiful buildings. The church building, which was first constructed in 1841, is one of the oldest surviving heritage-quality buildings in the Chatham-Kent area. This means its architecture and interior features are reminiscent of days long past, with wrought iron and wooden pews, an elaborate pipe organ and beautiful woodwork. When one walks through the heavy wooden doors of the church you immediately experience a sense of history and a feeling of what it was like to worship over a century ago. 

The church’s complete history is as follows: 

1834 – A group of local Presbyterians decided to stop holding worship services in their homes in favour of forming and building an actual church. In order to do so, they organized into a responsible body to petition the Crown for a grant of land for a burial ground and church site. At this time the population of Chatham (then Upper Canada) was only at 300 people. 

1837 – The first services were held in the public school on the site of the present Canada Post federal building in Chatham. On Sept. 18, 1837, a 10-acre tract of land was deeded to the established church of Scotland for a burial ground and church site at Wellington and William streets. The St. Andrew’s congregation is still using this site today making it the longest occupancy of a single location for any church in Chatham.

1841 – The province of Canada was created and during this year a frame church was built on the new site and served by non-resident ministers until 1851 when Rev. John Robb became the first inducted pastor.

1869 - The frame church was replaced (two years after Confederation) by the present church which is one of the oldest surviving heritage quality buildings in Chatham-Kent.

1880 – Local architect Thomas Rutley helped change the look of the church as it grew bigger, adding a balcony and a new corner entrance. At this time the early settlers in the burial ground were exhumed and interred in the maple leaf cemetery and lots from the original tract were sold.

1908 - The Sunday School hall was built to replace a smaller one.

1923 - The church’s present organ was built, complete with a three manual console by Consavant- Feres of Quebec to replace the 1902 Karn organ from Woodstock, Ont. This provided St. Andrew’s with the finest organ in Chatham-Kent. It was dedicated to those who served and died in World War One.

1925 – The church union created St. Andrew’s United Church.

1934 - St. Andrew’s celebrates its 100th anniversary. 

1939-45 – The congregation had 250 men and women serve during the Second World War with 21 of them never to return. 

1957 – A major expansion of church facilities included the Chapel, Parlor, Fellowship Hall, Christian Education and office spaces.

1970 - With church support the St. Andrew’s Residence (next door) was opened and continues to this day to have a close spiritual and social association with the church.

1984 - The 150th anniversary of St. Andrew’s is celebrated.