by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
The pews inside Essex United Church were filled with community members eager to celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary of worship during a special public service of celebration event on Saturday.
Those in attendance also reflected on the community engagement and fellowship that took place throughout all those years before the final Church service took place on Sunday and the doors closed for good on Monday.
Essex United Church was established in 1874, when the congregation was founded as part of the Canada Methodist Church. Two-years later, a congregation of seven families worked together to build a worship facility. It was located where the Post Office stands today on Gordon Avenue. Just a year prior, they were worshiping in a small hall overtop a store in the downtown area.
The Canada Methodist Church stood on Gordon, until the August 10, 1907 railway explosion. Due to the incident, the original building was fairly damaged at the back-end. The property was sold to the government in 1909.
Two-months after the explosion, the congregation purchased the site where the church stands today, on Talbot Street.
The first service took place on February 28, 1909, the final one a century-and-a-half later on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Brian Sweetman, a long-time member of Essex United Church, pieced together the parish’s history in 1974, when celebrating the congregation’s 100th anniversary. As part of the celebration, he wrote a 50-page book, highlighting the Church’s history up until that point in time.
He shared a detailed history of the church – and its rich connection to the community – with the many who attended the public service of celebration event on Saturday afternoon.
This bittersweet event last around two-and-a-half hours long – around the same length of time the very first church service lasted all those years ago – and gave plenty of opportunity for past reverends, long-time members, and local dignitaries to reflect on the impact Essex United Church has had on its worship community and the Essex community as a whole.
Last week, members of Essex United Church had a time capsule located above the main cornerstone removed from the building, which was put in place by the Building Committee. Its contents, and a variety of other significant items and photos, were carefully displayed in the church basement on Saturday.
In addition to its religious services, the local church has always been a hub for the community. In recent years, for example, it housed the Essex Area Food Bank in the gym, welcomed Boy Scouts as they hosted their meetings, and offered a place for Essex Vocal Express choir to practice.
In addition, its members have been supporters and have raised funds for a variety of causes, such as the Downtown Mission and the Essex Area Food Bank, as well.
The public service of celebration offered collaboration with other churches to offer live music, including with pianist Diana Dennis, Major Jim Hann of the Essex Salvation Army, Ron Dassenbach, and the GessTwood Camp Choir.
The Essex United Church Quartet, featuring past Pastor Jim Hatt, Russell Rogers, Brian Stocks, and Ron Wijngaarden, also performed a tune to celebrate the church.
Hatt and Past Pastor Lexie Chamberlain reflected on their years of service through Essex United Church. Reverend Darrow Woods was also in attendance.
For the 20 Essex United Church members, Rogers said Monday would be a new beginning to start with a new community of faith.
Mayor Sherry Bondy, Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, and Councillor Rodney Hammond attended the service on behalf of the Town of Essex.
Bondy noted Essex United Church has been an important part of the community since its inception. In that time, it has been a safe and supportive space.
“Even though its doors will close, it will not be forgotten,” Bondy said, thanking everyone who contributed to the church’s legacy.
Church member Morely Bowman reflected on just how long 150-years is.
“We are here to celebrate and have fun, and celebrate what we’ve done in the community,” Bowman said. “We’re better because of the community, and I’d like to think the community is better off because of us.”
Last month, Essex Council passed a By-Law to designate Essex United Church as having cultural heritage value or interest under the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act.