We Must Tell the Stories

We Must Tell the Stories describes the history of the churches

that eventually became St. John’s Presbyterian Church. Included

in the writing are descriptions of the life and times found in

The Auld Kirk, Scotch Settlement Church, St. John’s (Coulson Hill)

Presbyterian Church, and Bradford Presbyterian Church.

The book was written in the summer of 2001 by a member of

St. John’s. Copies are available from the Church Treasurer at a cost

of $20.00 — all money received goes to the Building Fund.

St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Bradford -- A History

1819 In the early part of the year 14 Scottish families came from the Red River to what is known as the Scotch Settlement in West Gwillimbury. They were to built the first Presbyterian Church north of Richmond Hill — it is known today as The Auld Kirk.

1844 The Auld Kirk split partly as a result of events in Scotland and also because some members wished to incorporate the use of an organ during the services. Thus the birth of the 2nd West Gwillimbury Presbyterian Church..

1847 A new church was dedicated in Bradford at the corner of John and Church Streets. This was the new Bradford Presbyterian Church. The building was to be replaced some 46 years later. The old building was sold to the Anglican Church, was moved, and served as its parish hall for some years.

1857 Permission was given for the building of a frame church to the north of Bradford. It was to be known as St. John’s Presbyterian Church (Coulson’s Hill).

1893 The new Bradford Presbyterian Church was built. Dedication followed in January

1911 Church union with Methodists and Congregationalists was the issue. At that time the church had 93 members eligible to vote. The results were 37 for union and 17 against.

1925 Church union to form the United Church was a hot topic. Bradford Presbyterian Church elected to remain Presbyterian. Out of a membership of 100 — 5 voted for union and 64 voted against union.

1966 St. John’s, Coulson’s Hill closed. Bradford Presbyterian Church now became known as St. John’s Bradford Presbyterian Church.

1984 The congregation of the 2nd West Gwillimbury Presbyterian Church chose to join St. John’s Bradford Presbyterian Church. The amalgamated congregations were to be known as St. John’s Presbyterian Church.

2000 It became clear that the present church building had to be replaced. At the Annual Meeting a motion to buy land for that purpose, after much discussion, was carried. A site for the new building was purchased at the corner of the Middletown Side Road — the site for St. John’s Presbyterian Church.

2002 An architect has been hired and preliminary plans have been presented. Fund raising becomes the most important activities for some time ahead. The present church building may be sold to the neighbouring Anglican Church.

2003 We are determined to begin constructing our new church building in the spring of next year.