Knox Church Kincardine celebrates 175th anniversary with numerous events

Knox Presbyterian Church in Kincardine is celebrating 175 years of serving the community, by hosting numerous events and activities throughout the year.

First off the mark, is a Community Soup Lunch, Wednesday, Feb. 14, from Noon to 2 p.m. Donations welcome.

Holy Week worship services include Maundy Thursday, March 28, 7-8 p.m.; Good Friday, March 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m., and Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

A Chili and Quiz Night will be held Friday, April 12, from 5-8 p.m. Donations welcome. And Friday, April 26, is the Chatham Tenors Concert, 7-9 p.m.; tickets are $20 each.

Anniversary weekend is at the end of September, featuring a concert by a band to be announced, Sept. 27, from 7-9 p.m.; Anniversary Dinner at the Kincardine Legion, Sept. 28, from 6-8 p.m.; and Sunday Anniversary Service, Sept. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon.

An event listing for the rest of the year is included below.

THE HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH KINCARDINE

When Kincardine’s founding fathers, William Withers and Allan Cameron, arrived at the mouth of the Penetangore River in 1848, they were followed by many Scottish settlers. They came to find a new future and they brought their Presbyterian religion to help guide them in their challenging endeavours.

By 1849, the settlers were holding worship services in their homes. It was not until 1855 that a wood church was built at 345 Durham Street, measuring 30-feet-by-50 feet, but it was not until 1859 that Rev, John Stewart was inducted as the first Knox Church minister.

The congregation flourished such that the church needed more space and in 1875, work began on the present structure. By 1876, the basement was completed and served as the church until 1879, when the second storey was completed.

However, the landmark bell tower was not yet there. It took a bequeathed sum of $10,000 in 1888 to add the handsome bell tower. The four tower spires were initially clad in copper; but when the Second World War broke out, the copper was needed for the war effort and to this date the spires are (capped with) concrete.
 

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Knox Prebyterian Church, Kincardine, in the 1920s
 

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The church is known for its fine acoustics but it was not until 1896, that a small pipe organ arrived and music finally filled the sanctuary. It served its purpose up to 1949 when a larger Memorial Pipe Organ was installed as part of the church’s 100th Anniversary celebrations.

After 70 years of faithful service, the electrically-operated organ was reaching the end of its useful service and in 2019, the organ was refurbished and digitized. As world-renowned organist Ian Sadler has said about the new organ, “It’s small but mighty,” as it fills the church with stirring renditions of many a hymn or song.

In 1986, the church profile received a significant change with an addition built to the north side to provide for a minister’s office, a secretary’s office, two meeting rooms, handicapped-accessible washrooms and an elevator. The elevator has been extensively used throughout the years by the congregation and the community.

From its humble beginnings of celebrating Christian worship in settlers’ homes, the mission of Knox Church has also been to serve the needs of the community. As well as the Sunday morning church services, the doors are always open to meet community needs.

Knox Kincardine was instrumental in the formation of the Kincardine Community Living organization, which continues to provide programs and assist individuals with developmental delays to integrate into the community.

Members of Knox Kincardine were also involved in the establishment of the local chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Current Knox Church programs include the Kids Clothing Drive; Warm Winter Coats Drive; Ringing of the Peace Bell; and a cost-free space for the operation of the Kincardine Good Food Box, as well as occasional community dinners.
 

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Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, in 2020
 

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The church works with Community Living of Kincardine and District and its outreach programs, United Way of Bruce Grey for various programs such as the distribution of free backpacks for students returning to school, and with the VON by providing a venue for its Bereavement Support Groups and Caregiver Support Groups.

Kincardine Community Singers, the Summer Music Festival, STEM Camps, and concert-goers have all found the church to be a welcome place to gather and to find fellowship.

This year, Knox Church celebrates its 175th anniversary and welcomes the Kincardine and area community to participate in the schedule of events outlined below. Any proceeds from events designated as “donations welcome” will be used to assist with the various church programs.

For more information, check the church website at pccweb.ca/knox-kincardine.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
 

• Friday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Spring Flea Market
• Saturday July 6, Noon to 2 p.m., Pulled Pork on a Bun; $10
• Sunday, July 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Kirkin’ of the Tartan
• Friday, July 19, 5-7 p.m., Fish Fry; tickets are $25 each
• Friday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fall Flea Market

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

• Friday, Sept. 27, 7-9 p.m., Band (to be announced) Concert
• Saturday, Sept. 28, 6-8 p.m., Anniversary Dinner at the Kincardine Legion; cost to be announced
• Sunday, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, Anniversary Service

 

• Friday, Oct. 25, 7-9 p.m., The Ballaghs Concert; tickets are $25 each
• Sunday, Nov. 3, 8:30-10 a.m., Malawi Breakfast; donations welcome
• Monday, Nov. 11, 7-8 p.m., Remembrance Day Ringing of the Peace Bell; donations welcome
• Sunday, Dec. 1, 7-8 p.m., Christmas Lessons and Carols Service
• Saturday, Dec. 21, 7-8 p.m., The Longest Night Service
• Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7-8 p.m., Christmas Eve Service

NOTE: For events where tickets will be sold, the two locations are:
 

• Knox Church, 519-396-2311, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon
• The Loop in downtown Kincardine