"Yet will God really live with men on the earth? Why, the heavens and their own heavens cannot contain you. How much less this house that I have built!"
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to nearly two centuries of faith and community in Maple, Ontario. Our story began in 1829 when Scottish settlers, longing for worship in their Presbyterian tradition, established what would become one of Canada's enduring congregations.
Our Journey Through Time
1829 - The Beginning
On December 15, 1829, a petition from Vaughan residents marked the birth of our congregation. Meeting initially in homes, these pioneering Scottish settlers—many from Perthshire, Lanarkshire, and Scarborough—held fast to their Presbyterian faith despite having no church building or regular minister.
The first recorded meeting was held at the home of Neil MacEachern on Lot 19, Concession 7, where trustees were elected and the foundation of our church community was laid.
1833-1862 - Building Faith
In 1833, Rev. Peter MacNaughton arrived as our first minister, serving until 1848. Under his leadership, land was acquired in 1837, and the congregation joined The Presbyterian Church of Canada in Connection with the Church of Scotland. The first church building, a simple wooden structure, welcomed worshippers and established our physical presence in Maple.
This period saw the congregation grow from 144 communicants to a thriving community, weathering challenges including the departure of families to Western Canada and the disruptions of the 1837 Rebellion.
1862 - A Carpenter's Gothic Masterpiece
On November 11, 1862, we opened our doors to a superb example of "Carpenter's Gothic" architecture. Built during the ministry of Rev. Donald Ross (1859-1863) for $2,200, this building showcased pointed openings, a central projecting tower, and the refined craftsmanship of early Victorian Gothic Revival design.
1862 Church Building Photo
The tower, surmounted by a handsome octagonal spire, became a landmark in Maple. The church's slender buttresses and excellent joinery demonstrated how even modest wooden structures could achieve architectural distinction.
1875 - Standing Firm in Faith
When Presbyterianism in Canada unified in 1875, St. Andrew's made the difficult decision to remain independent, declining to join the newly formed Presbyterian Church in Canada. This principled stand reflected our congregation's strong ties to the Church of Scotland tradition.
Under Rev. David Camelon (1881-1889), we navigated these challenging times while maintaining our identity and continuing to serve the spiritual needs of Maple's Presbyterian community.
1925 - Continuing Presbyterian
The proposed union with Methodist and Congregational churches in 1925 brought another defining moment. In a congregation vote of 195 members, only 7 voted for union while 88 opposed it. St. Andrew's chose to remain Presbyterian, though 30% of members left to join the new United Church.
Rev. Charles Bowman (1925-1958) led us through this transition, establishing new traditions including the joint anniversary services with St. Paul's that continued until the early 1950s.
1946-1979 - Renewal and Growth
The post-war era brought renovation and renewal. In 1946, the church interior was extensively renovated. The 1960s saw further modernization including a new kitchen and Sunday School addition. In 1974, the addition of a brick manse reflected our growing stability and community presence.
The 1979 Sesquicentennial celebration, commemorated with a provincial heritage plaque, marked 150 years of continuous ministry—a testament to the faith and dedication of generations of worshippers.
Ontario Heritage Foundation Plaque
"A superb example of 'Carpenter's Gothic' architecture, this building was constructed to serve a Church of Scotland congregation organized about 1829. St. Andrew's was built during the rectorship of Rev. Donald Ross and opened for service on November 11, 1862."
Inscription unveiled October 21, 1979, commemorating our 150th anniversary
Ministers Who Have Served
Early Ministers (1833-1900)
- Rev. Peter MacNaughton (1833-1848)
- Rev. Donald Ross (1859-1863)
- Rev. William Aitken (1865-1880)
- Rev. David Camelon (1881-1889)
- Rev. Charles Campbell (1890-1900)
20th Century Leaders
- Rev. William Buck (1900-1907)
- Rev. James Gordon (1908-1912)
- Rev. Stanley Robinson (1912-1924)
- Rev. Charles Bowman (1925-1958)
- Rev. Burton F. Andrew (1959-1973)
- Rev. George French (1973-Present*)
*As of 1979 document
Continuing the Legacy
As we stand at the threshold of our third century, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church remains committed to our founding mission: to be followers of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love within our Maple and global communities. Our heritage of faith continues to guide us as we write new chapters in this ongoing story of grace.
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