Originally established as a Methodist church in the 1870s, St. Paul’s joined with Knox Presbyterian Church years before the United Church of Canada was formed in 1925. The merger placed the Bancroft congregation ahead of the national movement to unite Protestant denominations.
The congregation will mark the milestone this weekend with a celebration planned for this Sunday at 2 p.m. in Bancroft. All are welcome.
Local historians note that St. Paul’s has played a significant role in the social and spiritual life of Bancroft for nearly 150 years, long before the official United Church of Canada came into being.
“This is a note worthy 100th anniversary” said the North Hastings Heritage Museum in a social media post, referencing the churches early uniting of congregations. “If nothing else we are trailblazers in Bancroft.”
