Pastoral Charge Profile

Church History - Turning Dreams into Reality

On June 23, 1958 a provisional building committee was formed to carry out a preliminary investigation into church design, seeking the assistance of the United Church Committee on Church Architecture. It was suggested that a suitable size would be a sanctuary to seat approximately four hundred and an attempt should be made to put a price on the different stages of construction - basement - Sunday School sanctuary. Thus was born the dream of a permanent Church at the corner of Sinclair and Mountainview!

It was many years later before another sanctuary committee was formed under the leadership of Arlene Callaghan in l983, and Doug Magwood in 1984. The 1983 committee decided upon the needs of the congregation. The 1984 committee carried out the plans to build the Church.

Under the leadership of Rev. Tom Bandy, the Church was able to secure financing from a variety of sources including: sale of debentures, bank loan, United Church of Canada mortgage, grant from Dufferin-Peel Extension and local offerings. The sanctuary was built at the cost of $395,000 during the Summer and Fall of 1984 with completion in early 1985.

St. Andrew's finally had its real Church, with a pulpit, communion table, tri-chair, baptismal font and cross. With its comfortable offices, fellowship room and kitchenette, the new Church on ground level was a dream come true for long time members. The dedication service was conducted by Rev. Dr. T. G. Bandy on April 28, l975. Many families donated funds to furnish the new sanctuary.

The sign on the front lawn prominently identifies our sanctuary. In the fall of l993 Rev. Smiley conducted the dedication of the final stained-glass Church windows, which serve as constant reminders of our heritage.

St. Andrew's United Church has been in a two-point Pastoral Charge relationship with Ballinafad since 1982. St. Andrew's has provided Ballinafad's minister since 1966. In June 2003, Rev. Ross Leckie resigned as Minister of the St. Andrew's Ballinafad Pastoral Charge after serving for 7 years. In September, 2003, the members and adherents of St. Andrew's voted to become a single-point charge.