Where The Past Greets The Future

a brief History of St Paul’s Anglican Church

St. Paul’s was established in 1862, and 2012 marked the 150th Anniversary of the church. It was a year filled with reflection, celebration, and anticipation! We are truly blessed to have been serving for so long, and look with excitement towards the future.

The Anglicans commenced having regular services about 1856 and from that date to 1861 they held their services in the Presbyterian Church, which stood on Young Street and on occasion met in the large hall of the Central Hotel on Main Street. St. Paul’s Anglican Church was established in 1862 but traces of the Anglican Community date back to 1836.

The cornerstone was laid at 48 Sanford Street on August 15, 1862. The Gothic revival style as characterized by the pointed arched windows. The Church was named St. Paul’s by businessman Milton Kingsley Lockwood, first Warden of the Church. A fire in 1914 destroyed early records of the church. The church is full of memorials to those who went before. The Lye organ (complete with pewter pipes) was installed in 1912. Electricity was installed and a Choir Vestry was added in 1914.

Renovations were done to the interior in 1939, and 1959. A Parish Hall, built in 1951, was torn down and rebuilt in 1991 to accommodate the various church organizations. The new hall was adjoined to the church by adding a large narthex, sacristy and Sunday school room. This is joined to the narthex by a corridor containing men’s, women’s and handicapped washrooms, church office and rector’s office. The hall can be directly accessed from the parking lot. There is a well equipped kitchen. Beyond the hall there is a nursery, and The Doucette Room currently housing the library and fellowship area.

In 2007, major renovations took place to the tower area and it now contains the extensive collection of the church archives. However, the tower is now once again undergoing renovations in order to lead to better long term stability of the structure.

A home was historically provided for the rector. The first was purchased in 1893 at 136 Main Street, which was eventually sold and is now a family home. The second rectory was purchased in 1935 at 52 Sanford Street and the third home 45 Sanford Street was bought in 1955 and was home to at least six Ministers. The fourth and present home is at 28 Kingsley Avenue built in 1985. This property was bought in the 1970’s for a future parking lot and a future new rectory.

Please make yourself at home, and feel free to contact us at any time.