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People and organizations
25 Year Club
Corporate body

The 25 Year Club was a social club for employees of the United Church of Canada with twenty-five years of service. It was created circa 1959 by Nellie Swarbrick and Mabel Cranston of the Board of Foreign Missions, and Lillian Wright of the Missionary and Maintenance Department.

CAN · Corporate body · 1986-2017

736 Outreach Corporation was established in 2011. It was an incorporated ministry of the Toronto Conference. The main function of the incorporated ministry was to manage and distribute the funds received from the sale of the Bathurst Street United Church building, formerly the building that was operated and used by the Bathurst Street Centre for Peace and Justice. The Corporation ran a grant program, where finances were distributed in a single payment or in a multi-year programs. The grants were distributed to assist community programs and charitable organizations that fit the mandate of the corporation. Bathurst Street Centre for Justice and Peace was an incorporated ministry of the Toronto South Presbytery. Its purpose was to “continue the development of a climate of partnership in which not-for-profit groups, committed to and acting for social justice and peace, can find solidarity with each other, support from the church and freedom to pursue their own approaches in all their diversity”. During the Toronto Conference presbytery reorganization in 2008 the Centre’s relationship with the Toronto South Presbytery ended and it became an incorporated ministry of Toronto Conference.

Corporate body

Admaston Pastoral Charge was formed in 1925; formerly Presbyterian; it included Grace Church in Admaston, Northcote, Barr's, and Hayley's.

Affirm United
Corporate body

Prior to 1982, various regional groups existed to provide support and strategies for lesbians and gays in the United Church: United Church Gays and Lesbians of B.C.; One Loaf (Regina); The Council on Homosexuality and Religion (Winnipeg); TOUCH – Toronto United Church Homosexuals; and United Church Gays and Lesbians of Quebec (UCGLQ). The latter group, UCGLQ, offered to host and organize a gathering in Montreal days before the 29th General Council in August 1982 to explore the possibility of establishing a national network within the United Church for gay and lesbian persons.

AFFIRM – Gays and Lesbians in the United Church of Canada was established on August 5, 1982 as a national network of regional groups of lesbian and gay members and adherents of the United Church to: "Affirm gay and lesbian people within the United Church of Canada, provide a network of support among regional groups, act as a point of contact for individuals and speak to the church in a united fashion encouraging it to act prophetically and pastorally both within and beyond the church structure."
Open to all gay and lesbian people associated with the United Church of Canada, AFFIRM members could participate at the annual general meeting and establish local groups which would have representation on the National Consultative Council. The National Consultative Council, consisting of chairperson(s), secretary/treasurer, and local representatives, would appoint functions to the local groups, deal with policy making, and to make decisions between general meetings.

Affirm worked with the support of allies within Friends of Affirm, an organization of lay and order of ministry people who supported the aims and programs of Affirm. Affirm/Friends of Affirm submitted briefs to church and government decision-making bodies, spoke at church meetings, and offered educational events and resources. The Affirming Congregation Programme was launched by Affirm and Friends of Affirm in the summer of 1992 to provide materials to study the issues of inclusion and welcoming of diverse peoples, namely gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. Participating United Church organizations become Affirming Ministries.
At a joint 1994 annual general meeting, the decision was made to merge Affirm and Friends of Affirm at the national level to “afford new opportunities for all people regardless of sexual orientation to work together.” The new organization was named Affirm United/S’Affirmer Ensemble.

Corporate body · 1925-

Ailsa Craig Pastoral Charge was formed in 1925 at church union and included: Ailsa Craig and Carlisle. Brinsley United Church would join the charge ca. 1956 with the dissolution of Crediton Pastoral Charge. It is still an active pastoral charge of the United Church of Canada.

Ailsa Craig United Church, located at 156 Main Street in Ailsa Craig, was established in 1925, formerly Presbyterian.

Brinsley United Church, located at 34713 Brinsley Road in North Middlesex, was established in 1925, formerly Methodist.

Carlisle United Church, located at 19 Falkirk Street in North Middlesex, was established in 1925, formerly Presbyterian

Corporate body · 1924-

The Ontario Prohibition Union was founded as a successor organization to the Ontario Branch of the Dominion Alliance at the Alliance’s Annual Convention held in Toronto, March 18, 1924. Following several turbulent and controversial years of Alliance activity, leading temperance workers were urged by the Prohibition Federation of Canada to constitute a more representative organization to unify temperance forces in Ontario. This new group was initially called the Ontario Temperance Alliance but was changed to the Ontario Prohibition Union (OPU) at a subsequent meeting. The need for greater unity in the prohibition effort was cited in the new organization’s constitution:

The temperance workers of Ontario will expect that, in its leadership of the Prohibition forces, the Ontario Prohibition Union will, very earnestly seek the co-operation of all organizations and individuals that are all in sympathy with its one great object “The total and immediate suppression of the traffic in all intoxicating Liquors and beverages.”

Policy of the Organization was set at Conventions and carried out by an Executive Committee. The Union’s activities spanned an increased emphasis on temperance tracts, non-partisan political activity urging the abolition of the liquor traffic, the organization of county units, and assistance to ‘dry’ forces in local option contests, and the forwarding of information received at OPU offices regarding bootlegging and Liquor Control Act violations to the Provincial Attorney-General’s office.

After the passing of the Liquor Control Act in 1926 approving government control of liquor sales, prohibition sentiment experienced a gradual decline, especially in urban area. In 1934 the OPU was again reorganized, this time to reflect a stronger emphasis on education rather than legislation, and emerged the Ontario Temperance Federation.

The Ontario Temperance Foundation defined itself as “An interdenominational, non-partisan organization maintained largely by support of church congregations and individuals to co-ordinate the efforts of religious and other groups concerned with the promotion of sobriety in personal conduct and social behavior.” The Ontario Temperance Foundation emerged as the most influential temperance group in the nation.

Throughout its history the Federation found its main source of support in the United and Baptist churches, and to a lesser extent among Presbyterian, Congregationalists, and a number of smaller Protestant denominations. Little or no support was provided by the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches and in many cases was never actively strong.

Combining scientific temperance with the moral appeals of earlier prohibitionists, the Federation became active in many fields, including education, youth work, legislation, community organization, and an administrative role as coordinator of provincial temperance forces. The Federation dissolved in 1968 to become the Alcohol and Drug Concerns Inc. The aim of the new organization was to promote lifestyles non dependent on drugs and alcohol, foster public awareness on the harms of those substances, advocate reduction of their use, counteract advertising promoting the use of substances, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the work, and creating support and funding resources for the previous initiatives. In 1987 the organization surrendered its Ontario Charter and filed a National Charter to operate on a national level.

Corporate body · 1958-

Toc Alpha was the youth wing of the Ontario Temperance Federation and antecedent organizations overseen by the Youth Work Committee. Toc Alpha stands for the letters “T” and “A” which representing “Teen Ager for Total Abstinence.” The organization served young people from fifteen to twenty-five primarily in Ontario with smaller affiliated groups across Canada.

During the 1930s the Ontario Temperance Federation organized a Total Abstinence Youth Movement and under the direction of Rev. R.A. Whattam established youth posts in local churches across Ontario. However this movement soon lapsed into inactivity. In 1944, Rev, Albert Johnston joined the Ontario Temperance Federation to expand youth work and showed films and gave talks at various high schools in Ontario. In the early 1950s, he was joined by Roy Bregg of Allied Youth from the United States and the educational work among young people was expanded. In 1953 Albert Johnston began organizing local youth conclaves where teenagers could openly discuss alcohol and related problems among themselves. This conclave movement culminated in the Christmas conference of 1957 where it was decided to organize a permanent volunteer movement to serve teenagers and young adults. Thus in 1958 TOC Alpha came into existence.

Through regional gatherings and Local organizations as well as annual conventions, the organization of Toc Alpha attempted to bring in as many young people as possible. The purpose of Toc Alpha was to encourage young people to become aware of themselves, their environment and their environment and their responsibilities, in order to relate successfully to others, particularly in the area of alcohol and other drugs. It examines the responsible use of alcohol and encourages a life style independent of its use.

Toc Alpha’s work closely related work by the United Church of Canada’s Division of Mission in Canada and the Board of Evangelism and Social Service.

Corporate body · 1925-

Alderville United Church located at Alderville First Nation was established in 1925; formerly Methodist. It is still an active congregation of the United Church of Canada.

Corporate body · ca. 1930-

All People's United Church, located at 400 Antwerp Avenue in Sudbury, was established ca. 1927 as a mission to serve new Canadians in the Sudbury area, particularly Italian, Hungarian, and Finnish families. The All People's Mission Church was dedicated on January 5, 1930. This building was destroyed by fire in February 1946. The congregation temporarily met at the Finnish Hall, Sudbury until a new building was built and was officially open in October 1948. It is still an active congregation of the United Church of Canada.

All People's United Church in the early 20th century was often a multiple-point charge. The other points included at various times the following congregations: Copper Cliff, Creighton Mines, Frood, Garson, Gatchell, Grassy Lake, Kelly Lake, Levack, Naughton, New Sudbury and Trout Lake.

Corporate body · 1979-2007

All Saints Church, established in 1979 was a shared ministry of the United and Anglican Churches in Noranda, Quebec. It closed on June 17, 2007.

Noranda - Rouyn United Church was established ca. 1926 with the formation of Rouyn Mission Field. A church building was constructed in 1929. In 1979 the congregation joined a shared ministry with the Anglican Church to form All Saints Anglican Church.

North-West Quebec Pastoral Charge was formed ca. 1938, and included Arntfield, Belleterre, Bousquet, Cadillac, Duparquet, McWatters, and Normetal. It was discontinued ca. 1959.

Arntfield United Church was established in 1939. It closed ca. 1958.

ON00340 · Corporate body · 1970 -

Annan - Woodford Pastoral Charge was formed in 1970, when Annan Pastoral Charge and Woodford Pastoral Charge joined together. It included Trinity United Church in Annan and Woodfrod United Church, until Woodford United Church closed in 2004. It is currently a single-point pastoral charge.
Annan Pastoral Charge was formed in 1925, formerly Presbyterian. it included Annan, Johnstone Church in Johnson, Leith
Trinity United Church, located at 303234 Sideroad 33 in Annan, was established in 1925, formerly Presbyterian. The Presbyterian Church was established in 1855 and shared a minister with Division Street Presbyterian Church in Owen Sound until 1877 when it formed part of Annan-Leith Presbyterian Pastoral Charge. In 1906, the charge also included Daywood and Johnstone congregations. It joined the United Church of Canada in 1925. It was also known as Annan United Church. It is still an active congregation of the United Church of Canada.
Woodford United Church, located at the intersection of Mallory Beach Rd & 8th Ave, was established in 1925, formerly Methodist and Presbyterian. It joined the United Church of Canada in 1925 and formed part of Woodford Pastoral Charge until 1970. The congregation closed December 2004.
Johnstone United Church was established in 1925, formerly Presbyterian; it closed ca. 1969
Leith United Church was established in 1925, formerly Presbyterian; it closed ca. 1969

Corporate body · 2002-2008

Arkona-Ravenswood Pastoral Charge was formed on June 20, 2002; formely known from 1925-2002, Arkona Pastoral Charge. It included Arkona, Ravenswood, West Williams and Sylvan (1925-1926). It disbanded in 2008 when Arkona United Church closed and is now named Ravenswood Pastoral Charge.

Arkona United Church, located at 13 Centre Street, was established in 1925, formerly Methodist. Both the Episcopal Methodists and the Wesleyan Methodists were in Arkona as early as the 1850s. In 1884, the two congregations united to form Arkona Methodist Church in the Wesleyan Methodist church building. The church was construced in 1862 and was raised to include a Sunday School in 1915. It joined the United Church in 1925. The congregation disbanded on June 29, 2008.

West Williams United Church was established in 1925, formerly Methodist. The church was built in 1870 on the west side of the Lamon community in West Williams. The congregation closed in 1964.

Ravenswood United Church, located at 7476 Lakeshore Road in Lambton Shores, was established in 1925, formerly Methodist. The church was originally built in 1867 and was part of the Arkona Mission. In 1884, Ravenswood Methodist Circuit was formed including Ravenswood, Ebenezer and Kinnaird. It joined the United Church of Canada in 1925 and was a three-point charge with Jura and North Plympton. The charge disbanded ca. 1946 and Ravenswood joined the Arkona Pastoral Charge. On July 20, 1939, the church was destroyed by fire and the community built a new church, which opened in November 26, 1939. It is still an active congregation of the United Church of Canada.

Corporate body · 1947-1989

Armour Heights United Church in North York was established in 1947. The church building was opened in 1950 and was located at 63 Dunblaine Avenue at Kelso Street, south-west of the intersection of Avenue Road and Wilson Avenue. In 1968, Wilson Heights United Church became part of Armour Heights United Church. In 1989, Armour Heights united with Fairlawn United Church to form Fairlawn Heights United Church in the Fairlawn building.

Wilson Heights United Church in North York was established in 1952. The church building was opened in 1955 and was located at 68 Collinson Boulevard, north-west of the intersection of Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue. In 1968 Wilson Heights became part of Armour Heights United Church.

Corporate body · ca. 1962-1986

Arva - Hyde Pastoral Charge was formed ca. 1962 when Melrose United Church closed and Arva Park United Church and Hyde Park United Church remained from the Arva - Hyde Park - Melrose Pastoral Charge, which was originally known as the St. John's Pastoral Charge. It closed on January 1, 1986 when Arva and Hyde Park split into two separate charges.

Hyde Park United Church, located at 1560 Hyde Park Road in London (formerly Hyde Park), was established 1925, formerly Methodist and Presbyterian. Both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Hyde Park were formed in 1875 and built churches in 1876. The two churches joined together to form the United Church of Canada in 1925 and the newly founded congregation used the Presbyterian building. It closed on September 26, 2010 and the congregation amalgamated with Riverside United Church in London.

Arva United Church, located at 14340 Medway Road in Arva, was established in 1925, formerly Methodist. The Methodists first built a church in Arva in 1857.It was part of St. John's Methodist Circuit. It joined the United Church of Canada in 1925. It became a single-point charge in 1986. On June 25, 2017, it amalgamated with Siloam United Church in London to become Siloam United Church at 1240 Fanshawe Road East in London.

Melrose United Church was established in 1925, formerly, Methodist. The Melrose Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1820 in what is now Lobo Township, on Concession 3, Lot 14. The church building was erected sometime between 1820 and 1825. It was damaged by a tornado in 1870. A new church was built in 1872, near the old site. It joined the United Church in 1925. The church disbanded in 1961.

Corporate body · 1947-

Asbury and West United Church in North York was established in 1947 upon the union of Asbury United Church in North York and the Toronto congregation of West United Church. The new congregation used the Asbury building which is located at 3180 Bathurst Street at Woburn Avenue, just north of Lawrence Avenue.

Asbury United Church in North York was established in 1925; formerly Asbury Methodist Church. It was located at 3180 Bathurst Street at Woburn Avenue, just north of Lawrence Avenue. Asbury was a point on the Downsview Methodist Circuit (from 1917 onward) and on the Downsview Pastoral Charge. In 1947 Asbury United Church united with West United Church to form Asbury and West United Church in the Asbury building.

West United Church in Toronto was established in 1925; formerly West Presbyterian Church, which was established ca. 1860 and held services in a building on the corner of Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue. Shortly after 1860, the congregation moved a few blocks west to Dennison Avenue and Wolseley Street (just north of Queen). In 1912 the congregation moved to a new building at College Street and Montrose Avenue (near Ossington Avenue). The congregation was expanded in 1928 with the addition of Clinton Street United Church; In the 1940s, West United started to consider re-locating to north Toronto, and, upon the invitation of Asbury United Church in North York, united with that congregation in 1947 to form Asbury and West United Church in the Asbury building.

Clinton Street United Church in Toronto was established in 1925; formerly Clinton Street Methodist Church. The church was located at the intersection of Clinton Street and Jersey Avenue, just north of College Street and about half-way between Bathurst Street and Ossington Avenue. In 1928 Clinton Street United Church became part of West United Church.

Corporate body

The Deaconess Association met for a first conference in 1926, and assisted deaconesses in their duties and in caring for their needs. The Fellowship of Professional Women was formed between 1938 and 1939 to bring together a fellowship of women in full-time employment in the United Church as missionaries, deaconesses, Christian education directors, evangelists, teachers, nurses, doctors, and executive secretaries; and to strengthen the viewpoint of such workers in the development of Church policy.

The Fellowship of Deaconesses and Other Women Workers was established in 1963, a union of the Deaconess Association and the Fellowship of Professional Women in The United Church of Canada, all voluntary associations. This Fellowship was dissolved in 1971 upon the establishment of the Association of Professional Church Workers, made up of men and women working in a professional capacity in the Anglican and United Churches.