History
history
ELM STREET UNITED CHURCH
our history
This little church, Elm Street United, has a long and storied history serving the Merritton community.
It began in the mid 1800’s (1858) as small Methodist Church on Moffat Street, (Canal Street in 1858). That church was affectionally named ‘Glory Hill’ and served the village of Merritton (Centerville in 1858) the home of many early laborers drawn to Centerville for the construction of the first Welland Canal.
In 1875 a second Methodist church was built, the congregation meeting on Pinecrest Avenue (then Pine Street). That 1875 building, now an apartment home, can still be seen today at 8 Pinecrest Ave.
As the community of Merritton grew, the Niagara Methodist Conference gave permission for the two churches to amalgamate, sell their buildings, and build a new church. There is a prominent stone, dated 1885, which can still be seen today, high over the front entrance doors of our church. That stone is clearly visible in the early photograph of Elm Street United today.
From the very beginning the Elm Street Church was a ‘home’ serving the spiritual, social and educational needs of the growing Merritton community.
As the congregation grew, so did the needs of the church. By 1952, the Sunday School had grown to a size that the church decided to add a ‘Christian Education Centre’. Today that building continues to serve our Sunday School, as well as the many social and spiritual activities of the congregation.
In 1947 a third church became part of our history. MacLean-Malpas Church on Merritt Street began to share a minister with Elm Street. Then in 1997 the two congregations agreed to amalgamate into one body, continuing as Elm Street United Church.
Elm Street’s roots are deep and have evolved with the growth of the Merritton community. Over the years we have hosted Scouts and Guides, a thrift shop, a clothing bank, and Korean congregation.
That tradition continues today a Kenyan congregation shares our sanctuary and an active A.A. Group meets in our church hall. We host a friendly twice monthly Euchre games, and a very popular exercise group. Our Yard Sales and BBQs are well attended, as well as our popular Toonie-Toonie lunches. Our U.C.C. (United Church Woman) group is active in supporting our community.
All these are open to the public.
Elm Street generously supports Community Care, Centre 4 Women and Cave Springs Camp. Cubs & Brownies meet regularly in our building.
We have a history of wonderful music and our choir of some twelve to sixteen voices is led by a dedicated music director. We are home to weekly Bible Studies and are always open to new members.
While the size of Elm Street’s congregation has ebbed and flowed over the years, its strength has never dwindled. We are the only Protestant church remaining in Merritton, and we continue as a Christian body of faith and hope for all.
Note: Our building is fully accessible to all with our new elevator linking all floors of our building.
