Our History
St John’s United Church in Alliston, ON has seen many changes over the years. As early as 1842, the Methodist church was recognized by the Fletcher family (Alliston’s early settlers) as they attended church at Turnbulls Corner (later known as West Essa). In 1862, a Methodist hall was built in Alliston and following this, plans were made for the construction of this present church building. The church was built in 1872 at a cost of $6,512!
In 1891 a devastating fire burned most of the downtown, but the wind changed direction just before the fire reached the church, and it survived with only a few scorched trees!
One of the defining features of our sanctuary is the beautiful stained-glass windows (there are 10) dedicated in 1960 by the congregation members who erected them to honour their families. There are
close up photos of each window. There are also two narrated videos of the windows and the people commemorated on them: one for the
East side windows and another for the
West side windows. The Dove window over the front door was dedicated in 1984 in memory of Rev. James Shilton - minister to the St. John’s congregation for 25 years.
Music has always been a very important part of the church. We now have two beautiful instruments: the Casavant pipe organ originally installed in the north end of the sanctuary in 1956, and a Yamaha grand piano, donated by 3 families of the congregation in 2015. They have been wonderful gifts of music to each person who has attended worship services, concerts, anniversaries and celebrations!
In 1925 Presbyterians, Methodists and the Congregational members united to form the United Church of Canada. At this time there were 2 United Churches in Alliston: Knox United (formerly Presbyterian), on Victoria St. W., and Wesley United (present day St John’s).
In 1939, under the leadership of Rev. James Dorrian, the Wesleyan Minister, the two congregations joined. The decision was made to worship at the present location and it was re-named St John’s United Church.
In 1925 Presbyterians, Methodists and the Congregational members united to form the United Church of Canada. At this time there were 2 United Churches in Alliston: Knox United (formerly Presbyterian), on Victoria St. W., and Wesley United (present day St John’s).
In 1939, under the leadership of Rev. James Dorrian, the Wesleyan Minister, the two congregations joined. The decision was made to worship at the present location and it was re-named St John’s United Church.
A basement was dug under the sanctuary in 1958 for Sunday School– this is now Faith Hall. In 1965, due to the large number of Sunday School pupils, the Christian Education wing was built to the east of the sanctuary. The original Church Hall at the north end of the sanctuary, which housed the kitchen, meeting rooms, and Sunday School rooms, was demolished in 1976 and the present day Shilton Hall, kitchen and hallway were built.
The original church spire blew down in a wind storm in January of 1948 and the church was without one for over 50 years. Fundraising efforts allowed a replacement spire to be built and installed in 2002.
There are and have always been many groups and organizations as well as St John’s groups using the facilities at the church since it opened the doors in 1872. These people have found a welcome place and space at St John’s.
There are and have always been many groups and organizations as well as St John’s groups using the facilities at the church since it opened the doors in 1872. These people have found a welcome place and space at St John’s.
Church members and friends of St. John’s since 1872 have continued to support, in many and varied ways, the ongoing church activities and most importantly, to worship and pray each and every Sunday.
For a more detailed history of our church up until 1997, refer to ‘Celebrating 125 years - 1872 - 1997 ‘ available from the church office.
