Knox Presbyterian celebrates 160th anniversary

CONN – “The future exists on the foundation of the past”, said interim minister, Rev. Peter Bush during the 160th anniversary service at Knox Conn Presbyterian Church on a recent Sunday.

The well-attended June 28 service honouring the historical church in the hamlet of Conn, east of Mount Forest, was attended by politicians, including Perth-Wellington MP John Nater, MPP Matthew Rae and Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox.

Two heritage plaques were dedicated during the service, one in keeping with the Mount Forest Museum and Archives Project for heritage buildings. 

The other outlined the history of the congregation, and bears the Presbyterian Church of Canada logo on it.

Session clerk Penny Renken said one plaque will be mounted on the exterior of the building, and the other inside.

Although the present-day church was erected in 1892, the congregation was constituted on July 10, 1866, and was originally named North Luther.

The first structure was built in Luther Township out of logs, and burned down in 1867. 

A rough stucco building was quickly brought together to allow the congregation to gather while they compiled resources and funds to build a permanent church.

The present site was purchased in 1883 in the village of Evansville — later renamed Conn.

The historical plaque claims the deed for the property includes the first “known use of the name Knox.” 

Bush noted in his sermon the Conn Church congregation is older than the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and Canada itself. 

Bush also noted the round rose window over the front door, one of the most unique features of the historical building. 

“Very few communities of this size, this far from major urban centres, would have one of those. Features like this would have been expensive,” he said.

“The original builders of this church thought it was important enough to make a major investment.”

Nater spoke of the challenges the congregation endured over the past 160 years, wishing them “many more years of faithful service.”

Rae called the anniversary a “momentous milestone that not many organizations reach.”

“Conn was officially incorporated before the town of Mount Forest, so you’ve had your act together before the people of Mount Forest,” he added.

Lennox reflected on changes over the years; how the church provides “not only a spiritual connection, but a place of social connection. 

“In today’s world, we seem socially disconnected more than we ever have regardless of the technology that we have, so I think it’s especially remarkable that 160 years be celebrated with such fervour today.”

In addition to historical reflections, the service featured music, prayer, and scripture.

It concluded with a message of gratitude for 160 years of faithfulness and confidence that the church will continue to serve the community for many years to come.