St. Andrew’s United Church

The first Presbyterian church in Oshawa was constructed through 1861 and opened in 1862. Before then, Presbyterians in the area would travel to Thornton’s Corners (near today’s King Street and Thornton Road) for services. was used by the congregation until the spring of 1899.

By the spring of 1899 the congregation had grown, and the church was found inadequate in size. The existing structure was pulled down and replaced by a beautiful modern structure, costing $15,000.

The church, which is still standing today, is built of red brick with a semi-dressed stone foundation. Round arched and Tudor arched doors and windows decorate the building along with flat rectangular windows topped with concrete mouldings. The north, south, and east walls have heavy Gothic-like brick buttresses that not only reinforce the structure but also act as a decorative element of the church. The steep pitch of both the roof and towers again adds majesty to the Gothic design.

When it became apparent that the Presbyterian Church would merge with the Union Church, the name “St. Andrew’s” was chosen and used for a year before the formation of the United Church of Canada in 1925. On June 10, 1925, the church entered the Union with a minimum of disturbance to its membership. The loss of a group of members who remained firm in their convictions was regretted, but they departed with good wishes and continued friendship with the people of St. Andrew’s United Church, to form Knox Presbyterian Church.

In 1926, another building project was launched, and in 1927 the building was enlarged again; the alcove, Sunday School rooms, and upper floor were added. These additions were built by A. V. Swail and modernized the building.

In the summer of 1996, St. Andrew’s United Church in Oshawa was losing members. The congregation of St. Andrew’s United and Courtice United decided to each sell their current properties and amalgamate, and purchase a new site in Courtice on which to build. On January 5, 1997, an inaugural service at Courtice North Public School marked the amalgamation and creation of Faith United Church.

In July 1999, St. Andrew’s United Church became the home for Oshawa Community Church, and around 2020/2021, Viva Church took occupancy in this building.

With information:

Samuel Pedlar, Samuel Pedlar Manuscript (unpublished manuscript, 1904).

Su Murdoch Historical Consulting, “St. Andrew’s United Church: 65 Simcoe Street South” Research Report, June 2005.