Oshawa Christian Church / Centre Street United Church

The Christian Church in Darlington was officially organized on October 21, 1821. This was the first congregation officially organized and the first ordination to be held in the Oshawa district.

In 1831, Elder Thomas Henry organized the Oshawa Christian Church and served as its pastor. Meetings were held in homes and schoolrooms until 1843 when the first church was built in the area of Richmond and Church (Centre) Streets. This church served the needs of the congregation for 30 years, during most of which time Rev. Henry was its minister until he was called to missionary service and other higher duties by the Christian Church.

The Christian Church soon became too small for the congregation and a new one was built in 1874 on Centre Street. Known as the Oshawa Christian Church, it was known for its beautiful lofty spire and was constructed with white brick with the roof and spire covered with slate. Installed in the spire was a bell, a ‘crowning touch’ as reported by the Oshawa Times in 1967.

It was reported that more than 400 worshipers were turned away from the opening service due to lack of room, indicative of the interest and support for the new building. Four services were held on the dedication day on September 5, 1875.

In 1928 the church joined the United Church of Canada and was renamed Centre Street United Church. In the 1960s, Oshawa City Hall was looking to expand, and the church trustees agreed to sell the property to facilitate construction of the Rundle Tower.  The last service at the Centre Street United Church was held on April 30, 1967, conducted by Rev. A.W. Magee.  The congregation merged with the Westmount United, forming Centennial United. Eventually the congregation merged once again with Albert Street United to form Centennial Albert United Church which stands today on the southeast corner of Rosehill Blvd and Bond Street.