About Binbrook United Church
Mission Statement:
As followers of Jesus, we are called to celebrate and participate, through praise and prayer, caring and sharing, learning and fellowship, and to anticipate a dynamic ministry to our community and the world.
Our History
“We cherish the rich heritage of our church. We ask that you God, alert us to the contemporary meanings of our history and traditions. We seek not to live in the past but, by your grace, to let the best of the past live through us.”
This is a brief summary of the origin of Binbrook United Church, with information derived from several historical books published over the years. (See details in Footnotes.)
We encourage you to take time to read these historical books whose information has been so carefully documented, providing a clear link from the past to today. Preserving this rich history, enables one to obtain a better sense of the historical times and people that have made Binbrook United Church what it is today.
Many descendants of the original families and settlers are still members of the congregation today, and combined with new membership over the years, make up the congregational family of Binbrook United Church. We respect and embrace the past and welcome the future.
Early 1800’s
The origins of Binbrook United Church date back to early settlers coming from the United States around 1800, bringing with them the Methodist Episcopal Church, forming their first congregation in 1826. In the 1830’s, settlers arrived from the United Kingdom, bringing the Wesleyan Methodist Church with them, forming their first congregation in Binbrook in 1839.
In those days, most congregations were formed, but often the erection of their church buildings did not appear until 10 to 25 years later. Both congregations erected their own church buildings, one near Cemetery Rd and Highway 56, and the other directly opposite the existing United Church on Binbrook Rd.
In 1884, both the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Wesleyan Episcopal Church joined in worship at the Wesleyan Church and thus began the plans for the beautiful brick church to be erected just east of Hall’s Corners, (now Binbrook), which is now Binbrook United Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church was sold at that time.
The new church building erected in 1885, was Methodist until the Union in 1925 becoming Binbrook United Church, and has remained a strong, welcoming and vibrant congregation and place of worship since.
Celebrating 200 Years
Plans are well underway to celebrate 200 years since the beginning of the church’s first congregation back in 1826.
Please check back frequently for updates to the special plans, and it is the hope of the entire church that members past and present, families, friends and neighbours will reunite with us in celebrating the most amazing history and legacy of Binbrook United Church.
“CELEBRATE, PARTICIPATE, ANTICIPATE!”
Footnote: Many of the historical facts and dates have been sourced from the following historical record books.
- “They Scattered the Seed” A HISTORICAL TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO PIONEERED OUR TOWNSHIP, AND TO THOSE WHO NOURISHED OUR FAITH. Compiled and written by Rev. George Mundy The Early History of Binbrook Township and Some of It’s Churches.
- “Tweedsmuir History’ Binbrook Township 1948
- “Living Our Heritage…A HISTORY OF BINBROOK UNITED CHURCH, April 1993, by Rev. Arthur Hencher