A Brief History:
In 1833, eighteen people in the sparsely settled area around Frenchman's Bay struggled to preserve their Presbyterian faith while building a new culture in a strange land. Two years later, in 1835, the Reverend R.H Thornton held services on alternate Sundays in two log schoolhouses in the area. Erskine Presbyterian Church was established by the vision of a handful of determined Christians whose faith empowered them to overcome the obstacles of their harsh life and build not only for themselves but for the future of their new land.
By 1854, two churches served the people of the community on sites still used by our congregation today. In 1883, Erskine Presbyterian and Dunbarton Presbyterian amalgamated under the name Dunbarton Presbyterian. Our historic sanctuary was built in the village of Dunbarton.
In 1925, the congregation entered the United Church of Canada. In 1973, following a fire which gutted the Dunbarton sanctuary, Dunbarton and Fairport United Churches came together to rebuild (as seen above) and form our present congregation.
By 1978, our congregation made its first commitment to undertake the expansion required to become the United Church for all of South Pickering. Eight years later, on February 9, 1986, our commitment became a reality when we worshiped together for the first time in our new sanctuary
Our rural charge has become a suburban church, in the center of a rapidly developing, dynamic community. With heritage spanning over 150 years, we of Dunbarton-Fairport, most of whose roots are in other places, face a challenge akin to that of our forebears. We look to the past for inspiration and to the future with hope and enthusiasm.
Mission Statement:
As the opening words of our United Church creed says: “We are not alone, we live in God’s world…”
At Dunbarton-Fairport United Church we promise to :
- Be open to all people
- Welcome you regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, differing attributes and abilities both physical and mental, cultural identity, economic circumstance
- Continue to be challenged to greater inclusion and justice seeking for all of God’s creation
- Encourage all as disciples to respond to the needs of the wider community and the world with both Christian service and witness