IN THE BEGINNING……

The year was 1955. The area where St. Paul’s United Church now stands, known then as Suffolk Park, was part of Trafalgar Township. New subdivisions were springing up, with a few streets already established west of Fourth Line. St. John’s in downtown Oakville, and Walton Memorial in Bronte were the two United Churches closest at hand for residents of this area.

In the fall of that year, interested folk were invited to a meeting at St. John’s to consider forming a new congregation in Suffolk Park. The enthusiasm generated at that meeting was enough to set in motion the work of establishing a new United Church. The encouragement, leadership and tangible support given in abundance by St. John’s United Church and its minister, The Rev. James Terry, and the foresight of Halton Presbytery Church Extension Council, in purchasing the parcel of land earlier, deserve mention here. Their considerable contributions gave the project momentum. A temporary building, provided by the Church Extension Council, was erected in time for Christmas activities, and the Christmas Sunday service saw it filled to capacity.

Sunday School classes were offered, starting in January, 1956. The temporary building could not contain the number of children who enrolled, making it necessary for neighbours to offer their homes as meeting places for some classes. In a short time, a request was made of Halton Presbytery to constitute and charter the new, growing congregation. A service of constitution was held at St. John’s United Church on Thursday, April 26, 1956, and the new congregation, boasting 218 charter members, was formally established. At a congregational supper, a few days later, the name, ST. PAUL’S, was chosen for the new church. Pastoral care to the fledgling congregation was ably and willingly provided, over the next fourteen months, by The Reverends J.Terry, H. Pawson, T. Smith, Capt. C. Nickerson and J.T. Heslop, all from St John’s United Church, until a Pastoral Relations Committee was established to seek out and recommend a suitable minister for St. Paul’s.

ST. PAUL’S CALLS ITS FIRST MINISTER

On July 1, 1957, at the invitation of St. Paul’s congregation, The Rev. George D. Watt arrived to assume ministerial duties, bringing with him his wife, Margaret and four children. Rev. Watt remained as our minister and friend for thirty years, until June 30, 1987, when he and Mrs. Watt moved west to take the pastoral charge at Jasper United Church in Alberta. Before leaving St. Paul’s, Rev. Watt accepted an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, bestowed on him by Victoria University, University of Toronto.

ROOTS REACH DOWN; BUILDINGS REACH UP

As the congregation grew in size, faith and enthusiasm, it was necessary to move out of the temporary building for worship services, and for a time, the congregation worshipped at Pinegrove Public School, and later, at W. H. Morden. Successive building programs got underway, starting in 1958, with the initial section of the Christian Education building and in 1960, the auditorium/gymnasium and classrooms were attached. In April, 1966, St. Paul’s congregation worshipped in its own Sanctuary for the first time.

MINISTERIAL STAFF, THROUGH THE YEARS

The Rev. J.F.A. Bewell served from 1963 to 1965 as Visiting Assistant. He was succeeded by The Rev. E.A. Chester as temporary Visiting Assistant, until The Rev. Karl Burden came as Assistant Minister on July 1, 1966. Rev. Burden served St. Paul’s until June 30, 1970.

The Rev. E.S. Yoshioka was St. Paul’s Assistant Minister from February 1, 1971, to August 31, 1974. The Rev. William K. Houslander replaced Rev. Yoshioka and stayed as Assistant Minister to June 30, 1980.

On September 1, 1980, we met The Rev. Gordon Legge and his wife, Marjorie for the first time. Rev. Legge was to serve as Assistant Minister and Visiting Assistant, from time to time, throughout the 80's, and helped ease us through the summer of 1987, by being a familiar face in the pulpit and around the church, when Rev. Dr. George D. Watt left St. Paul's after serving thirty years as our Senior Minister.  At his retirement, on June 30, 1988, the congregation honoured Rev. Legge with the title, "Minister Emeritus".

The Rev. R. Edward Black became Assistant Minister on September 1, 1982, and served in that capacity until August 31, 1986.

On July 1, 1987, the congregation welcomed its second Senior Minister, The Rev. Ronald T. Hunt.  Rev. Hunt, in his ten years at St. Paul's, worked with two associates, The Rev. Karen Inkster (July 1, 1988 to April 30, 1994) and Barbara Curzon (September 1, 1994 to June 30, 1999).  Rev. Hunt retired on June 30, 1997.

The Rev. Bill Dearborn served as Intentional Interim Minister from July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1999.

The Rev. D. Paul Crittenden assumed the role of Minister of Word and Sacrament on July 1, 1999 and continues to serve in that capacity. Allison Playfair joined the staff as Christian Development Associate, part time, from October 1, 1999, to June 30, 2002. On September 1, 2000, The Rev. Lexie Chamberlain was welcomed as Minister of Pastoral Care, part time. Rev. Lexie’s tenure, in that role, was to last only until June 30, 2001, when she departed to devote her time to motherhood. We were fortunate, on November 1, 2002, to welcome Rev. Lexie back as Associate Minister, part time.

On February 11, 2001, The Rev. Alan Harley, a member of our congregation, became the second person in the history of St. Paul’s to be honoured with the title, "Minister Emeritus".  Rev. Harley passed away in March, 2007.

On May 3, 2004, The Rev. D. Paul Crittenden received the degree, Doctor of Ministry, conferred on him by The Vancouver School of Theology.

STEPPING INTO OUR FIFTIETH YEAR

On April 24, 2005, we celebrated our 49th anniversary with a fitting worship service, followed by a congregational luncheon and entertainment provided by various St. Paul's groups.  This date also marked the taking of a very significant first step into our 50th year.

CELEBRATING A HALF CENTURY OF WORSHIP, OUTREACH, SERVICE & FELLOWSHIP

From April 24, 2005, through to April 23, 2006, St. Paul's 50th Anniversary Year was celebrated in a variety of ways.  The Anniversary Events were made all the more memorable by the presence of former ministers, members and friends of St. Paul's who came home to share in the celebrations.

Fiftieth Anniversary Weekend (April 22 and 23, 2006) was marked with a special edition of St. Paul's Annual Spring Variety Show, an Anniversary Worship Service, and an Anniversary Luncheon.

SEPTEMBER 2007 - A MONTH FULL OF CELEBRATIONS

Dedication of the Lift  

On Sunday, September 16, after many years of wishing and many months of deliberation, planning and construction, the completion of the lift project was realized.  Mayor Rob Burton and The Rev. Dr. Paul Crittenden cut a ceremonial ribbon, declaring the lift operational.  A celebratory luncheon was followed by the presentation, by members of the Access Committee, of a symbolic gold key to Dr. Paul, who in turn, dedicated the service of the lift for the people of St. Paul’s and to the glory of God.

Guests at the head table included representatives from The Ontario Trillium Foundation whose organization saw fit to award St. Paul’s a generous grant of $67,000 towards our goal.

Harry Buxton, a long-time member of St. Paul’s, spoke about how the lift will assist him and others with physical disabilities and expressed his appreciation for this project.

Many people were instrumental in seeing this undertaking through to completion and each one deserves special recognition.  With this endeavour accomplished, the people of St. Paul’s has found one more way to portray a welcoming spirit to those who require special assistance in order to attend the services and activities held in our facilities.

Congratulations and thank you.

Secretary’s Years of Service Celebrated

For more than eighteen years, Sonia Reddie has served St. Paul’s members and staff as secretary, confidante, comforter and friend.  On Sunday, September 23, the congregation celebrated Sonia’s years of service with a party in her honour, held in Watt Hall, after the worship service.

Gifts were presented, on behalf of the congregation, the Unified Board and the Ministry and Personnel Committee.  Those in attendance extended their best wishes to Sonia in her retirement as beverages and a special cake were served and enjoyed.

United Church Women Mark a Special Anniversary

Members of St. Paul’s UCW participated in the worship service on September 30.  The occasion was in recognition and in celebration of 45 years of UCW involvement in this congregation.

Former members were invited ‘home’ for this special Sunday and some travelled considerable distances to attend.

Refreshments were served in Watt Hall as members and visitors met and mingled.  A display of UCW memorabilia generated some memories and laughter as the ladies reminisced about times past.

Halfway through the year 2008, we bade a fond and reluctant farewell to two special people, The Rev. Dr. Paul and Mrs. Joan Crittenden, with a splendid,
packed and unforgettable party after worship on June 22nd. The Crittendens had diligently served St. Paul's for nine adventurous, action-filled years, including our special 50th Anniversary Year, 2005 - 2006.

In September, we welcomed The Rev. Stephen Iverson as Supply Minister, to work along with Rev.
Lexie, allowing a Joint Needs Assessment Committee and a Search Committee the time required to find a replacement for Rev. Crittenden.

This brief history is only part of the ongoing story of a very active, vibrant congregation.  Stay tuned!