The Sturgeon Point Union Church community is grateful that we gather on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg and on lands covered by the Williams Treaties and Treaty 20, lands now known as the Kawartha Lakes.
There has been a place of worship on this site since 1888. The octagonal wooden church you see today was constructed in 1915, replacing a tent and later, an open air structure. Designated an Ontario heritage building, the church is a vital part of village life used for worship services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals, concerts, plays, films, community talks and meetings. The church supports a number of local charities, which in turn support the needs of a wider community. All are welcome to join us on summer Sundays at 10:30am for worship service and speakers, and all are welcome to rent the space for special occasions.
We gratefully accept tax-deductible donations by e-transfer ([email protected]) or by cheque (to Sturgeon Point Union Church, 43 Irene Ave, Fenelon Falls ON K0M 1N0). Please refer to the weddings and events tab for further information.
History
Clara Flavelle (nee Ellsworth and, later, Lady Flavelle) commissioned Toronto architect A. Frank Wickson to build an octagonal church, based on the design of a chapel in Georgia that she had admired. Though the Flavelles were Methodists, the project was for the building of an ‘independent’ church. The new Sturgeon Point Union Church was presented to the village on July 11, 1915, in a service attended by cottagers and Lindsay residents, many of whom made the trip on the steamer, Lintonia.
The eight-sided church is constructed of Georgia pine. It has windows on seven sides and is supported by a central pillar from which beams branch out to meet the sloping ceiling. From the roof, dormer windows admit additional light and, above them, a belfry houses the bell which calls villagers to Sunday services. Three sections of pews separated by two aisles face the pulpit, choir seats and organ. Behind these, a small vestry and anteroom complete the building.
The church has remained independent, welcoming worshipers of all creeds. It is administered by a board of trustees and a committee elected at an annual congregational meeting. It is supported solely by free-will offerings, and supports a number of local charities. The church has a strong tradition of engagement with many of the region’s needs.
Another longstanding Sturgeon Point tradition is the welcoming of visiting pastors and lay speakers. They bring to the pulpit the experiences of their own communities, in this way enriching ours.
Over the years, the church has increasingly been used as a community centre, hosting concerts, plays, speakers and many other civic gatherings.