Our History
"Within twelve miles of the City of Toronto, the Metropolis of Ontario, and in the centre of as beautiful, fertile and prosperous agriculture as is to be found in the province, there stands Knox Church, Scarboro. The Church site at first consisting of one acre, the gift of the late Mr. Thomas Kennedy to the congregation, is situated on the S. W corner of lot 26, con. 3 in the Township of Scarboro, in the County of York. A second acre was subsequently purchased by the congregation. Around the church is the burial ground. "
This description of Knox is from the 50th Anniversary book of Knox in 1898. The area has certainly changed in the last 100 years, and Knox still is an important landmark at the north east comer of Midland and Sheppard avenues.
The first Communion was dispensed at Knox on June 25th, 1848 to forty members of the Congregation. Knox was originally a Free Presbyterian Church. At the time of Union in 1925, a majority of members voted to join the United Church of Canada. There were some members, however, who moved half a block further west on Sheppard Avenue and built Knox Presbyterian Church. During our 150th Anniversary year in 1998, the two congregations participated in several activities together.
A church building was constructed 1848. An addition was erected in 1856 and then in 1872, a new brick church was built "which cost $7,000." Within two years, the spire was blown off in a heavy windstorm and in 1893, portions of both sides of the roof were tom off in a terrific storm.
The church building experienced many changes in the next 128 years. In 1903, the floor of the sanctuary was raised so that it slopes about 18 inches from back to front. In 1904, an addition was built on the east where the church offices are still located.
In 1928, the front of the sanctuary was altered to accommodate a Casavant pipe organ and in recent years, there has been further enhancement of the organ. In 1939, leaded glass windows were installed and in 2000, these were refurbished and stained glass inserts added.
In 1949, there was a need to enlarge the church facilities to accommodate the growing congregation and provide space for Sunday School. The cemetery is close to the church building and it was determined that the best solution would be to excavate under the building! Volunteers were organized into five teams for one shift each day of the week and the work began early in 1950 and the new facilities were dedicated in March.
Agincourt continued to grow and again in 1957-58, there was need for additional facilities. The Christian Centre was built to the north of the cemetery and a narthex added at the entrance to the church. The steeple was refurbished and clad with copper in 1982.
A major project was completed in our 150th Anniversary Year. We had recognized the need to make our building more accessible and so a $320,000 Knox Renewal Project was undertaken between 1996 and 1998 to upgrade the Church building, improve the parking lot, re-shingle the roof and improve the sanctuary windows. An addition was built on the north side which blends with the architecture and brick of the original building. A lift and new stairway provide access to the lower auditorium, the Heritage Room, which was also rejuvenated during the project.
All of the efforts of the congregation for Renewal reinforce the belief of the congregation that Knox has an important role in this new century. We want to be the church of choice for people in Scarborough and since 1998 have been working on a program we have designated as "Bridges to the Future". Knox has a contemporary worship service - "Thursday Night Live" with a lively band and lots of participation by everyone. We are trying to be very deliberate and consistent in welcoming people who come to worship with us and trying to find ways to integrate them into our church family. We have a commitment to the development and expansion of Small Group Ministry and in 1999/2000 have begun this program. We also hope to be more "child-friendly" and so have begun some successful Sunday afternoon / supper programs - an Advent Family Event with potluck supper & movie afternoons.
Women's groups have always been strong at Knox. Currently there are four units of the United Church Women. In reviewing the 152 years of history, the women have always been very active and vital part of the church. The report of the W.F.M.S. (Women's Foreign Mission Society) was given prominence with the Session and Trustees' reports in the so" Anniversary book
In 1848 and for the first 50 years, the eldership had the spiritual oversight of the Congregation and all organizations were subject to their control. Knox continues to appoint both visiting and committee elders to do the work of the church. In 1990, the Constitution of Knox was updated and the organization changed from an Official Board with a Session and Stewards to a unified Board and an Executive.
Knox has had thirty-two ministers during our 152 year history. Each one has brought special gifts and talents to share with the congregation. Three of the first five pastors became Moderators of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
Knox looks forward to the future and will continue to offer programs to meet the needs of current members and those of the people in the community.
A great deal has changed since 2000. The Thursday evening service was discontinued; some small groups continue; the UCW continues to be strong with 2 units; visiting elders visit regularly; the Constitution has been updated and there is now a Council.
There is a growing Chinese ministry, including a part-time Coordinator and a variety of activities. On the second Sunday of the month, there is a time of fellowship and learning following the service for Mandarin speaking persons.
The Church School program has grown and the Christian Education Coordinator reported recently that “48 children are registered, representing over 25 families. And on any given Sunday about 35-40 adults, high school student volunteers, and children gather for a time of learning, creating, singing, playing, sharing, and being with friends!”
Knox has recently experienced some ministerial changes and we are planning a future which will continue to provide ministry and mission in Agincourt.