Our History

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was formed in 1925 as a result of dissatisfaction with the proposed entry of the Presbyterian Church in Canada into union which brought the United Church of Canada into existence on June 10, 1925.

Division Street Presbyterian and Knox Presbyterian churches had voted in favour of union. Those who disagreed formed the Presbyterian Church Association and began to hold services in January 1925, first in the Women's Temperance Hall and then in the Classic Movie Theatre to accommodate the large attendance. Visiting ministers conducted services. The St. Andrew's congregation was formally organized on June 3, 1925. In August 1925, elders were elected for the new congregation.

A major issue during this time, was the division of properties and recompense for the "union" and "stalwart" congregations. Negotiations continued at all levels of government resulting in St. Andrew's being given $7,500.00 and then their decision in 1926 to build their own church.

In May 1926, St. Andrew's called Rev. John Taylor Strachan as the first minister of St. Andrew's, Owen Sound. The church was finally completed and dedicated on May 22, 1927.

This church has maintained its calling to be an active presence in Owen Sound and to this day, thanks to the vision and commitment of the congregation and succeeding ministers, St. Andrew's continues to lead a vital life of Christian Witness in Owen Sound.

(notes from "Owen Sound at Worship" by Minister Emeritus Rev. Kenneth Barker - Senior Minister at St. Andrew's 1989-1997)

Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church are of superior quality and organization. They are valued gifts from family members of the church who have had intimate connections with the history and story of St. Andrew's Church Owen Sound. All windows were designed by McCausland Stained Glass, Toronto. The windows tell the story of the life of Christ beginning with His Nativity and ending with His resurrection. •Our windows remain visual sermons, visual riddles to be solved with Bible knowledge and Bible stories.

One window to study is "The Light of the World" where the figures of St. Andrew (our Patron Saint) and St. Paul (most well-known convert and leader in spreading the Gospel) flank the figure of Christ holding a lamp at a doorway. This window is a reflection on the famous Holman Hunt painting "The Light of the World" where Christ is portrayed as a figure trying to enter the 'door to our hearts'.