Norwich United Church

History Timeline

1811	Methodist Michael Stover arrives in Norwich. Quaker settlement.
1813	Methodist circuit riders including Rev. Wm. Ryerson hold meeting in Stover Home.
1820	Frame church constructed on present site on land donated by Stover.
1834	Rev. Thomas McMullen, first resident minister.
1839	Village of Norwichville (also known as Sodom) growing up around Methodist Church.
1840's	Methodism in Norwichville rises rapidly thanks to house- to-house visiting and women's prayer meetings led by Mary Merrill, the "Barbara Heck" of Norwich Methodism.
1851	First parsonage built east of church, later moved to 108 Church St.
1861	Church building moved from site to become home of Couzen's Carriage Works.
1862	Building and dedication of the new brick church (#2) on original site (65' X 36').
1875	New brick parsonage built at cost of $2000.
1877	Episcopal Methodists build church on corner of Albert and Elgin Streets.
1884	Union of several branches of Methodism. Sale of Episcopal church to Baptists. Demolition of #2 building.
1885	Cornerstone laid for building #3 on site, Wm. Mellish of Brantford Architect, Wm. Merrill Builder.
1886	Dedication of "Handsome Church Ediface" (62' x 110') built at cost of $14 000, using two hundred thousand locally made bricks.
1892	Ontario Premier Oliver Mowat comes to the church to give a lecture on "The Evidences of Christianity" and Pauline Johnson "The Indian Poetess" gives recital here.
1900	Union talks with the Presbyterian Church progressing favourably Anglicans and Baptists Observers.
1913	Severe windstorm causing one church spire to fall through the roof into the Sanctuary, other spires removed.
1925	Sanctuary renovated, chair loft brought forward.
1925	Church unions with 31 Presbyterians, 1 Congregationalist, 31 Charter Members (some Quakers) and 451 Methodists forming Norwich United Church.
1929	Lowering of basement floor, redecorating of sanctuary.
1930's	Many missionary rallies, one featuring Dr. Charles Endicott.
1940's	Many prayer and work meetings related to WWI.
1953	Repairs to brickwork and redecorating of basement and auditorium cost - $14 000.80
1959	Building of Christian education wing, cost of $24 000.
1962	Combination of WA, "the Marthas," and WMS, "the Marys," into the UCW
1967	Landscaping and refurbishing of church as a centennial project.
1971	Church life film made by Al Munro.
1984	Designation of church and manse under the Ontario Heritage Act.
1986	100th anniversary of 3rd building with many events including the opening of cornerstone to remove 1885 time capsule.
1988	Renovations to manse.
1991	Renovations to church to provide offices and accessibility.