(Former) Leith Presbyterian Church - Leith, ON
Posted by: jiggs11
N 44° 37.305 W 080° 52.632
17T E 509741 N 4940940
Former Presbyterian Church in Leith, ON, now a special occasion United Church.
Waymark Code: WMMHP3
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 09/23/2014
Views: 4
The Leith Prysbyterian church was built in 1865. Originally the Auld Kirk under the Church of Scotland, it was combined with several other denominations to create the United Church in Canada in 1925.
From the Leith Church website:
"The design follows the tradition of simple chapel building practised by the non-conformists of the British Isles. With its large rectangular windows, box pews and a singular lack of ornamentation, Leith Church truly reflects its Scottish roots and the austere soul of Calvinism. The only adornment was a ceiling chandelier (with its many kerosene lamps), which hung from the existing ornate plaster medallion until 1945 when electricity was installed. Below it, a high box pulpit gives commanding testimonial to the importance assigned by Presbyterianism to preaching."
Noted Canadian artist Tom Thompson was an active member up until his untimely death in 1917. He is interred in the cemetery. An Ontario historic plaque is outside the church entrance.
Regular services were held until 1969.
Now, services are conducted on the church anniversary in August and Cemetery Celebration in May.
The church is open to all in the afternoon on summer Sundays.
Presbyterian Denomination: Presbyterian Church in Canada
Status: Inactive/Vacant/Ruin
Address: 419134 Tom Thomson Lane. Leith, ON CA N0H 1V0
Date Built: 1865
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
Architect: Not listed
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