The Methodists of Kensington worshiped in a local hall until finally erecting this church in 1889. Not a terribly large building, it was doubtless large enough for the Kensington of the 1890s. Relatively plain in detail, it has been given a very nice bell tower, however. Square to the bottom of the belfry, there it becomes octagonal, with eight gablets serving as the openings of the belfry. Above is the obligatory tall octagonal steeple, this one with several rows of fish scale style shingling just above the belfry.
When, in 1925,
Church Union in Canada took place, the Unionists of the Presbyterian Church took it over, forcing the Presbyterian faithful to meet in King George Hall, which at that time was next to their church. The Unionists had no preacher until 1926, and even then their minister was only temporary. Though the joining of former Presbyterians and Methodists took place primarily in 1925, when essentially all United Churches were formed, it was not until the summer of 1927 that the Unionist Presbyterians joined the Methodists in their (this) church, thereby forming the Kensington United Church. At that time the Presbyterian faithful were able to reoccupy their church, which they continue to do today.
Beginning in 1928 extensive renovations took place, including moving the church back from the street and placing it on a concrete foundation. This explains the "
1928" date prominently displayed in the foundation of an 1889 building. It's quite evident just to the right of the main entrance, which, incidentally, has a nice rose window in its transom.
Prior to 1889, Methodist services were held in a local hall in Kensington. However, when the railway arrived, the Methodist congregation grew along with the town population, and by 1887, it was apparent that a new church was needed. The property for the church was donated by George W. W. Bentley, a farmer who had moved to Kensington and set himself up in the mercantile business. Bentley also served as a member of the provincial legislature for 15 years, and acted as Commissioner of Public Lands. In any event, the Methodist church was certainly grateful for his assistance in their search for land.
In 1925, the Church Union of Methodists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists banded together to form the United Church of Canada. While four of the five Presbyterian session members from Kensington were in favor of union, the issue split the parishioners down the middle. The Presbyterian clergyman-- Rev. A. W. Robertson-- let it be known that he would continue to minister to those who stayed together as anti-Unionists. This part of the Presbyterian congregation soon started holding their own prayer meetings in the King George Hall.
The Unionist Presbyterians, on the other hand, stood pat and continued to worship in the old Presbyterian church. They celebrated services with visiting ministers until the Rev. J. P. Saint was called from Bermuda and remained for several months in 1926. Shortly after April of 1927, the Presbyterian Unionists decided to unify with the Methodists, joining them in their place of worship to form the Kensington United Church.
In 1928, the fifty-year old church underwent extensive renovations, where it was moved back from the street and attached to a concrete basement. In 1965, the Murray Christian Centre was completed, and this complex added a gymnasium, boardroom, stage, and nine classrooms. This centre is a beehive of activity for church members and town residents alike, as it houses a daycare, Sunday school classes, and even an auditorium for community functions. While the beliefs of the church have not changed substantially, its facilities certainly have come a long way since the days of Chappel's Pulpit on the New London riverbank.
From Kensington Net