1952 – 2022

St. Christopher’s is 70 years old this year!

Imagine all that has transpired over those 70 years and just how many clergy, staff, and parishioners have helped St. Christopher’s on its way. Many rich and enduring memories and friendships have been made here.

• Canon Heathcote, rector of St. Luke’s, recognized the need for a new parish to the north as people were flocking to north Burlington. He worked hard to find the spot upon which to found this new mission.
• On March 2, 1952, the first worship service was held in a schoolhouse at Fisher’s Corners. Twelve people attended.
• The new “mission” was named St. Christopher’s, the patron saint of travel, being located at the junction of the highways to Toronto and Hamilton. The tapestry in the bump-out depicts the Christ-bearer, Christopher.
• In 1954 St. Christopher’s had over 100 families, and Bishop Bagnall recognized it had reached parish status. A building committee was established, and land was purchased for $10,000. An organ was located in Guelph for $850.
• On March 8, 1955 (3 years after the first Palm Sunday service) the church was dedicated and Rev. Harry Mansfield was officially inducted as the first rector.
• 1956 – The newsletter, “Christopher” was published. There were 260 families, and the church school had 300 children. The budget was $40,466.
• 1959 – More land was acquired at a cost of $11,000 and plans were underway for an addition to the building.
• 1960 – Exciting day! The new building was dedicated. It was made of Ontario stone, and laminated cedar beams from BC, and a blue mosaic reredos. A cross over the altar was invisibly suspended in front of the reredos. The building had flagstone walkways and a cloister garden, which harboured many beautiful rose bushes.
• 1995 – Project 2000 was initiated. A special vestry passed the motion to build the building with which we are all now familiar. The vision was to reach out to all who entered the doors, and to offer help wherever needed. In this way, our church would fulfil its destiny as the Christ bearer.

And now, as we give thanks for this church, and its place in our lives, and as we look back, we can somehow appreciate that vision in that schoolhouse, and the dedication of Canon Heathcote. Here’s to our forbears, and the gifts they have bestowed upon us. Onward, to the next 70 years!