Archivist’s Corner

History

The first Presbyterians to arrive in what is now Lindsay gathered around a stump in 1835 to hear
itinerant ministers preach the gospel and celebrate the sacraments. Within less than thirty years, two
congregations – one connected with the Church of Scotland and the other with the Canada Presbyterian
Church – were established in town, the former worshipping in a building on Francis Street opposite the
present-day City Hall, and the latter worshipping in a building on Peel Street, opposite the present-day
Curling Club. In 1875, these two congregations united under the newly formed Presbyterian Church in
Canada. Twelve years later, on January 2, 1887, the present building was opened.

Our Church Building

Designed by Lindsay architect William Duffus, the Gothic Revival building evokes the appearance of the
great cathedrals in the British Isles and continental Europe – a testament to the faith and confidence of
the congregation. Some 100 000 white bricks were used to raise a sanctuary measuring 60 feet in width and 76 feet in
length, complete with a battlemented tower rising to 75 feet in height that continues to be one of Lindsay’s most
recognizable landmarks. This tower features the horns of the carillon. The carillon bells ring out the hour and play
hymns intermittently during the day. A new pipe organ was installed in 1899, rebuilt in 1927, and replaced with an
electronic instrument in 1967. A new Sunday School building – complete with a sizable parish hall – was constructed
at the southeast corner of Peel and William Streets in 1900. Over the years, this space has played host to countless
meetings, suppers, receptions, youth events, and other opportunities to foster faith and fellowship.

In 2009, a fully accessible addition was opened, complete with ample meeting space for church and community groups
to live out their respective missions in this, the heart of downtown Lindsay.
Nursery: We have a beautifully decorated nursery with a large window to let in the sunshine. The nursery is located on
the main floor of our new addition.

Commercial Kitchen: Leveraged for community giving programs, congregational and community events.
We make our spaces available to the community for a variety of purposes. We look forward to growth in
this area.