Minister: The Rev. Henry Marissen, B.A., M.Div. — 519-689-7285 or E-mail to 'The Manse'
Recent Activities & Concerns
[This section pending web page development.]
The history of the present United Church in Merlin dates back to January 11, 1898. It was on that day that it was decided to build the Merlin Methodist Church. Mr. Edward Randall, a local preacher, made an offer that could not be refused. He would give a donation of $200 if a church costing not less than $4000 were to be built.
Almost immediately several people got involved with a canvass for further donations. Within two weeks $3225 had been collected.
A building committee was formed, and tenders were accepted for the building of the new church. After some deliberation, and with the influence of the Ladies Aid, a tender of $4500 was accepted. J. Mckerrall of Chatham became the architect and contractor.
Where to build the church was the next concern. The problem was solved by a Mr. G.C. Marshall who offered the deed from the old mill site in return for filling up the old mill pond. This offer was accepted, and work began on the new building. On July 1, 1898, three corner stones were laid, and the building was in progress. The original contract did not include pews, and once again the influence of Ladies Aid became a deciding factor. Rather than straight plank pews, curved finished pews were installed at a cost of $200, making the total cost of the new building $4880. This included an acetylene plant for lighting.
On November 21, 1898 the dedication of the church took place, with Rev. A.E. Baker of Park St. Methodist Church, Chatham, officiating. There was an service, as well as the morning service. The dedication services were followed by a great celebration the following evening with Dr. Samson of Windsor occupying the chair.
On June 10, 1925 members of the Congregational, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches came together to form the United Church of Canada. It was at this time that Fletcher United Church was placed with Merlin United Church, along with Wesley United Church in Port Crewe, to form a three point Pastoral Charge. Port Crew is no longer part of the present Pastoral Charge. Some early pre-Union ministers: Rev. A.E.M. Thomson (1903-06); Rev. W.H. Taylor, (1908-09); Rev. A.H.. Brown (1909-1912); Rev. W.R. Vance (1912-16); Rev. Albert Walden (1916-19); Rev. S. Murray (1919-26). From the History of Merlin United church as compiled by Thelma Hawkes and Doris Paterson.
Ministers of Merlin Church (Methodist)
This page first placed on the Web 10 February 1997.
Visitor # since 31 May 1997