History of LSA

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The following write-up is copied from a Lakeshore St. Andrew’s bulletin published in September, 1983. It acts as a succinct summary of our congregations early history up until the late twentieth century:

“Newspaper articles (dated May 1929) give evidence that St. Andrew’s Church, Puce, has existed for 125 years. Religious services were held before 1854, in what was then known as the Scotch Settlement. In 1854, Rev. Wm. King of Buxton, Kent County, made frequent visits to preach. The community grew and so in 1868 the first Presbyterian church was built from plans drawn by Rev. King. The church was dedicated on the fourth Sunday of November, 1868. The organization of the congregation, with a communion roll of 14 was undertaken in 1873 by Rev. John Gray of Windsor. Two members of session were appointed. In 1880, Rev. King resigned his charge in Buxton. He was inducted in the Puce charge on November 28, 1880, and preached for three years, when he was retired. From 1883-1904, Puce was supplied by Presbytery appointments.

Rev. A.R. Linton began work in St. Andrew’s in 1904, and continued a faithful ministry until 1921. During his time, the mission became a church. In early 1922, the church became a fully self-supporting charge. On April 6, 1924 a second church was dedicated. Much of the labour and material had been donated. Mr. George Patillo gave the site for this building. In February 1925, the old church was sold and moved from the cemetery, on the lake ice, to Tecumseh. On January 18, 1961, a motion was made to abandon the church premises, due to unsafe conditions and services from then until the opening of the present church (number 3) on October 20, 1963 were held in the church hall. The church manse, across from the present church, was built in 1951. Due to a fast growing community, it has become necessary to expand at St. Andrew’s. Construction is now complete for the new Christian Education Facilities, joining the church and the nearby church hall. To date (June 1979) St. Andrew’s congregation consists of 126 families.”

While this brief outline leaves many questions unanswered, it does exemplify the long and consistent development of Lakeshore St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. As we move into the future, we look forward to what God will do in our midst.