The Howick United Church Congregation came into being in December 1924, as a result of a vote within local Protestant Churches to determine the number favourable to joining the United Church of Canada.
This group first held services in the Howick Temperance Hall on Colville Street. During the next three years, the decision was made to continue as a congregation of the United Church of Canada, to acquire property, and to build a church. This took much time and learning, consideration and energy.
It was decided to purchase the old stone mill and adjoining lots from T.T. Gebbie and to recycle materials from the mill wherever possible. Members of the congregation provided many hours of labour during the dismantling of the mill and digging the basement for their new church. Fund raising became a way of life for these ambitious folks.
Craftsmen involved in the project included: Architect: Frank Peden, Montreal; Contractors: Faulkner & Carruthers, Moorewood, Ontario; Construction Superintendent: George W. Simpson from Hemmingford.
The cornerstone was laid on Saturday, October 8, 1927. During the ongoing excitement and activity of construction, worship took place in the Temperance Hall. The day of moving into the new church home finally came. The dedication took place on Sunday, June 10, 1928 with special worship and music.
In order to seriously consider the history of any small rural church like Howick United, its “shepherd” must be considered, as well. The shepherd, pastor or minister is the person responsible for leading worship and caring for the people of the congregation. Rev. John G. Greig of Valleyfield acted as advisor for Howick after the Union vote in December, 1924. Howick United Church was founded as an independent, one-point charge with a full-time minister, Rev. Donald McLeod in 1925. A Manse was provided for the minister and his family.
In May of 1927, the members of Knox Church in St. Louis de Gonzague entered upon a co- operative agreement with Howick United Church, whereby the minister from Howick would lead Sunday afternoon worship in St. Louis and would have general oversight of the congregation. This arrangement worked well, but by 1945 the numbers had decreased and it was decided that St. Louis members would attend Howick. The co-operative agreement explains how it is that the St. Louis Cemetery is under the umbrella of Howick, with an independent group of trustees in charge of oversight and maintenance.
The one-point charge, with full-time minister concept, continued through 16 ordained and student leaders over the next 67 years. When Rev. Malcolm Cogswell and his wife, Jean, departed for Lachute in 1991, Montreal Presbytery suggested an Interim Supply team for Howick. Rev. David Locchead and Rev. Marta Frascati came for a ten month period while they studied at McGill. The Church office acted as their headquarters. It should be noted that until this relationship, Howick ministers had been male and married; with the clergy’s spouse taking an active part in the church’s groups and activities. In 1992, Howick welcomed its first single woman to the pulpit; Rev. Beverley Burlock served full time until medical leave made it necessary for her to step aside. Once again, Montreal Presbytery helped by suggesting Rev. Tad Mitsui as part time supply for the duration of the medical leave.
Unfortunately, life became tangled for a time with a mix of rules, feelings and possibilities. Presbytery continued to guide all parties through this difficult period. As a result, Tad continued on a part-time basis. He and his wife Muriel moved to Howick. It was known from the start that this pastoral relationship would last only until Muriel’s graduate studies were completed and she would move on to the next step of her career.Tad and Muriel were instrumental in establishing the Parish Nurse Program which was a blessing to the whole community for a number of years.
Rev. Birgit Neuschild followed Tad, and continued the part-time tradition during her time in Howick (2001 – 2010). She also took on the worship schedule at Ormstown’s CHSLD and offered a monthly morning service in the French language at Howick United Church. When the search began for a minister to replace Rev. Neuschild, the innovative suggestion was made to seek a co-operative ministry with our neighbours, the Franklin/Ormstown charge and their minister, Rev. Barbara Bryce. The negotiation was productive, resulting in a shared ministry with three preaching points. Obviously, one person could not be in three places every week. Howick chose to fill their empty Sundays by inviting Lay Worship Leader Debbie Beattie to be with us. This was a satisfying experience, concluding with a rather sad farewell to Debbie in June of 2024, when Franklin United closed their church. At present we continue the shared ministry of Ormstown/Howick with Rev. Barbara, giving thanks for her presence.
This account looks at clergy leadership, with little focus on other activity. That will require another story. A list of clergy is available in the church history, “This Church of Ours 1924-2009”