History

Brown's Corners (circa 1899)

A group of Presbyterian worshippers formed a congregation in Brown's Corners in 1842. In the following year they built a little log church on land donated by Alexander Brown. He had bought the farm land at the northwest corner of Highway 7 and Don Mills Rd. (later named Woodbine Ave.) In 1873, a frame church replaced the log building. Then a brick church was built and dedicated in 1899. The cost was $1050.00.

In 1925, when there was a union of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists to form The United Church of Canada, the people of Brown's Corners voted to be a United Church. This church served many families in the surrounding area, especially in Buttonville, a mile to the north. The children would walk to Sunday School, which was held prior to the church service. Then the parents would arrive and the children would join them to sit in the pews. A large choir would sing rousing anthems, accompanied by pump organ and piano. The minister would preach an inspiring sermon. Sometimes there would be pot-luck suppers and other social events held in the church.

It became necessary to enlarge the church and an addition was constructed in 1960. As well, the existing building was renovated. Following the dedication of the new church, a decision was made to hold an annual fund-raising smorgasbord dinner in October.

The church was surrounded by farms until the 70's when the lands were sold, one after another, for commercial use and housing. The Buttonville Airport had been established in 1945 and continued to grow. The roads were widened, paved and became very busy. In the mid 80's, a steeple was erected on the church to identify it as a place of worship, seen by many travelers on our highways.

Many of the people in the church were moving away. Some members have continued to drive a distance to still support the church. There are several members who are descendents of the Brown family and the Hood family (also an original family in the church).

Our church reaches out to help community organizations and charities, such as the Lions club, Al-Anon, Micah (affordable housing), Pathways for Youth and Families, Canadian Foodgrains Bank (to combat world hunger), Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research, Markham Food Bank, Camp Big Canoe for children and Alcoholics Anonymous. A Chinese Alliance congregation makes use of our building for their service, following the United Church service. We have learned to minister well together.

Copyright 2009 Brown's Corners United Church.