The early days of Port Hope United Church

As early as 1813 Methodist services were held in Port Hope (Smith’s Creek) in locations such as a small log house which also served as a school house, a bar room, and a school house on Protestant Hill.  On December the 21st, 1833 land was deeded and contractors were hired to build the first Methodist church in Port Hope. “The edifice was erected and dedicated to the service of God August 11th, 1835”. 

As the congregation continued to increase, enlargements were made on two separate occasions with the church having to go into debt to a total of $1600.00.  By the time this debt was paid it was realized once again that more larger accommodations were necessary, however, there was no place to put the additions. Wesleyan Methodists of Port Hope realized that there congregations was fast outgrowing their building.  They were determined to build a larger, more handsome edifice, which would be more in accordance with modern ideas and could afford the necessary convenience for holding regular services, and other church functions. 

In 1870 a committee had recommended a lot on Brown St. be purchased.  On April the 26th the resolution was unanimously adopted that the purchase be made and on September the 6th the land was purchased for the sum of $1600.

Early in 1874 Smith and Gemmel of Toronto presented the design and specifications for a new church and a contract for construction was awarded on June 9th, 1874.  At 7:00 a.m. August 26th, 1874 the town fire alarm was sounded.  In a few hours the old church was consumed by fire. 
On September 2nd, 1874 the corner stone was laid by Dr. Enoch Wood, president of Bay of Quinte Conference.  During erection of the new church, church services were held in the music hall, which was located over the present Royal Bank of Canada located on Walton St.  Worship continued there until September 12th, 1875.  Sabbath school and the usual weekly evening services were held atthe YMCA.  On September 12th, 1875 the Sunday school room was dedicated by the pastor of the church Rev. E.B. Harper M.A. and the Rev. Dr. Neles of Cobourg.  The main building was completed and officially opened on Thursday, March 2nd, 1876 by the Reverend B.I. Ives of Auborn, N.Y.  The audience was the largest ever brought together in one building in Port Hope; at least 1500 people were present.  Every denomination in town was represented. It remained as a Methodist church until June 10th, 1925 when the union of the Methodist Congregational and a large part of the Presbyterian churches came together to form the United Church of Canada. 

During World War II, 135 of our congregation were in uniform and over 100 served overseas.  In the Post war years, expansion was once again necessary when membership increased from 771 to 1186 people and Sunday school enrollment went from 299 – 578.  By 1955 it became apparent that more adequate facilities for the Sunday school and other Youth organizations were required.  “Faith in action” was organized to procure financial commitments from the congregations for an expansion program.  Reconstruction was completed in 1958 establishing excellent facilities for effective religious education and spiritual development of our youth. The upper level became known as Hancock hall named for Bev Hancock a long-time superintendent of the Sunday School, and the lower level was named Cronk Hall in honour of Rev. Keith Cronk the minister who spear-headed the expansion.
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