History of Glenora United Church

 

Before 1850, the Glenora area was part of the Marysburgh branch of the Hallowell Circuit. The earliest Circuit Rider or Methodist Missionary in the area was legendary William Losee who arrived in Marysburgh from Adolphus town in 1791. James C. Wilson granted the land for the Church at Glenora. The first parish on Lake-on-the-Mountain was established in 1857 and with the help of subscribers and labour by Church members the church building was begun in 1875 and completed by New Years in 1877. Mr. Wilson insisted that the Church have a basement and agreed to pay for it personally. At the time the church was named “Mount Carmel.” In 1884, the name was changed to Glenora. 

 

In 1925, the congregations of Glenora voted to join the United Church of Canada. The membership fell rapidly for a few years and in 1936 a motion was passed that owing to financial difficulties Glenora church be closed until further notice at the discretion of Presbytery. From the minutes of the Official Board the following is taken. “Moved by Rev. Odgen, seconded by Recording Steward Frank Eaton that Glenora Church be taken off circuit and put on as a mission under the jurisdiction of Picton United Church of Canada.” 

 

The building fell into disrepair and became the topic of an article in the Country Gentleman in 1943. Certain citizens of the area and the United Church of Canada reacted to the challenge and repaired the church under the ministry of student George Teskey. By late Saturday evening, June 17, 1944, the weary labourers stood back and pridefully considered their accomplishment. The Glenora Church was once again ready to take its rightful place as a centre of Christian worship. The official re-opening took place on Sunday evening, July 18, 1944. A capacity congregation thrilled to the singing of the old familiar hymns with Mrs. Irene Snider as organist. 

 

In 1944, the first bell of the church was installed in the steeple. This bell was cast in a foundry at the bottom of the hill at Glenora. 

 

In 1962, extensive repairs were made to the church building including the re-building of the Church steeple which had been struck by lightning on several occasions. In 1972, further alterations were made to the basement. A furnace was installed and facilities for kitchen, Sunday School and a dining and recreation hall were built. In 1996, further alterations were made by adding an addition to the east side. This comprised of a wheel chair entrance plus new bathrooms. The church was served by student ministers from 1943-1977, and residence was provided by the charge in the nearby parsonage which was sold in 1978. Standing on an escarpment of 200 feet above the Bay of Quinte and about the same distance from the beautiful and mysterious Lake-on-the-Mountain stands the Glenora United Church. 

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"Celebrating 125 years on September, 9, 2001."

 

December 27, 2020, was the last service in Glenora United Church. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only a few were in the sanctuary with remaining on Zoom. The church was sold to a couple making it their home. 

 

Compiled by Eva Monroe

June 2001.