Church History

Maple Grove United Church was initially an offshoot of St. James United in Oakville. Services and Sunday School commenced in 1955 in the auditorium of Maple Grove Public School. Maple Grove United Church was officially constituted on June 16, 1957 at a special meeting of St. John’s United. The charter roll had 160 names. Maple Grove called its initial Minister, Rev. D. T. Sloan on July 4, 1958. Rev. Sloan was followed by calls to:

• Rev. W. J. Carson;
• Rev. Donald Cornish;
• Rev. Dr. Philip E. Johnson;
• Rev. Dr. Morar Murray-Hayes;
• Rev. Kerry Stover;
• our current minister, Rev. Jessica McCrae.

A building committee was formed in March, 1958 and James A. Murray was chosen as the architect. The building plans were approved at a special Congregational Meeting on November 23, 1958. Construction commenced on June 28, 1959. The new building hosted its first Worship service on April 10, 1960 and was officially dedicated
May, 1, 1960. The building has undergone at least three major renovations since 1960 seeing the addition of the gymnasium, professional kitchen and a reconfiguration of the office space. The Sanctuary remains largely the same as envisioned by our founders while the later additions provide a social and spiritual hub for Southeast Oakville – also part of the founding vision.

One key area of change in the Sanctuary is the addition of a number of beautiful stained-glass windows. Such elements were outside the initial building budget and have been added as memorials and fund raisers. They are a striking focal point in the Sanctuary adding character to the space and seem to draw the Holy Spirit into the room.

Music programs were quickly established commencing in 1958 and remain a key priority as part of our Worship and of our community outreach. We currently have a chancel choir, bell choir and a youth choir supported by a number of instrumentalists. Music programs are currently under the expert guidance of Dr. Deborah Henry who may be reached via the church office.

As we move through our second half-century, Maple Grove United remains vibrant community, committed to providing for the spiritual needs of its congregation and serving the needs of the greater local and global communities. We are committed to the work of reconciliation, diversity, social justice, poverty reduction and climate action.

Excerpts from: Maple Grove United Church 25th Anniversary
1955 – 1980 – a booklet of writings compiled by Arnot Goodwin, 1980