By Rosalind Russell – Last year, Espanola marked the 100th anniversary of the Anglican Church and this year, the community will mark the 100th anniversary of the United Church as a national organization across Canada.
The Espanola United Church, or the Espanola Pastoral Charge as it is known in some circles, is older due to its diverse roots.
This quaint church now shares the same minister, Rev Bev, with alternate services and joint celebrations. Its’ history goes back to another minister, all the way back to 1911.
That year, a newly ordained Methodist minister, Reverend E.C. Hunter began his ministry in Espanola. The first Sunday, one young boy came, the next Sunday, 12 people assembled inside Espanola’s original schoolhouse and with that humble beginning, the ministry grew in Espanola.
At that time, the local mill owners, the Spanish Power and Pulp Company, generously donated the land and funds were also raised to construct the church as well as the pulpit, pews and organ that still function today.
The new church formally opened its doors on December 17th, 1911.
In those early years, the ministry was provided by various ministers including Methodist, Presbyterian, then Anglican.
In the 1920s, the church became self-supporting, the property and church purchased, a parsonage, kitchen and Sunday School rooms added.
In 1925, when the church union took place, the church became known as the United Church of Espanola.
The Great Depression Hit Espanola hard and that affected the church as well. The Home Mission Board took over and in the late 1940’s the town and church flourished once again.
In the 1950’s, the narthex was built housing a spacious clergy study and church office, and in 1973 a new manse was built adjacent to the church.
In later years, the narthex was renovated to include a chapel and bathrooms church offices as well as Sunday school rooms.
More renovations followed in 2005 with the basement renovated to include a large up-to-date kitchen. In 2008, the upper part of the lower level was freshly painted and in 2009, due to water damage, more renovations were done including wiring the back office is for state-of-the-art communications.
The 2009, the Bill Maslen Memorial Garden was started and the following year, a Peace Pole was installed.
The latest renovation took place this Spring with the installation of an elevator to accommodate special needs.
In 2011, the United Church of Espanola celebrated it 100th anniversary with a number of events held throughout the year including a bridal show, concerts and business appreciation luncheon.
Also, that year, the Pastoral Charge celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Webbwood United Church, the second location, the Webbwood United Church, which had its roots with the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
The preachers would travel to provide services so sometimes the Webbwood location would be part of the Massey preaching circuit and sometimes the Espanola circuit, so at times it was connected to the churches in Massey, Birch Lake, Lee Valley and Nairn Centre.
The original services were held in the school house until the church was built and a parsonage built in 1896. Eventually, a basement, vestry and vestibule.
The Webbwood Church joined with its Espanola counterpart in 1958 and became known as the Espanola Pastoral Charge.
On November 14th, 2013, a final service of Thanksgiving and decommissioning was held at the Webbwood location. Following this there was a full course meal provided by Saint Andrew’s United Church of Massey. The building was put up for sale and finally in July of 2014 was sold and renovated to become a home.
United Church communities across Canada are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United Church all this week including a dinner hosted by the local church last Friday.
A legacy to be commended and continues to be a vital part of the community of Espanola.
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