Our History

Faith United Church – where did we come from?

“Faith United” United Church was created in 1996 through the vision of two long established congregations that had struggled to find answers to their own particular challenges and came together as an amalgamated congregation to begin a new ministry in the Courtice and surrounding community.

Courtice United Church roots date back to 1935, in what was the rural village community of Courtice.  The original building was started in the late 1940's and was completed in 1954.  In the mid nineties, the explosive growth of the community around had driven the congregation to consider how to expand their ministry.  Small parking space and a flood plain location were key limiting factors.

St. Andrew's United Church, in downtown Oshawa, was steeped in tradition as the first Presbyterian church started in the area by Dr. Robert Thornton in 1833.  The original building was built in 1889 and expanded many times in later years.  Lack of parking, diminishing numbers and a building that was expensive to operate pushed the congregation to consider what its mission was into the future.

Population projections for the Courtice area show a rapidly expanding population over the next 20 years.  Consequently, when an agreement was reached to amalgamate, the congregations decided to make a fresh beginning in a new location in the Courtice community.  The Courtice congregation's building was sold at the end of 1996, and the St. Andrew's building in early 1999.  Both ministers accepted new appointments and a new minister, Dick Prince, was selected.  A 9.5 acre church site has been purchased on Nash Rd. in Courtice. This land included an architecturally unique home that has been incorporated into the new Church structure as meeting spaces, the church office and minister's study.

Worship services for the amalgamated congregation continued in temporary lodgings at Courtice North Public School, as the new congregation continued to expand its reach into the community through various programs and activities.

After three years of preparation and construction the congregation moved into its new church building in the fall of 2000 and has since continued to grow and strengthen its presence in the community.

“Faith United” United Church is committed to serving the community, both spiritually and practically.  This is being accomplished first through its weekly worship services, Bible study and spiritual growth groups that are open to all. As well Faith reaches into the community with activities like:

• becoming a learning center for the community as we offer growth opportunities of spiritual, mental and physical needs of our community;
• Church Work In Durham encouraging participation by members in as many as 13 different community service agencies and the financial support of those agencies;
• Opening our building space to a wide range of community groups and needs.