WESTMINSTER'S HISTORY

Westminster United Church began as a call to Christian commitment in the heart and mind of Kathleen Moorcroft. Living inthe developing residential corridor between Oshawa and Whitby in the township of Whitby, Mrs. Moorcroft envisioned a Christian community which would nurture and support the many children in the area.

A survey of United Church families indicated a strong interest in developing a community church and in March 1958, Oshawa Presbytery supported the decision to form a new congregation. A student minister, Gordon Rajootte, conducted the first worship service, held in Dr. Robert Thornton School in May. There were more than 100 persons in attendance.

On November 16, 1958, the congregation was officially constituted with 41 charter members. During 1959, the building site was purchased and on April 3, 1960, the present building was opened and dedicated. By this time there were 102 members.

During construction, the congregation met in the lower hall. When services were finally held in the sanctuary, there were chairs and a piano rather than the pews and the organ we now enjoy. Many members helped with the construction of the building, the communion table, the pulpit and the cross. Their combined efforts created a real sense of community and sharing.

In 1963, the church called the Reverend John Porter to be its first full-time minister. Prior to that time, Westminster had been part of a two-point charge with Westmount United Church with the Reverend William Gibb and Reverend J. Ward as ministers. In 1961, it became a three-point charge with Southminster United and Cedardale United. The Reverend John Porter was Pastor of the charge.

A rented house was first used by the minister and then a manse was built in 1966. Seventeen years after the dedication of the church, the mortgage was burned in a service led by John Porter. Thirteen years later, the congregation discharged the mortgage on the manse.

In 1968 the church adopted a Board of Management approach to administration co-chaired by the minister and a lay person with committees responsible for Worship, Christian Education, Outreach, Finance and Building.

In 1980, Westminster developed a senior citizens non-profit housing complex adjacent to the church. Managed by church members, Manning Mews provides twenty units, half of which have rents scaled to income.

In 1989, the original manse was sold and a more modern house within walking distance of the church was purchased to replace it. In 1992, this manse was sold, the proceeds invested and a housing allowance was provided in its place.

As the church entered the 1990's, the congregation recognized the fact that existing space was inadequate for the church school and for all the other demands on the building. It therefore embarked on a building campaign to increase the size of the building by 50%. The expansion project included a new entrance, a ministers study, church office, expanded worship space/meeting room, additional space in the lower hall, main floor wheelchair-accessible washroom and an elevator to service the three levels of the building. This project was completed in the spring of 1992 at a cost of just over $400,000.

The history of Westminster is one of community spirit and sharing. Together its members have built a centre of worship, Christian Education and outreach. There have always been dedicated choir members, church school leaders and committed ministers and members to continue the work first begun in 1958.