Construction began on Old St. Thomas Church in 1822 and was completed two years later, and so this year marks its 200th anniversary.
myFM spoke with Steve Peters, who sits on the church restoration committee, on the founding of what was originally known as St. Thomas Anglican Church.
It is considered an example of Early English Gothic Revival architecture.
The first incumbent, the Rev. Alexander Mackintosh, served from 1824 to 1829, was also the village’s schoolmaster.
Peters explains the significance of the church in southwestern Ontario.
In 1982 the church site was designated an Ontario heritage site and in 1986 it was restored and renovated.
The church has a connection to a well-known London institution through an early St. Thomas brewery.
Peters details the early days and look of the church located off Walnut Street.
The congregation began with only 12 parishioners in 1825 but grew to 41 by 1827. In 1833 the church was consecrated.
A later addition to the church is the stained glass window that dominates the south wall.
If you have attended a Christmas carol service in the church, you are well aware of the need to bundle up as there is no heat in the church.
In spite of the lack of heat, the building is lovingly maintained to this day by the restoration committee.
The bell currently in the church is not the original one and Peters details efforts being made to return it to Old St. Thomas Church.
The current bell has an interesting origin, which Peters notes.
Although there are no regular Sunday services, that doesn’t mean Old St. Thomas church sits idle throughout the year.
And, as Peters explains, activities are planned to celebrate the bicentennial.
Old St. Thomas Church is open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May to late August. Summer staff are on duty for tours of this historic Anglican Church and cemetery.
You can find out more at https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Old-St-Thomas-Church/100064479407949/
