Our History

The Central United Church congregation is part of Unionville and York Region’s history. For over 180 years, the congregation has worshiped, preached the Gospel, supported attendees’ Christian spiritual growth, served the community, and cared for one another.

1840
  • Itinerant preachers, known as circuit riders, served Christian families by riding horseback to scattered groups in rural areas of Upper Canada.
  • Several Christian families would gather at one house for Bible lessons, hymn singing, and worship led by the itinerant preacher. Christian families invited others to join them.
  • By 1840, the Primitive Methodist and Wesleyan Methodist churches had active circuits in the Markham area. 
  • Names of members who are now prominent in Markham history included Stiver, Eckardt and Braithwaite.
1879
  • Unionville became the head of the circuit church for the Markham area.
  • Josiah Hall constructs a fine new red brick edifice with white brick trim. The limestone was shipped across Lake Ontario from Kingston and hauled by horse-drawn wagon from Lake Ontario.
  • This new church building allowed Bible lessons and worship services to be held in a dedicated building, supporting the growth of new families in the congregation.
  • The towering steeple includes a bell that has been calling the faithful to worship ever since it was built
  • The congregation was known as the Unionville Primitive Methodist Church
1925
  • The union of the national denominations of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches forms the United Church of Canada.
  • Central United Church was formed from the roots of the local Primitive Methodists, Wesleyan Methodists, and Presbyterians.
  • For a time, the congregation was known as Unionville United Church, but the name was soon changed to Central United Church.
1952
  • The church undergoes significant renovations to serve the needs of the congregation.
  • Changes included a Casavant Pipe Organ, a hand-crafted communion table, and refurbished pews to create a centre aisle. The organ and the cross on the communion table were dedicated to the memory of those lost in the two World Wars.
1985
  • To meet the worship and study needs of a growing congregation, significant renovations are completed to expand the sanctuary and add a Narthex (lobby) and rooms for Christian education, Children’s Sunday School, and other mid-week activities. 
  • The renovations carefully maintained the integrity of the original architecture
Current
  • In 2023, the church established a renewed mission, vision, and statement of values focused on becoming a thriving and welcoming community church that encourages all people to accept and grow in the Christian faith.
  • After 22 years of faithful service as the Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Jim Clubine retired in September 2024.
  • The Rev. Lori Diaz, formerly of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto, is now Central’s Minister of Worship, Pastoral Care and Spiritual Development.
Sources
  • “Markham 1793-1900”. Isabel Champion, Editor. Markham District Historical Museum. Second edition, 1989
  • “Central United Church 1879-1979” Booklet published in 1979 by the congregation.