Our Church's History
… “Preacher, your church is on fire.” The phone had rung at 2:00 am on Sunday, September 13, 1970. Thinking this to be another hoax call, the weary minister hung up. Some minutes later, the phone rang again and the message was the same, so Pastor Williams drove downtown to find his church going up in the flames that had been ignited by an arsonist. Later he was to tell his congregation that even in that very bleak moment the Spirit within had assured him that “all things work together for good” and that God would bring beauty even out of these ashes.
Neighbour churches were gracious to the burned-out congregation, and that first Sunday morning worship was the only service ever cancelled. Pilgrim United Church opened its doors for Sunday night and weeknight services, and Centennary United provided generous space for special meetings. For a time, Sunday School and morning services were held in Tweedsmuir Public School, and then the Calvin Christian School rented their facilities to the “homeless” church.
Many decisions had to be made and the final one was to purchase over four acres of land at 510 Mohawk Road West and to build a beautiful new church. Facing seemingly overwhelming obstacles, but with a confidence that he was in God’s will, Pastor Williams superintended a building program that was to include countless hours of volunteer work by the men and women of the church and interested friends. In April of 1971, the sod was turned; and in September of the same year, the cornerstone was laid, “To the Glory of God.” Services were first held in the multi-purpose room until June 11, 1972, when Peoples Church Hamilton was dedicated with over 1100 people in attendance.
