Explore some of York Region's oldest churches

YorkRegion.com
Oct. 31, 2017
Adam Martin-Robbins

One of the best ways to learn about a community’s past is through its historic buildings. York Region is home to several and among the best preserved are its churches, some of which are more than 170 years old.

Holy Trinity Church, Vaughan

This Anglican church, at 140 Brooke St. in Thornhill was built in 1830. It has undergone some changes during the last 187 years, including being picked up and moved from its original location on the west side of Yonge Street to its current location on Brooke Street.

Holland Landing Christ Church, East Gwillimbury

This red brick Anglican church, which sits atop a hill at 110 Peter St. in Holland Landing, opened in 1843. It was built on a half acre of land donated by Chief Justice John Robinson. The single-storey, gothic pointed church was designed by architect John G. Howard.

Thornhill Presbyterian Church, Vaughan

The Greek Revival-style church, at 7788 Yonge St. in Thornhill, was built in 1846. The father of Dragon’s Den star Michael Wekerle purchased it in 1994 and renamed it St. Michael’s Chapel. It was at the heart of a family feud involving Wekerle’s sisters and their mother, according to media reports.

St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, Markham

The simple, frame-structure church was built by Thornhill carpenter John Edey in 1847 at 15 Church Lane. The congregation moved to a new church and sold the old one to Ukrainian Catholics in 1972, it was renamed. St. Volodymyr’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, King

This fieldstone church, also known as Eversley Presbyterian Church, was built in 1848 and served as a place of worship for 110 years. It’s now in use as part of the York Pioneer Historical Society.