The History of the Presbyterian Church in Virden
The Christian Church’s work in Virden began in 1882 with the arrival of the railway. Rev. F.A. McLeod, a Presbyterian missionary, began holding services in settlers’ homes and started a Bible Class and Sunday School in 1883. He later settled nearby and famously died in 1913 while entering Carmel Presbyterian Church.
Early services were conducted at the C.P.R. station by student missionaries like J.S. Hardie and Mr. Dow. By the mid-1880s, a manse (minister’s residence) was built and used for worship. In 1885, a choir was formed and permission granted to use an organ, despite earlier debate over a tuning fork.
By 1887, the growing congregation moved to the Town Hall, and in 1890, a new church building was erected at 9th Avenue and Wellington Street. It was debt-free within two years and upgraded in 1900 with a tower and white brick walls.
A new manse was built in 1904, and surrounding districts like Pipestone, Hargrave, and Laggan began forming independent congregations. The Montgomery district built a stone church in 1900, now known as Wallace United Church, still active and affiliated with St. Paul’s in Virden.
Carmel Presbyterian Church developed a strong community, with organizations including Sunday School, Choir, Ladies Aid, Mission Societies, and more, reflecting its deep roots and lasting influence in the region.
The History of the Methodist Church in Virden
The Methodist Church in Virden began in 1882 with Rev. Wellington Bridgman, who was sent to explore the presence of Methodists in the area. He held the first service in a C.P.R. storehouse, soon followed by services in farmhouses and hotels, often under challenging conditions. Rev. Bridgman was the only traveling preacher between Brandon and Regina at the time.
By 1883, the Methodists built a dual-purpose church and parsonage (still standing today at 238 Raglan Street), which also hosted the area’s first public school. Rev. T.B. Beynon, Virden’s first resident Methodist minister, married the schoolteacher, Miss Sparrow. The oak pulpit in St. Paul’s Church is a memorial to him.
In 1888, a new Methodist church was built beside the original structure, and in 1891, the current St. Paul’s Church building was constructed.
The Montgomery district Methodists built Zion Church in 1902, located one mile south of the Presbyterian Knox Church. The two congregations united in 1922, three years before the national Church Union of 1925.
A new Methodist parsonage was purchased around 1900 at 460 Lyons Street West, and after union, the United Church minister eventually moved to 330 – 8th Avenue South in 1949, which remains the current residence.
After the church union, the former Methodist church at 260 Nelson Street West was chosen as the place of worship and renamed St. Paul’s United Church. The cornerstone of Carmel Presbyterian Church was embedded in the new church, and parts of the old Presbyterian building (like the pews) were reused in renovations.
Union Came in 1925
History was made on June 10th, 1925. Across Canada, three Protestant denominations—Methodists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists—joined together in an unprecedented act of unity, forming The United Church of Canada. This bold step had been years in the making, and in Parliament, the vision was championed by key figures like Robert Forke, a leader of the Progressive Party from Western Canada, and Arthur Meighen, the Opposition leader. With the passing of the United Church of Canada Act in 1924, union became law.
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA ACT, 1924
The approval of Parliament was necessary for the United Church to come into being. The cause of the new church was especially championed by members of the Progressive Party from Western Canada, whose leader, Robert Forke, sponsored the bill. Others who gave it strong support were the Honorable Arthur Meighen, leader of the Opposition, and several Cabinet Ministers.
After being thoroughly discussed in Parliament, the bill was passed, and the Act proclaimed. Thus, it became legally possible for the United Church to come into being, which happened the next year, on June 10th, 1925.
Now that union was achieved at headquarters, Virden’s two congregations had the task of organizing a united congregation in Virden.
For the town of Virden, this national event signaled a significant transformation at the local level. The two energetic faith communities—the Methodists and the Presbyterians—began the delicate and deeply personal task of becoming one. After months of joint meetings, planning, and cooperation, the newly formed congregation chose a name that symbolized a new beginning: St. Paul’s United Church.
The Methodist church building at 260 Nelson Street West was selected as the congregation’s new spiritual home. The manse at 880 – 10th Avenue South continued to serve as the minister’s residence until it was replaced in 1949 by a new home at 330 – 8th Street South, located just across from the church.
At the heart of this union was Rev. Dr. D. Telfer, who became the first minister of St. Paul’s United Church. On August 4, 1925, the official organizational meeting was held inside Carmel Presbyterian Church, where new leaders were chosen, responsibilities assigned, and the foundation laid for a unified future. The first annual meeting, held in January 1926, confirmed that the congregation had already grown strong roots.
From its earliest years, St. Paul’s became a hub of spiritual activity, social support, and community outreach. Its congregation was not just unified in name, but also in purpose. Groups flourished, including:
Ladies Aid, Women’s Missionary Society (W.M.S.), Daughters of the Kirk, youth groups like C.G.I.T., Hi-C, A.O.T.S., the Paulettes, and the Tyro Club. In time, these groups would come together under one banner, forming the United Church Women (U.C.W.), a force of service, hospitality, and leadership. The church also opened its doors to countless public gatherings: Royal Canadian Legion parades, wedding receptions, and community banquets—each served with warmth by U.C.W. volunteers in the church’s kitchen.
Along with its growing congregation, space at St. Paul’s evolved, in 1946, the sanctuary underwent a major renovation. Pews were rearranged, the choir loft relocated, and modern lighting installed.
By 1951, refinished pews, and a nativity stained-glass window dedicated to the church’s pioneers were added. The window bears this inscription: “To the glory of God, and in honor of the Pioneers of this church, who made possible, by courage and steadfast faith, the privileges we now enjoy.” Installed with the help of 111 contributors and the Ladies Aid, it became a centerpiece of spiritual and historical meaning.
The second stained-glass window was unveiled on the west side of the church near the choir loft. This window, featuring a graceful image of the Apostle John, bears the inscription: “In the beginning was the Word.”
Three additional matching stained-glass windows were also added to the west wall:
One commemorates those who gave their lives in World War I, depicting Christ and inscribed:
“In loving memory of those who gave their lives in the First World War.”
The next features a likeness of Paul, honoring those lost in World War II, with a similar tribute.
The final window, given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Higginbotham, was gifted by their children—Louise, Edward, and Leila—and dedicated in 1950.
These windows not only enhance the spiritual atmosphere and architectural beauty of the sanctuary, but when illuminated at night by floodlights, they create a breathtaking display that stands as a lasting tribute to faith, sacrifice, and legacy.
When the church tower, originally built in 1901, became unsafe in 1962, it was carefully removed and replaced. The carillon speakers, installed in 1961, found their home there. This beautiful musical gift—a set of 50 bells donated by the Sanford family.
The year 1959 marked another milestone with the dedication of a Christian Education Building—a modern facility designed for teaching, fellowship, and ministry. With classrooms, a nursery, chapel, minister’s study, and meeting spaces, it quickly became a cornerstone of church life.
Through the decades, twenty-one ministers have guided the congregation since union, each brought their unique gifts to a growing and resilient church community.
St. Paul’s also committed itself to spiritual education through preaching missions, vacation church schools, and scrapbook projects begun in 1954 to preserve the stories, bulletins, and photos of its rich past for future generations.
The story of St. Paul’s United Church in Virden is more than a history—it is a testament to unity, perseverance, and faith in action. From a humble union in 1925 to the vibrant, welcoming church it is today, St. Paul’s has never stopped growing, adapting, and serving.
Built on the courage of pioneers, guided by the spirit of Christ, and sustained by the commitment of its people, this church continues to shine as a beacon of hope and love—for Virden, and for generations yet to come.
We have grown from a box car to our present state of material things, and we trust the spirit of Christ will continue to work through us a greater future for the coming generations.
Ministers Since Union:
| 1925–1931: Dr. D. Telfer | 1959–1968: Rev. S. Walmsley | 2005–2006: Rev. Lynnette P. Miller |
| 1931–1937: Dr. Cecil Best | 1968–1970: Rev. A. Billington | 2006–2012: Rev. Lydia Glawson |
| 1937–1945: Rev. W.A. Osborne | 1970–1973: Rev. H. Kemp | 2006-2013: Rev. Janice Van Aertselaer |
| 1945–1947: Rev. W.A. Wilkinson | 1972–1976: Rev. K. Bauman | 2014–2017: Rev. Janis Campbell |
| 1947–1951: Rev. K.A. Moyer | 1976-1979:Rev. Barry St Germain | 2019–2021: Rev. Liz Carter-Morgan |
| 1951–1952: Rev. Wm. Welsh | 1979–1991: Rev. T. Rutley | 2023 – :Pastor Tanis Podobni |
| 1952–1959: Dr. D.B. Sparling | 1991-2004: Rev. Brenda Ferguson |
