Author: The Record
Published October 27, 2024

Photo by William Crooks
Congregants gathered for a potluck dinner to celebrate 160 years of faith and community at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Lennoxville

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Lennoxville marked its 160th anniversary Oct. 27, celebrating a history deeply rooted in faith, resilience, and adaptation to changing times. Established in 1864 by Scottish and Irish immigrants working in Sherbrooke, the congregation has evolved with the community while maintaining its mission of support and outreach. The anniversary service was led by guest preacher Rev. J. Ross H. Davidson, a familiar figure to the congregation, having served as interim moderator on several occasions. Following the service, attendees enjoyed a potluck lunch, a chance for fellowship and reflection on the church’s legacy.

Reflecting on the history of St. Andrew’s, Rev. Nigel Parker shared insights on the scene into the congregation’s journey and the challenges faced by English-speaking communities in the region. “Back in the 19th century, Sherbrooke was almost bilingual, but now it’s overwhelmingly francophone,” Parker noted. “Our little borough of Lennoxville is the only one officially bilingual, even though only about a third to 40 per cent of the population speaks English.” Despite these changes, the church has remained a steadfast presence in the area, adapting to meet the needs of its community.

Originally, the congregation met in a theater-turned-church on Frontenac Street. In 1888, they built a new structure there, which stood until a storm in 1999 severely damaged the building. Rather than restoring a space that had grown impractical, the congregation opted to relocate, establishing their current home on Queen Street in Lennoxville in 2004. The new building has served them well, providing a modern and accessible space for worship and community gatherings.

Photo by William Crooks
Rev. J. Ross H. Davidson and Rev. Nigel Parker share a moment together following St. Andrew’s 160th anniversary service

Parker highlighted that while church life once revolved around public gatherings, such as “the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” and regular potluck suppers, a more secular society has made faith a private, personal journey. “We’re here as a ‘welcome for the wounded,’ for those whose lives have been broken by various circumstances,” Parker explained. “People are not overtly religious as they were before, but they’re no less spiritual. They still ask, ‘Where do we come from? Where are we going?’”

Today, St. Andrew’s provides a space for people to ask those questions and explore their faith. “People wonder how they can believe in God, or if the Bible is true,” Parker noted. “We take these questions seriously here. There’s a welcome for the wounded, and there are questions that are queried.” This thoughtful approach to faith extends to the congregation’s worship, described as “Bible-centered, Christ-centered, and cross-centered,” offering spiritual sustenance to its members.

The church also remains actively engaged in the local community and beyond. In addition to in-person and Zoom fellowship groups, St. Andrew’s holds monthly food bank collections to support those in need and participates in broader Presbyterian mission work. They contribute to weaker congregations across Canada and support international initiatives, reflecting a commitment to service that transcends local borders.

The day’s events were streamed on Facebook and YouTube, allowing both in-person and remote worshippers to join in the celebration. As congregants shared a meal and stories after the service, the event underscored St. Andrew’s enduring role as a center of faith and community, honouring the past while looking forward to the future.

Scroll to Top