Ruthven Pastoral Charge

United Church of Canada

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH
1005 Road 2 West
KINGSVILLE, Ontario

(Sketch of First Methodist Church at New California) Wesleyan Methodist Church 1877 - 1906		Trinity United Church New California - 2002

The Congregation of Trinity Church started meeting in the Log School House (L.S.H.) prior to 1877. Land on the corner of 2nd Concession and McCain Side Road was purchased in 1877 from Leonard and Mary Wigle for a cost of $5. A brick veneer Church was built facing the McCain with double doors in the front. Lighting was by coal oil lamps. This Wesleyan Methodist Church was dedicated October 25, 1877.

In 1906 the thriving community was named "New California" and a larger Church was needed. Construction of the Church building began April 1, 1906 with beautiful stained glass windows surrounding the Sanctuary. The entrance for the Church included an arched window with the words: "ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING". Trinity Methodist Church was dedicated by the Rev. R. C. Burton in October of 1906. In 1925 with the union of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches it became Trinity United Church, New California.

The stained glass windows in the Sanctuary were all rebuilt in 1991 & 1992. A parking lot and a garden at the back of the property were added in 1993.

In 1993 a new front entrance was designed. Glass doors now announce: "TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, NEW CALIFORNIA". In May of 2000 a storm blew off a portion of the roof and took off the cupola. The repairs were completed for the 124th Anniversary Service celebrated on October 28, 2001 with the Pastoral Minister, Linda Blair.

Elaine Guitar and her husband Layne Van Loo painted this mural in memory of Fred Wright. This beautiful mural was installed in the outside arch of the building facing Road 2 West and dedicated on Palm Sunday, 2005.

October 20-22, 2006 - Under the leadership of Margaret Pare, a Committee actively prepared for the 100th Year Anniversary of the present Church building.
Invitations were sent to former members and flyers were prepared to distribute at the local Apple Festival Parade and Migration Festival Parade. Margaret along with Elaine Wright and countless others spent many hours preparing for this special weekend.

Trinity along with Olinda-Ruthven welcomed our New Minister, Pastor Sheryle Steadman on September 2, 2007 with a Special Joint Service. Trinity joined Olinda-Ruthven on Sunday, September 23, 2007 with a Celebration of a New Ministry along with Essex Presbytery to officialy start Sheryle's new duties with us.