The Auld Kirk in the Scotch Settlement. The congregation, many of them Scottish immigrants, began gathering in 1822, and a log church was built in 1823. This building was built in 1869. It closed its doors in 1885.

The Auld Kirk Cemetery on the 5th Line in the Scotch Settlement marking the final resting place of many early settlers.

Postcard of the Auld Kirk at the centenary 1822-1922.

The Auld Kirk Church is located on the south half of Lot 8 on Concession 6 of West Gwillimbury. In 1819, a group of Scottish and Irish settlers arrived in Upper Canada, and developed the area known today as the "Scotch Settlement". After the initial goal of building homes to fulfill the stipulation of the land grants, their thoughts turned toward building a church and school to educate their children. In 1822, land was obtained from John Faris, an Irish farmer, for a graveyard. In 1823, a log church was built on the land, and it also served as a school house during the winter months. This building, which was later moved to a different location, was the first school and church in Simcoe County. The congregation first met On January 6, 1822. James Sutherland, a settler, was authorized by the Church of Scotland to conduct baptisms and marriages until there was a settled minister. The first settled pastor was not until 1831. In 1832, they decided to send for a minister from the Established Church of Scotland, which resulted in a split in the congregation, and a new Church being formed in Bond Head. The remaining congregation stayed true to the belief's of the Church of Scotland, and the church never had an organ, and only Psalms were sang, not wrtten hymns. All of the sermons were long and in Gaelic, and were interpreted. In 1869, the present church was built costing $1000 to the congregation. Due to dwindling numbers, the church was closed in 1885. A new roof was put on in 1912, and in 1929, shutters were put on the church and the doors repaired. A fence was also put around the cemetery, and the driving shed was moved to a local farm where it still exists today. Another restoration of the church was done in 1958, when a new roof was put on, the windows were put back in, new steps were built, it was painted inside and out, and the floor was jacked up. Two plaques were dedicated in 1958. One was unveiled by Henry McKay in honour of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. James McKay, some of the first settlers. The other was unveiled by Angus Campbell, for the Ontario Government's recognition of the Selkirk Settlers.

This article was released in the same edition which described the unveiling of the Auld Kirk Cemetery plaque on August 24th, 1958. The history of the Auld Kirk was also compiled in this edition, which includes the Deed to the kirk's property, registered in 1837, displayed above.

"The deluge of rain on Sunday did not deter the descendants of the sturdy Scotch Settlement pioneers from attending the unveiling ceremonies at the Auld Kirk cemetery. A remarkably large crowd, considering weather conditions, was in attendance, and with the speakers sheltered by a large covered truck, and the audience huddled under umbrellas, the program, as arranged was conducted with as much detail as though the sun had shone... Dr. Wilfred Jury, representing the Archaeological and Historic Sites Board, in addressing the gathering, made a suggestion which is likely to make the occasion one which will be followed by further tangible evidence that the residents of the Scotch Settlement, both past and present, and of this district, are keenly interested in preserving records and articles of historic interest for the benefit of this and future generations." ...

Article on the Auld Kirk Cemetery plaque unveiling to take place the following Sunday, August 24th, 1958 at 2:30pm. Contains a brief history of the Auld Kirk and the Scotch Settlement.

Invitation published in the Bradford Witness on the Auld Kirk Cemetery plaque unveiling. It would take place the following Sunday, August 24th, 1958 at 2:30pm. See Related Description links for a brief history of the Auld Kirk and the Scotch Settlement.