"Bradford United Church celebrated its 168th anniversary on Sunday, September 15th. The pews were filled for the special service, which included guest speaker, Rev. Dr. William Fritz and the music ministry of Mark Holmes. Dr. fritz was the pastor of Collier St. United Church in Barrie for 20 years, president of the Toronto Conference, and most recently, Associate Pastor at St. Paul United Methodist church in Largo, Florida. The United Church holds its annual Auction Sale on Saturday, Oct. 19th, 7:30 p.m. at the Church. Donations of goods and services are welcomed."
Bradford United Church is located at 66 Barrie St. The structure in this photo was built in 1865 in the Gothic Revival style. There was an original church built on this site in 1851. The 1½-storey building has a rectangular plan, tall and narrow window openings, and a steeply-pitched, gable roof. The enclosed narthex is a recent addition. It is not considered to be consistent with the original style. Tall, gothic-style, trefoil arched openings light the nave. A round, rose window (with muntins set in the shape of a cross) is set into the gable portion of the façade. These cross-shaped muntins replace the original four-leaf clover muntins. The vergeboard has small, gothic arches. Octagonal pinnacles are found at each of the four corners. These pinnacles were originally topped with ornamental spires. Shallow buttresses extending the full height of the façade divide it into three parts. The trefoil arch and the three-part façade refer to the Trinity. There is brick masonry construction with stucco cladding and a parged, stone foundation. The original dichromatic brick cladding is concealed under the stucco cladding. Originally, the underlying red brick walls had buff-coloured brick buttresses and framing at the door and window openings. According to the 2000 inventory, the building is in good condition with some original features. (1, 3, 4)
Bradford United Church is located at 66 Barrie St. The structure in this photo was built in 1865 in the Gothic Revival style. There was an original church built on this site in 1851. The 1½-storey building has a rectangular plan, tall and narrow window openings, and a steeply-pitched, gable roof. The enclosed narthex is a recent addition. It is not considered to be consistent with the original style. Tall, gothic-style, trefoil arched openings light the nave. A round, rose window (with muntins set in the shape of a cross) is set into the gable portion of the façade. These cross-shaped muntins replace the original four-leaf clover muntins. The vergeboard has small, gothic arches. Octagonal pinnacles are found at each of the four corners. These pinnacles were originally topped with ornamental spires. Shallow buttresses extending the full height of the façade divide it into three parts. The trefoil arch and the three-part façade refer to the Trinity. There is brick masonry construction with stucco cladding and a parged, stone foundation. The original dichromatic brick cladding is concealed under the stucco cladding. Originally, the underlying red brick walls had buff-coloured brick buttresses and framing at the door and window openings. According to the 2000 inventory, the building is in good condition with some original features. (1, 3, 4)
Large Wesleyan Methodist Bible, printed in 1857, bound in a black embossed leather cover. A handwritten inscription inside reads "Presented by John Lancaster to the trustees of the Wesleyan Methodist Congregation Bradford on the occasion of the opening of their new Church" dated "Bradford January 18--" (corner is torn off). Inside is an insert noting an announcement from M. Rutherford and containing information on the Provincial Sunday School Convention. Another insert appears to be a handwritten programme of service. Some pencil markings inside, including Psalm 80:13 written in at the end of the Old Testament. Revelations is missing.
This was the Bible presented to the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bradford (later the Bradford United Church) by local preacher John Lancaster at the opening and dedication of the Church on January 15, 1865.
Black and white photocopy of the Bradford United Church Deed dated 1836. The deed transfers ownership of part of the south half of Lot 15, Concession 7, from Letitia Magee to the Trustees of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in the Township of West Gwillimbury (John Peacock, Thomas Driffil, Joseph Hill, John Edward Dipolt, Ralph Wardman, Thomas Parker, Robert Parker) to be used for the site of the Church. The named witnesses on the deed are John McAuley and Richard Magee.
Typed and printed history of Methodist preachers and congregations in the Bradford West Gwillimbury area up to the building of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Pasted onto a pink decorative background. Originally part of a display in the Bradford United Church.
An envelope to hold monetary donations to the Educational Society of the Methodist Church. The envelope is sealed but unsigned. It was stapled to a piece of paper with a printed label reading "PROBABLY TURN OF THE CENTURY" as part of a display inside of the Bradford United Church.
A typewritten document, possibly for a speech, written and signed by Margaret Irene (Brown) Turner for the dedication of the memorial stained glass window in the Bradford United Church in honour of Clarence Edgar Brown, who was a member of the Church congregation and choir. The document includes some information on both Clarence Edgar Brown and the creation of the window.
Typed speech given by Margaret Irene Turner for Sunday Service at the Bradford United Church on June 25, 1995, including mentions of her family's involvement with the Methodist Church at Mount Pleasant and a story about "Caroline's quilt." Includes an attached handwritten "sequel" written and signed by Margaret Irene Turner, expanding on the story of the quilt.
