Description : Bats in the tower, a bottle of wine tucked in behind the dated cornerstone, mould and dry rot in the rafters... that's what the Priestly Demolition crews found, as they demolished the old St. John's Presbyterian Church on John St. West in Bradford last weekend. The church came down more quickly than expected. When crews removed the windows in the east wall, it bowed outwards, creating safety concerns. And when part of the roof was removed, to lessen the possibility of unexpected collapse, a portion of the brickwork on the east wall fell. Structural safety was one of the key concerns that led the Presbyterian Church to sell the 112 year old building. Bulging walls, rotting rafters - estimates suggested that over $500,000 in repairs were needed, simply to preserve the structure. The cost did not include expansion, or the provision of handicapped access or washrooms. The Presbyterian Church instead has built a new St. John's Presbyterian, on Middletown Sideroad - a "House of God" that is completely handicapped accessible, large enough to accommodate the congregation, with a gymnasium and room for community outreach, filled with light and air, and free of hazardous mould. It is a vibrant expression of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The John St. property was sold to the neighbouring Trinity Anglican Church. Although the land will be used as a parking lot in the short term, the Anglican Church is fundraising to someday raise a new "House of God" on the site.

Detail of the left side of statue, featuring the Georgina Church, circa 1796

"To celebrate Canada's 125th birthday, why not take a walking tour of some of the oldest streets in Bradford, four of which date back 162 years!" ...

The article accompanying this photograph gives a quick history of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford. A biography of its charge in 1906, Rev. D.N. Morden, is also included.

The Church was built in 1893 on the corner of Church and John Street, during the pastorade of Rev. F. Smith. It replaced a frame structure that was sold to the Anglican Church to be used for a parish hall in 1893, it was demolished in 1953. The Stonework is by George McDonald, a stonemason. The original name was Bradford Presbyterian Church but was later renamed St. John's Presbyterian Church in 1966. The seating capacity is 350, and the tower stands 65 feet high.

"Sunday, June 10th marked the Centenary of Trinity Church, Bradford. Two services were held with congregations far exceeding the seating capacity of the church. The rector, Rev. H.G. Blake, conducted the services." ...