831 du Village
Morin Heights, QC
J0R 1H0

Church office:
450-226-2637, Fridays from 9-12pm

United Church Observer: www.ucobserver.org

Sunday services in English at 11:15am

In 1942 I came from Montreal to live in this community. I lived on a farm about four miles from Morin Heights. There was a small country church not far away, served by the United Church of Canada. At that time it was part of a three point Charge, pastored by the Rev. Rowe who ministered in Shawbridge and Morin Heights as well.

Having attended a large church in Montreal, it was quite a shock to find on a Sunday less than half a dozen people there. This church had been vibrant in its day, having served the population of farmers and their families with services, Sunday School and a Woman’s group who were always busy, quilting, sewing and knitting in their homes to raise money for the Church.

However, soon after I arrived the Rev. Rowe retired and a young minister and his wife arrived, the Rev. Wood. He was a dedicated man and worked hard to keep this Charge growing. After visiting the country church a few times he thought it best for us to attend the Morin Heights Church. We moved to the larger community, because the Country Church was only open in the summer. The Presbyterians also worshiped in that church so they carried on for a while. Eventually it was closed and the property reverted to its former owner. Rev. Wood put a lot of time and effort into his work, so much so that he became very ill and had to leave to recover his health.

We had many good ministers after that, Rev. Blair, Rev. Westhaver, Rev. MacDonald, among them. The church grew and people were so willing to sacrifice for it, they decided to build a Manse for the minister and his family. This work was mostly done by the people of the Church, who gave unstintingly of their money, time and talents and created a lovely home for many ministers and their families through the years.

I believe the greatest growth we experienced was in the early 1960’s, with the arrival of the Rev. Wesley Ball and his wife and family. They were just what this community needed. This man seemed inspired by God to preach the Gospel in such a way that reached out and appealed to all, young and old. He was seemingly tireless, a charming, charismatic man. People loved him and the Church grew by leaps and bounds. The church at that time seated about 100 people. It was not too long before we were putting chairs down in the aisles and a loudspeaker system downstairs for the overflow. Our Sunday School grew. We had a large adult choir, and Rev. Ball organized a children's choir as well. This man reached out to the young people of the Church and Community. On a Friday night, the young people gathered at the church with him, where he would talk with them; then they would go off together to bowl, skate, or see a good movie.

This was a large group of teens, my own being among them. The Church seemed to be bursting at the seams. We needed more space, so it was decided to put an addition on to it. Everyone got together with giving, working, and praying to make it happen. Finally it was completed. Our church doubled its size, flourishing, reaching out to the world.

But then, Rev. Wesley Ball received a Call to Pastor Northfield Church in Laval, and accepted it. Needless to say this came as a big shock to us. Life goes on and we had this beautiful Church, which we wanted to serve the community and bring Glory to God.

After an interval we had Rev. R. McCullough come to be our pastor. The church seemed to drift into a slow decline, partly because of the change in ministers, and partly because all churches were on the decline. The baby boomers had come on the scene, and careers, jobs, money and pleasure seemed much more important than church.

We had many other ministers down through the years, all leaving their mark in one way or another. Then one day we welcomed Rev. Frank Giffen and his wife Jane into our midst. Although we had come from great heights down to almost despair, Rev. Giffen helped us back into stride and we began to grow again, not by leaps and bounds, but gradually. Frank was a good Pastor, concerned for the people.

One of our parishioners, Mrs. Gilou Lehmann had a long time dream, which she wished could really happen. She wanted an apartment building for seniors of this area. Many older people were looking for smaller quarters to live out their days, as their houses were too large. She had spoken to others about this but did not get any response. She talked it over with a few other people and together they talked with Rev. Frank Giffen. He believed in the dream and together they worked it out, visiting and phoning, finally making it happen. Today there is beautiful building at 15 Glen Rd., 31 apartments open to all nationalities and creeds. Thanks to Mrs. Lehmann’s dream and those who helped make it come true.

The Cozy Corner is also a result of some our people’s dreams. They wanted a place where all seniors in the community, regardless of language or creed, could come and meet each other and enjoy an afternoon of fun and games. Cosy Corner has grown and keeps on growing, with almost 100 in its membership: a tribute to people who love God and care for others and want to pass it on.

Of course all these efforts need finances and so the people of the church and community strive to raise money in many ways to make all these good things happen. We thank God for the Morin Heights United Church and for the people of the community. We hope and pray this Church will long be a beacon of light, shining from our town and reaching out to the world. May God bless Morin Heights and its people on this, their 150th Anniversary.