Irregular services were held before the building was begun in 1890, but due to insufficient funds and debt, the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church (Dunchurch, Ont.) was not completed until December 25, 1896. The money was raised through community fundraisers and grants given by Toronto W.A. and the Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge. Through a series of donations the church was fitted with windows, alms basin, alms bags, candlesticks, banners, stove, and surplice.
In March 1897 Rev. Thorneloe, Bishop of Algoma, visited Dunchurch and performed baptisms and administered Holy Communion. Later, on November 17, 1897 the first wedding in Dunchurch was officiated by Rev. D. A. Johnston of St. George’s Anglican Church (Magnetewan, Ont.). On September 24, 1902 St. Andrew’s Anglican Church was consecrated by Bishop Thorneloe while Rev. W. H. French presided.
After years of disuse, St. Andrew’s was reopened and renovated under supervision of Rev. C.H. Peto, Rural Dean of Muskoka. In 1957 it nearly doubled the amount of services being held at Magnetawan. But in 1961 it was found that the attendance had dwindled to a tenth of Magnetawan, and so was closed.
Incumbents have included: Rev. William Crompton (1880-1884), Rev. Arthur John Young (1884-1892), Mr. A. C. Wilson (1893), Mr. T. J. Hay under supervision of Rev. Charles Piercy (1893-1896), Francis R. Godolphin (1897), Rev. D. A. Johnston (1897-1899), Rev. W. H. French (1900-1905), Rev. S. F. Yeomans (1905-1907), Rev. C. Ryan (1907), Mr. Richard Haines (1908), Mr. Herbert J. Hawken (1908-1909), Mr. R. Haines (1909), Mr. P. F. Bull (1909-1912), Rev. W. H. Trickett (1913) Rev. R. M. Fairbairn (1913), Mr. J. W. Hamilton (1913-1914), Rev. J. Thompson (1915-?); visited by: Rev. A.J. Cobb (1895), Rev. A.O. Tarrant (1895), Dean Thomas Llyyd (1896).
Source:
- T.B. Higginson, “Historical Notes”, [1992-2007], Alan Knights fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-220_001_018.
- “Clergy”, [1992-2007], Alan Knights fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-220_001_027.
- “St. Andrew’s, Dunchurch”, [1992-2007], Alan Knights fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-220_001_038.