In 1841, the Rev. Thomas Welby, who served as the Rector of St. John’s Church in Sandwich, recognized the profound spiritual needs of the Irish community residing in the township of Sandwich South. Motivated by his compassion and driven by a strong sense of duty, he embarked upon a noble mission to address these needs.
To fulfill this mission, Rev. Welby took the initiative to establish a place of worship for the Irish settlement. With the support of the community and the permission of G.B. Collins, he began holding services in a building constructed with hewn native oak. This sturdy structure was situated on land owned by Collins, conveniently located near what is now known as the #3 highway.
This humble building became a sanctuary where the Irish settlers could come together in prayer and fellowship. Rev. Welby’s dedication to their spiritual well-being laid the foundation for a faith community that would continue to flourish in the years to come.
The significance of Rev. Welby’s efforts extends beyond just the physical structure he built. By recognizing and addressing the spiritual needs of the Irish settlement, he demonstrated how the power of faith can bring comfort, unity, and hope to a community. His example serves as a reminder of the transformative impact that individuals can have when they respond with empathy and bring people together in the pursuit of a greater purpose.
The legacy of Rev. Thomas Welby lives on, not only in the physical remnants of the building he constructed but also in the enduring spirit of faith and community that he fostered. Today, the descendants of the Irish settlers and the wider community can reflect on this remarkable history and draw inspiration from the commitment and compassion of Rev. Thomas Welby, whose actions exemplify the true essence of service and devotion.
In 1871 a frame church was constructed on the Fifth Concession (now Howard Avenue), and in 1913 the present brick church was commenced immediately to the north of it and consecrate in 1921.
Since that time it has continued to provide the spiritual needs of the community and stands as a constant reminder of or historical past and our visions for the future.