Who Are We
Our Church Family
We are a small but very active, caring, supportive and generous community that is part of the United Church of Canada. We gather every Sunday to be inspired by Word, uplifted by music, and strengthened by our friendships. Our aim is to support each other as we walk our paths through life, to share our joys, lighten each other's burdens, and to help those around us who are in need. We welcome all. Regardless of your situation or standing in life - come and be our friend!
Fenwick United Church Council
We’ve happily welcomed new members during this time and mourned the loss of some beloved members. Still, through all the changes we remain a strong church family and a contributing member in both the United Church of Canada and our community of Pelham.
Fenwick United Church Choir
Under the leadership of our organist, William Outred, our choir has been enriching our Sunday services for many years. We are thankful for their dedication and willingness to share their talents.
New members are always welcome!
Children's Church
At Fenwick United Church, we value the importance of children in our congregation and believe that faith should be nourished and supported at every age. Children’s Church is a place for youth of all ages to come together and worship God, in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Each week, we share our thoughts and ideas, and uncover how lessons in the Bible can be relevant to our lives in the 21st century.
Children’s Church intertwines art, drama, music, games and scripture in a way to create a meaningful and engaging experience for all children. New members of Children’s Church are always welcome. For more information click here for our Children's Ministry Page.
United Church Women
The UCW is a group of women of faith who support each other, our church and our community. We plan and implement fundraising activities to provide outreach both locally and abroad through donations.
Men's Club
No one seems to know exactly when the Men’s Club started but it’s been around for 20+ years. The men get together every Tuesday and happily pontificate on local and world issues. If there are no apparent issues, they have been known to make some up! They welcome new friends anytime.
Fenwick United Church
History of the church
Fenwick United Church celebrated its 178th anniversary in 2013. The Methodist New Connection Church began work in Canada in 1830. In 1835, a Fenwick area congregation was part of the Welland Canal circuit. Later it headed a circuit of five appointments: Fenwick (with 36 members in 1864), North Pelham, Union Chapel, Twenty Chapel and Crowland, with a class also at Mud Creek. The circuit arrangement was ideally suited to pioneer life when communities were small and families lived on isolated clearings. The early Methodist missionaries would preach at fixed times in scattered locations, in cabin kitchens, in barns or in fields with a stump for a pulpit and a clearing for a cathedral, encouraging the faithful and strengthening moral discipline. Camp meetings and seasonal religious revival gatherings added excitement to the hard pioneer life but, as the communities grew, the need grew for a permanent meeting place for shared worship.
In 1900, the two Methodist churches of Fenwick and Bethany united to build what is now Fenwick United Church. It was a simple, brick preaching hall, with pleasing and balanced proportions. Tall, round-headed windows, an entrance door finished with fan transom, and decorative brickwork added dignity to the structure. A bell tower surmounted by a weathervane completed the steeply pitched roof. The bricks had been soaked in beer to preserve the rich, brown colour, but this was not a fact told to the congregation at the time. The present building is a juxtaposition of styles with new additions in 1952 and 1956. At its birth in 1925, the United Church of Canada brought together Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches and the Fenwick congregation became Fenwick United Church.