Mission Statement

The Eramosa Pastoral Charge consists of two churches; Barrie Hill and Speedside. Our two congregations are rich in what they have to offer to each other, to the community, and to the surrounding districts. The mission statement approved by the Official Board in September, 1995 supports this perception.

"Arising from a deeply rooted faith in one God, known to us through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we, the people of Eramosa Pastoral Charge, Celebrate that we are a Christian Community striving to share our faith, friendship, fun, music, and other talents. We do this through our unique rural approach to worship, christian education, stewardship and pastoral care."

The beginnings of the Speedside United Church go back to at least 1843. Mr. William Armstrong gave one acre of cleared land on the south corner of his farm, Lot 26, Concession 2, Eramosa Township, for the expressed purpose of building a manse and church. The first Congregational Church building was constructed in 1855 and later, in 1880, it was replaced with the present structure.

The church is an oblong octoagon stone structure, unique in this part of the country. The octagon was a favourite shape of John Wesley. But it was amongst the Scottish Congregationalists that the shape was most popular. Perhaps one of the main reasons was their policy which put church authority in the hands of the whole congregation (i.e. the body of believers) and established each congregation as a unit unto themselves. The octagon shape emphasized the community while placing the centrality of that community on the word and sacrament.

The superior accoustic properties were recognized immediately. In 1993, Speedside was chosen to host Music at Speedside precisely because of these properties.

In January, 1984 fire destroyed the Sunday School Room and damaged parts of the sanctuary. The church building was saved in part by the heavy doors that led into the sanctuary and the fact that they were closed at the time of the fire. Happily in 1984, the official opening of the Christian Education Building took place. The addition to the church has become a very popular place for various organizations and families to meet and celebrate.