The History of St. Paul’s Anglican Church

59 Toronto St S, Uxbridge – 1888

St. Paul’s Anglican Church stands today as one of Uxbridge’s most enduring architectural and spiritual landmarks. Its story stretches back nearly two centuries—one of humble beginnings, community determination, and faithful growth.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church as it appears today

Humble Beginnings: Worship in a Barn (1834–1850s)

The Anglican presence in the Uxbridge Valley can be traced back to 1834 when the very first service was held—not in a church, but in a barn. By 1840, monthly services moved to a simple log schoolhouse, reflecting a small but growing Anglican community.

As the population continued to increase, it became clear the congregation needed a proper place of worship. In 1851, a wooden frame church complete with a bell tower was constructed. Before building could begin, workers had to clear thick bush from the site, making space not only for the church itself but also for a Church of England burial ground located to the north and west of the building.

A Growing Community and a New Rectory (1870–1871)

By 1870 the congregation had grown significantly and required a rectory—a home for the parish priest. Land was purchased on Brock Street East, and by 1871 a new rectory was completed. Rectories traditionally serve not only as the clergy’s residence but also as a place for parish meetings, pastoral work, and church administration.

English Episcopal Church was built in 1834. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The First 100 Years by: J. Peter Hvidsten Page 18

Planning a New Church (1881–1888)

As Uxbridge prospered in the late 19th century, so did St. Paul’s. By 1881 discussions began about replacing the wooden church with a more substantial structure. A building committee was formed, and by 1887 work on a new stone church was underway.

Much of the building material—stone and lumber—was sourced locally from the farm of Abraham Bagshaw. Before construction could proceed, bodies from the original church cemetery were exhumed and reinterred at the Uxbridge Cemetery. The Vicars family, long-time parishioners renowned for their skilled craftsmanship, completed the intricate stonework and the beautiful wood ceiling.

The cornerstone for the new church was laid in July 1887, and in 1888 the new St. Paul’s Anglican Church officially opened. A year later, the tower was added.

St. Paul’s was built in the traditional Anglican cruciform layout: a long nave leading to a transept, forming the shape of a cross. The altar, following Anglican tradition, was positioned at the east end of the nave, surrounded by the choir and chancel. The church also included a basement with a small chapel for Wednesday and Lenten services (now the nursery), a library, and a kitchen equipped with a cookstove and hot water tank—features that were modern for their time.

The new St. Paul’s Anglican Church opened in 1888. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The First 100 Years by: J. Peter Hvidsten Page 159

St. Paul’s Anglican Church 1963. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten page 120

A New Rectory and 20th Century Changes (1918–1990s)

In 1918, construction began on a new rectory, replacing the earlier Brock Street home. For decades, St. Paul’s remained a cherished place of worship. But as the church moved into the late 20th century, its aging structure began to show signs of strain.

Although the church remained beautiful and acoustically impressive, major structural issues had emerged:

Bowing exterior walls
Unsafe stairways to the basement and bell tower
Outdated kitchen and washroom facilities

In 1996, the congregation voted to undertake a major renovation and expansion.

Unearthing the Past: A Startling Discovery (1990s Renovation)

Construction began with the excavation of the new foundations—but suddenly came to a halt when two bodies were discovered on site. While it was well documented that the land had once been part of the Church of England Cemetery, all burials were believed to have been moved to the Uxbridge Cemetery in 1886. Clearly, a few had been missed.

The identities of the two individuals were unknown. As work resumed, a third body was uncovered near where the current St. Paul’s sign stands today. All three sets of remains were respectfully reburied in a special enclosed area at the rear of the church grounds.

A Seamless Renewal (Completed 1999)

After these unexpected delays, the renovation and expansion were completed in 1999. The work was done with great care to preserve the historic character of the church:

The exterior design blended seamlessly with the 1888 structure
Roof and walls were reinforced with hidden metal plates, flat beams, and steel cables
The altar was moved to the front of the sanctuary, aligning with modern Anglican practice
The aging 1924 organ was replaced with a new electronic organ
A fully updated industrial-grade kitchen improved the church’s ability to host its beloved fundraising dinners

Photo provided by St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uxbridge.

Today, St. Paul’s Anglican Church continues to serve as both a place of worship and a testament to Uxbridge’s deep-rooted history. From barn services in 1834 to a thriving parish community nearly two centuries later, St. Paul’s reflects the enduring faith and commitment of generations who built—and rebuilt—it with dedication and care.