A Look Back at the History of

Siloam United Church and Cemetery

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Nestled along Durham Regional Road 8, the Siloam Cemetery stands as a quiet reminder of a once-thriving rural congregation whose roots stretch back to the mid-19th century. Both the church and cemetery are deeply tied to the families who settled and built community in this part of Uxbridge Township.

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Early Beginnings

Before the church itself was even established, the land became a place of remembrance. The first known burial took place in 1859, when William Frankish was laid to rest. His grave marks the beginning of what would become the Siloam Cemetery, a final resting place for many of the area’s early residents.

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In 1874, Samuel and Mercy Widdifield sold land for both a church and cemetery, officially securing the site as a place of worship and community gathering. Just one year later, in 1875, the church was dedicated, standing proudly as a beacon of faith for the surrounding rural community.

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Stepping Inside the Church

Like many rural churches of its time, Siloam was built with both simplicity and purpose. Passing through the Narthex, the small entrance vestibule, worshippers entered the Nave, where two aisles divide the pews into three sections. The outer rows hold seven pews each, while the inner row contain six. Families would slip into their places, coats neatly folded at their sides, as neighbours greeted one another in hushed tones.

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The church is filled with light from three tall windows on either side, their glass catching the sun and illuminating the wooden interior. In winter, the glow of the wood stove at the back provided warmth, its chimney stretching the length of the church to distribute heat as best it could. 

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At the front stands the Sanctuary, the raised space where the Altar is set. Here, ministers led the congregation in hymns and prayer, their voices echoing against the tall ceiling as the faithful joined in, filling the little church with song and devotion.

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Entrance to the Nave and wood stove

The Sanctuary and Altar

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Becoming Siloam United

For the next several decades, the church served as a cornerstone for the local congregation. Like many other Methodist churches across Canada, it transitioned in 1925 when the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist churches united to form the United Church of Canada. With this change, the congregation adopted the new name Siloam United Church, and the cemetery was renamed Siloam United Church Cemetery.

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Closing and Legacy

By the mid-20th century, rural church attendance had begun to decline. In 1966, after more than 90 years of service, the doors of Siloam United Church were closed. While the congregation may have moved on, the memory and significance of the building and cemetery were never forgotten.

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Today, the cemetery is simply known as Siloam Cemetery, and both it and the former church property remain well cared for. Each year, an annual gathering celebrates the history of this sacred space, welcoming families, descendants, and community members to honour the past and preserve the stories of those who once worshipped and lived here.

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Attached wood shed

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A Lasting Place of Reflection

Though the church no longer holds weekly services, the Siloam Cemetery and its historic building continue to embody the enduring spirit of the community. They stand as a link between the present and the early pioneers of Uxbridge Township—an enduring reminder of faith, family, and heritage.

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Visit our blog page Uxbridge History to see more of the amazing historic places around town.