Wesley United Church

The Wesley United Church is valued for its association with its Methodist history, the history of the community and for its dominating form which has made it a local landmark.

The property on which the Wesley United Church is located was seeded to the Methodist Church Trustees in 1809 by merchant William Donaldson. Donaldson was a Scottish Loyalist who left his estate in Virginia before coming first to Shelburne and then on to Barrington where he purchased Lot #40 in the First Division. A log chapel was constructed on this property in 1816. The chapel was enlarged in 1840 and was replaced by the current building in 1866.

Construction on the new church began in 1865. Many local artisans worked on the church including: Joshua Smith, foundation; Philip Crowell, split granite for foundation; Joshua Christie and Joshua Watt, framing and boarding; Israel Doane and Isaac Goodwin, finishing and pews; Lendal Doane, plastering; Benjamin Doane and Samuel Pinkham, painting; and Charles W. Panter, architect. The church was built in a somewhat unusual manner for the period. The vestry was not built at the rear or side of the church, but a full basement storey was constructed for the vestry and other conveniences. In 1878 oil lamps were installed in the church, allowing for evening use.

The steeple was originally thirty-two metres in height. It was constructed inside the tower and hoisted into place by block and tackle. The steeple was damaged after a severe gale in 1900 and was left resting at a 45 degree angle towards the main road. The spire was suspended and held only by strong iron rods in its frame. It was shortened by removing the greater part of the bell section by William J. Smith, a local carpenter. The crenellated parapet is in the style of medieval church towers seen in Europe, giving the church an Italianate flare, making the church unique in the area. In 1957, the steeple was altered, leaving a tower and belfry as it is today. The original bell came from London, England. It was damaged in circa 1922 and was replaced by the present bell that was purchased in 1923 from Menelly Bell Company in Troy N.Y. with monies raised by a Bell Society organized by Professor Arnold Doane.

Today the Wesley United Church continues to hold regular services and has an active congregation.