By Dennis Young, with notes from Betty Rance
Pioneers are often thought of as those who laid the foundations of church life in a community — and so it was in Sperling.
Amos Davison settled there in 1898 and welcomed both Methodist and Presbyterian worshippers into his home until each denomination built its own church.
In 1924, the two congregations joined, holding services at the Methodist church while the Presbyterian building was torn down. By 1925, the congregation became part of the newly established United Church of Canada as part of a two-point charge with Homewood.
Talks of building a new church led to the formation of building and collector committees in 1937. By 1942, they had raised $3,000 in cash and secured $2,000 in pledges — a total of $5,000, or about $95,000 today — enough to begin construction.
Property was purchased at the corner of Henry and Main for $125, a contractor’s design was approved, and materials salvaged from the original church were to be reused. Services, in the meantime, were held in the Sperling School.
The opening day in September 1944 was met with great anticipation. There were congratulations, blessings, supper, and two evening services, one featuring Lieutenant-Governor McWilliams unveiling the honour roll.
A financial report showed $10,697 had been raised and spent on labour and materials, with $4,850 still outstanding — about $274,000 in today’s dollars.
The church thrived in the 1950s and ’60s, with more than 100 children and adults enrolled in Sunday school. C.G.I.T., Explorers, Cubs and Scouts were also well attended, supported by countless volunteers.
A new manse was built in 1963, but by 1969, when Sperling joined the Carman Pastoral Charge, both ministers lived in Carman and the manse was sold.
For 50 years, the church served the community, but declining attendance and financial support began to take a toll. Programs like Explorers and C.G.I.T. ceased, but faithful members kept the facility running for years through generous individual donations and hard work.
Eventually, a sluggish economy made it impossible to sustain operations. At a congregational meeting in April 1992, a near-unanimous vote decided to close the doors, put the United Church of Canada-owned building up for sale, and auction off items.
“We could see it coming for years,” said congregation member Betty Rance at the time. “But it’s still a painful process. It was almost a unanimous decision, with only one or two members opposing the closure set for June 30, 1993.”
Before closing, the congregation marked the church’s 50th anniversary with a reunion attended by about 150 people. During the ceremony, the original cornerstone was removed and opened. Despite its condition, it contained a 1943 copy of The Dufferin Leader, a dedication service program, and an invitation to the 1943 fall supper.
Most remaining Sperling members transferred to Carman United Church, where they were welcomed outside by the congregation and escorted in as a group.
From 1944 to 1993, Sperling United Church served the community in many ways — a presence that many assumed would last forever.
The church was officially sold to Ken and Ruth Potter of Roland, who converted it into their home and moved their custom glass and sign painting business into the space. They eventually opened a gallery featuring artwork and a space for coffee and entertainment.
Betty and Vic Rance: Through the years, countless people faithfully served the church in many roles. Just a few include: Browning Hooper — treasurer of the board (1938–1993); Robert Brown — organist for 28 years; Victor Rance — secretary-treasurer of Sunday school (1957–1993); Marjorie Meldrum — caretaker; and Ross Anderson — treasurer of the Mission and Service Fund for many years.
Karen Tjaden: Sperling United Church was a huge influence on my life. It was the centre of our community and provided both support and challenge as I was growing up. It was a very progressive faith community with strong lay leaders and creative ministers. I am so thankful I grew up with faithful people who understood what it meant to think globally and act locally.
