Bala United Church
All are welcome!
Bala United strives to welcome, include and celebrate the diversity of God’s people in a safe and nurturing environment. Therefore, our vision is to include as Jesus did, all people into the life, membership, ministry and leadership of our church.
We value diversity as it enriches our congregation. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, differing physical or mental abilities and economic positions, each person is a beloved child of God.
Our church is committed to pursue social justice and where injustice occurs, we will make our voices heard!
BALA CHURCH HISTORY
The church ministered to the whole of the Bala community until 1920.
The town of Bala was founded in 1868. The first religious services were held in a wooden schoolhouse, starting in 1880. The first ministers were from other parts of Muskoka. It was decided that Bala would be under the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian church, while Windermere was considered to be under the jurisdiction of the Methodist Church.
In 1892, Thomas Burgess donated the present property to the congregation, for the building of a church. The designation for the church to be built on the lot was left up to the trustees. In 1893, work began using an abundance of wood, that came from the mill stream. The first services were held in the unfinished church, conducted by students from the pastoral charge in Port Carling. The first minister was Rev Donald McKay, who was appointed in 1903
The church ministered to the whole of the Bala community until 1920, when the Anglicans withdrew and built their own church on the other side of the falls. In 1921, the Union Church of Bala was formed although it continued to be associated with Port Carling.
In 1925, a vote was taken on the wider issue of the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches though all of Canada. The majority of parishioners voted for the union. Shortly afterwards, the Presbyterian faction withdrew and later built their own church on the Portage below the falls.
A pipe organ was installed in 1926, and, later that year, a furnace was put in the basement. On Sunday March 11 1934, a fire started and the church was destroyed. The members of the congregation decided to rebuild immediately on the same spot. “All the work including the furnishing was done by local workmen” under the leadership of Lorne Jackson. The organ came from the Allen theatre on College Street in Toronto. It had been built in the late 19th century. The organ was dismantled in 1961 and was rebuilt to have the console face the choir. Improvements were made in 1987 when a 4 foot clarinette rank was added to the organ. In 1980, it was reported that it was the only functioning pipe organ in Muskoka.
The bell which had been sitting idle for many years, came from the old Commandant church on the Gibson reserve. In 1959, a memorial fund was set up and an electric carillon was installed. The old bell was resurected in 1977 and was rung for the first time by Mrs Lillian Sutton, Leda Sutton’s mother-in-law. Once again the bell became used as the warning signal for fires in the town.
OUR FACILITIES
Our “Little Church by the Falls” is next to Margaret Burgess Park.
FULLY ACCESSIBLE
Bala United is a fully accessible facility with accessibility parking at the side of the building.
SANCTUARY
The sanctuary maintains its original historic look and feel and can accommodate 150 people.
JACKSON C.E. WING
A wonderful space for dinners, meetings and receptions. It can accommodate 89 people.
FULL KITCHEN
Medium sized, fully equipped kitchen with a gas stove, four sinks, a refrigerator and a dishwasher.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Downstairs is a large room that is used for Sunday school and many other small functions as needed.
AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEM
A fully wired sound system, Smart TV and hand-held microphones for mobility are all available.
