Church
of the Epiphany
Welcome
to the Church of the Epiphany
in Kingsville, Ontario
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Church
of the Epiphany
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Home Worship Spire Outreach Upcoming events History Youth Links | HISTORY Our history is largely the story of courageous and independent pioneers,
strong in faith and the base of where the community of Kingsville was built. The Church of the Epiphany (1852) originally was a log hut erected in a forest clearing. An actual church was planned in 1852 and hewed from oak timers nearby. The original church was named St John's. It contained box-type pews, wood burning stoves, kerosene lamps and the choir stalls and gallery were in the back of the church.
During the incumbency of Canon Matthew (1884-1891) the present brick rectory and stable (now a garage) were completed at a cost of $3,525.00. The home still has 5 bedrooms, hardwood floors, but of course has running water (!) with 2 bathrooms and a U shaped kitchen. The home has gone from wood stove heating, to hot water heating and more recently central air was added. The large decks are a joy to sit on to watch the bird life in the mature trees. In 1889 a new church was built and the log hut became the parish hall. In January 1891 during the season of the Epiphany, the ground was broken for the new Church. June, 1891 the cornerstone was laid by former Rector, Rev J W Ashman whose son is buried in front of the south wall of the church. On All Saints Day, Nov 1, 1891, Bishop Baldwin dedicated the church and the name of the Parish was changed from St. John's to Epiphany, to commemorate the day the sod was turned. Construction took 6 years to complete.
The church has progressed much since that time. In 1903 the small one-manual hand pumped organ was removed and a two-manual organ pumped by water power was installed at a cost of $1,550. In 1949 a more up-to-date organ with chimes was installed and dedicated to those who fell in both World Wars. A joyful carillon resounds through the town of Kingsville from Epiphany's tower. We have a stone font, stained glass windows where 5 are depicting the Christian life. Buried in our cemetery behind the church are many notable figures from Kingsville's' history, including the King family. Colonel King is not only the namesake for our community but also the first Warden of our parish. The tombstones in the cemetery mark the years from 1851. At the northern edge of Epiphany's cemetery stands a magnificent black oak tree. In 1982 it was estimated to be at least 200 years old. In that year, this oak tree was placed on the honour roll of trees in the Province of Ontario, as the largest black oak in the province. The provincial assessment used various criteria including height, trunk circumference five feet above the ground, and the extent of the branches. In 2002 we added a new heating and air conditioning system to our church. A plaque in our front garden was placed by the Masons to commemorate their 100th anniversary. 2003 major renovations to our chancel area brought our rail and kneelers to the entrance of the chancel. New red carpet was laid throughout the church and our altar was brought from the wall so the celebrant may face the congregation for the Eucharist. In 2004 the donation of a sound system adds not only the church but also the parish hall, also brighter and more cost effective lighting came to the naive and chancel completing our major worship space renovations. THE RECTORY was SOLD August 2005! Our Rector now owns a house here in Kingsville. A special Vestry voted in favour of selling the 124 year old building. New Roof in 2006 complete with Copper Trim. Key Notes
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Send mail to info@epiphanykingsville.org with
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