The following was provided by the Innisfil Historical Society.
Ever wonder about the castle church in Stroud?
Roots of Stroud Presbyterian Church go back to the 1840s when a church was established at the corner of what is now County Road 4 and the Sixth Line. Three congregations were later formed from that location: Lefroy, Churchill and Craigvale. Stroud was selected for the central location and the block building was completed in 1910.
A building of this vintage requires ongoing maintenance and reconfiguration. The choir loft/pulpit area has been changed more than once over the years, most recently in 1996. Similarly, the stained-glass windows have been removed and re-leaded with improved weatherproofing around 2008. Much of this work was done by Jim Burgess in memory of his wife.
In an effort to improve handicap access, an enlarged concrete platform across the front with a wheelchair ramp provides for easier entrance through the main front doors. The ramp is bordered by pyramid cedars donated by longtime member and elder Murray Amos. This includes an improved walkway with a large Celtic cross containing a memorial flower garden — in memory of Don Koopmans — dividing the lawn into four quadrants each adorned with a flowering crab tree.
The 100th anniversary at this location was celebrated in 2009-10 with several special services and concerts.
In anticipation of our centennial, in 2009-10 an elevator lift was installed giving access to the sanctuary and lower fellowship area. Tempered glass front doors were also installed at this time on both front entrances.
As part of centennial celebrations, member William Gibbins, a former Simcoe County warden, arranged for the removal of the cornerstone on June 24, 2010. Those present anticipated finding a time capsule, but nothing was present. However, several current items were put in before the freshly refinished stone was replaced by Tompkins & Heels Monuments.
Throughout the years, Stroud Presbyterian Church has had an outward-looking mission to attend to the needs of others including in assisting the settlement of a refuge Vietnamese family in 1980.
Closer to home, as part of their mission focus, the congregation routinely supports the local food bank, Women and Children’s Shelter, Out of the Cold programs, and other community organizations that make their needs known from time to time. Much of this work is supported through a variety of dinners and musical events featuring local or invited groups.
