St. John's United Church

St. John’s United Church stands in the heart of Belwood, and its bell tower can be seen from across the lake. The congregation dates its founding to 1856 (a parish history held by the Wellington County Museum and Archives covers 1855 to 1980). The stone church on Queen Street was built in 1872–73 as a Presbyterian church; in keeping with its tradition it at first allowed no musical instruments in worship, and when an organ was introduced in 1878 a number of members protested and left. The building survived the creation of Belwood Lake in 1939–42, which submerged about half of the village’s houses and most of its business district.

Today St. John’s forms the Belwood-Metz Pastoral Charge of The United Church of Canada together with St. Paul’s United Church in the hamlet of Metz. The minister is Rev. Shelley Smith, and Kara Shaw directs music at St. John’s. Congregational traditions include an annual Vacation Bible School, an active church school for children and a Spring Luncheon, and the two churches share a musical ensemble known as ‘John-Paul’. Worship is in English.

What to expect

The congregation offers worship in both traditional and contemporary styles and wants visitors to feel at home and warmly welcomed. Music is a strength, with a Chancel Choir and 'John-Paul', a musical ensemble shared with St. Paul's, Metz, that brings together musicians of various ages; there is a church school for children, an annual Vacation Bible School and Friday-night coffee-house style musical gatherings.

What United Church members believe and how they worship