The former Blytheswood Presbyterian Church was the parent of Knox, Leamington. This early Blytheswood Church, which originated in the 1850's, held services in the old log school house.

Knox Leamington owes its origins to a group headed by the late John McRobie Selkirk, Leamington's first municipal clerk. It was in his office, over the post office then located on Erie Street North, that some early Presbyterians met on May 8, 1876, to establish themselves as a mission station connected with the Blytheswood Church, and to forward a request to the Presbytery of Chatham to form a congregation. On August 2, 1876, the new Knox Church, Leamington, came into existance with 23 communicant members.

In 1877, the congregation built its own frame church, where our present church stands, as a cost of $2,300.00 - the property having been purchased for $300.00.

In 1888, Knox Leamington, having increased in numbers, requested separation from Blytheswood to be formed into a separate, self sustaining congregation.

On May 2, 1891, the frame church was destroyed by fire. Again without a place to meet, the congregation went to work at once constructing our present brick church on the same site. Funds were raised from their own liberal donations, and from friends sympathetic over the burning, with the new church opening February 28, 1892.

In 1925, the members embarked upon an extensive enlargement and renovation of the church building. By extending the sanctuary eastward the seating capacity was increased and the present choir loft added. The rooms where the present study and office are located were also built, with a new furnace room below. At the same time the Ladies Aid installed the present Casavant Organ.

In May 1955 Knox Hall was built. 1991 saw the successful completion of the Sanctuary Restoration Project. During 1995 and 1996 the lower hall and entrance were renovated and the building was brought up to fire/building codes. The renovation also included the installation of an elevator.

During the years we have been privileged to have various groups in our congregation to provide fellowship, and learning opportunities.

As a congregation, we continue to reach out to help meet the needs of others locally and globally through our support of the Salvation Army Food Bank, Shalom Counselling, Presbyterian Sharing and Presbyterian World Service and Development, among others.

Compiled by Louise Bryon

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