Central United Church
Central United Church was a United Church of Canada congregation in downtown Windsor, Ontario. The congregation dates back to 1838.
History
Central United Church traces its beginning to 1803 when a young Methodist missionary, a circuit rider named Nathan Bangs, visited and preached in the area. In 1838, the community had grown sufficiently that decisions were made to erect the first building. It was located on Mill Street in Sandwich, now Windsor.
In 1867, the Sandwich-Windsor Church purchased a building on Ferry Street from the Congregationalists and now had a full-time clergyman, Rev Hugh Johnson and later Rev John Philip. The church grew quickly and it was decided to build a church of their own design on the corner of Windsor Avenue and Chatham Street. The cornerstone was laid in 1873. The church opened in 1874 as Windsor Methodist Church. It grew and had to be expanded; however, tragedy struck a disastrous fire on January 4, 1904, that destroyed the church building.
The cornerstone of a new church at 628 Ouellette (and Wyandotte) was laid on October 19, 1904. Two years later, in 1906, it was dedicated. The building cost $46,500, half of which was raised by subscription.
Church Union to the present
A corporate union in 1925 of Methodists, Congregationalists and Presbyterian churches created the United Church of Canada, Central Methodist Church became Central United Church.
At one point, Central United was a thriving hub of activity, it's sanctuary almost fully packed nearly every week. Central is considered the "Mother Church" of all the United Churches in Windsor because it has the biggest auditorium and most modern equipment. It hosted large evangelistic meetings and preaching campaigns sometimes bringing in between 1200 to 1400 people at the events, and the minister had a regular congregation of over 800 people. Central hosted social activities, an annual picnic, Sunday school, young adults programs, Vacation Bible School, service work opportunities, tent revivals, scouts, Bible studies, and initiated the Open Doors Lounge, a precursor to the Downtown Mission.
Music has always been a crucial aspect of our congregation, and throughout the years, this has been demonstrated by us holding hymn sings, a senior's band, a handbell choir, a junior choir, and even musical performances and concerts.
Yet, at the same time, it has not always been easy for the congregation facing financial hardships, the Great Depression, two World Wars, and most recently, the global COVID crisis and building repairs, which has put us on edge and forced us to re-think how we do church. “We honestly felt that amalgamation was the best way to honour the church's ancestors, safeguard our legacy, and move forward into our next chapter of ministry to Christ and as a community of faith.” The congregation sold its church building in 2024 and amalgamated with/ into Emmanuel United Church, 1728 Lincoln Rd, Windsor. Rev. George Bozanich is the minister of the new church.
Downtown Mission
In the early 1970s, several members of The Central United Church became concerned about the growing number of disadvantaged people in the downtown area requiring help, a safe place to gather, and a nutritious meal. Although their resources were limited, they were resolute that something good would be achieved. Through their hard work, imagination, creativity and with the Grace of God a Drop-In Centre called The Open Door Lounge began welcoming hurting people in Windsor’s core.
Since its inception, the Downtown Mission of Windsor has moved several times, changing, evolving, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the Windsor-Essex Community. The work of the Mission is now done primarily through the extreme generosity of our Community.
Cencourse
In 1974, during the ministry of Rev. Donald C. Wilson, a massive project involving what became the Cencourse Project was undertaken. After much effort and alteration to the building, and with the help of Canada Mortgage and Housing, it was finished in 1980. Today, a 17-story, 294-unit apartment building provides needed housing.
Trivia
On Wednesday, June 20, 1882, perhaps the most famous woman of her time, Annie Oakley, was married in Windsor Methodist Church to her manager/rival Frank Butler. The marriage lasted until her death at age 66
The congregation amalgamated with Emmanuel United Church at their location.