The Presbyterian Church

Read the article What's in a name? by Tony Plomp.

The first Presbyterians (Calvinists) to arrive in Canada were French Huguenots, who settled at Cap Rouge, Quebec, in 1541, under the leadership of Sieur de Roberval. Other Huguenots settled in 1610 at Port Royal, Nova Scotia. Throughout the years of colonisation, many Presbyterians settled in the New World, particularly those of Scottish descent. By 1875, there were 14 independent Presbyterian denominations in Canada.

In 1875, all Presbyterian denominations united to form The Presbyterian Church in Canada. In 1925, the Methodists and Congregationalists, and 70% of Presbyterians united to form the United Church of Canada.

Today, The Presbyterian Church in Canada comprises 1,230 congregations, with a membership of 150,000, the largest number of congregations and members being in Ontario. In addition to our English congregations, there are several Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Arabic, French, and Hungarian congregations.

We support many missionaries throughout the world—India, South Korea, Taiwan, Central America, and Africa being our major emphasis.

As Presbyterians, we believe in the Bible as God's holy Word, the only rule for life and living, and that it is our joy to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God's only Son, which is manifested in service to Him and the world.

For further information, take a look at the web site for The Presbyterian Church in Canada, or contact the Church Office (see "Contact St. John's" for details and addresses).