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| The people of Ethelton trace their church history to 1897 when 12 members formed a Sunday School at Flett's Springs. In 1901, Mr. (a student minister) & Mrs. Wilson, took up a homestead and had service in their home. During the following winter, logs were hauled, sawed at Flett's mill and a church was built on the corner of Mr. Wilson's farm. The church was served by dedicated Presbyterian ministers and students. This church is a historic land mark today. When Fortuna school was moved to the "Stevenson Corner" in 1913, church services were held there with Mr. H. Milne as student minister. A Ladies Aid was organized at the home of Mrs. James Morrow and an organ purchased for the school house. In 1922, the school was moved cornerwise across the road and became the Ethelton school, hall and church. During the depression years of the 1930's, a church building was erected in the townsite and dedicated in 1934. In 1968, when the church building was in need of major repairs, the Church Board opted to buy the now vacant school building. It was completely refinished as a church in 1971. In 1918, Ethelton, Flett's Springs and Pathlow became a self-supporting charge and by 1921, the manse was located at Pathlow, a thriving village and business centre. In 1925, the church entered union and became the United Church of Canada. Pleasant Valley was added. Later, Beatty and Meskanaw were added while Pleasant Valley became part of Melfort Pastoral Charge and Flett's Springs closed. In 1970, Ethelton amalgamated with Kinistino. Beatty, Pathlow, and Meskanaw closed to make Ethelton a strong church. In May 1995, a cairn, commemorating the beginning of the United Church of Canada in Ethelton community, was dedicated. At the base of the cairn is the 1930 cornerstone of the original church building. Ethelton has been an aggressive, dedicated church. In 1989, a Unified Board was organized to replace the former separate boards. Sunday School has continued, an integral part of the church community, with decicated teachers. The U.C.W. has remained very active in spite of declining membership. Worship services include all generations. In 1995, Ethelton United Church amalgamated with Melfort United Church, forming the Melfort-Ethelton Pastoral Charge. We look forward to years of worship, study, service and change. |
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| Ethelton United Church HISTORY |