St. Thomas' Church 1838

Photos by Alan L Brown - June, 2004

 

Plaque Location

The County of Simcoe
The Township of Oro-Medonte
In Shanty Bay, on the north-west corner of Line 2 South and Church Street, 1 block south of Road 20.
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Latitude and Longitude Coordinates

44.410850 -79.581867

Plaque Text

This church is one of the few surviving structures in Ontario built of "rammed earth". This method of construction utilized wet clay mixed with chopped straw, compacted into forms and covered, when dry, with plaster or siding for protection against weather. Built in a plain, somewhat Romanesque style, the church was begun in 1838 and largely completed by 1841, although not officially opened until February 27, 1842. Lieutenant-Colonel Edward O'Brien, leading member of the Shanty Bay settlement, donated the church site and clergyman's residence, and directed the construction of the church. He and his wife, Mary Sophia, are buried in the adjacent cemetery. The Reverend S. B. Ardagh served as rector from 1842 to 1867.

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Posted April 22, 2009
According to the book, "The Pioneer Papers" by George Sneath, the church was built by John McCausland of Barrie. I personally cannot confirm the history, but just relaying what I found. If someone else knows for sure, please let us know.
M. Gedge

Posted December 9, 2008
I am doing a school project related to family history. I believe this church was built by my great grandfather and his brother and I have a picture of it in my home. The brothers were Campbells, sons of Janet Campbell from Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland. (Alec and Archibald I think.)
Could you corroborate this for me from your records? Thak you , Amy Campbell Knight

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