Harcourt Memorial United Church originated from an outreach
ministry begun by Trinity Congregational Church June 4th, 1887.
This ministry thrived and did a great service to the community
of Brooklyn in south Guelph.
Brooklyn Sunday School soon came under the oversight of Chalmers
Presbyterian (now United) Church. Caroline and Robert Harcourt were
long-serving members. When the congregation was founded in 1956 at
the original Martin Street location, it was named after them.
By 1960 the activity of the church and the size of the congregation
made necessary larger church facilities. Land was purchased on Dean Avenue.
The dedication of the new church and Christian Education building
was held on January 7, 1962.
New additions and renovations were made in 1986. Dedication of the
newly renovated sanctuary and additions to Christian Education facility
and front entrance to accommodate a congregation of 627 members was held
January 25, 1987.
Over the years several people from the congregation expressed the
desire to become ministers in the United Church. The first sponsorship
of candidates for ministry was in 1978.
The program of Refugee sponsorship started in 1979. We sponsored several
families from Vietnam. Sponsorships followed as plight of refugees from
war torn countries called for, like Ethiopia, Bosnia and Sierra Leone.
In 1980 a Program of Student Internship started. The congregation and
minister agreed to provide practical experience and guidance to future
ministers of the United Church.
As the congregation was growing a second ministerial position was added
in 1987.
The need to minister to our young people resulted in adding a Youth
Worker position in 1996 to our ministerial staff. Presently, that position is a full-time Children and youth Ministry Staff Associate.
At present there are eight paid staff members and hundreds of volunteers
who enable worship and programs to happen. Together we form a caring,
supportive Christian community.
The church Council is appointed by the Congregation at the Annual
Meeting. It's mandate and responsibilities are: to keep the purpose and vision of the congregation before the congregation;
discern the strategic priorities and annual goals for congregational life and work;
ensure that congregational committees and teams are adequately equipped (policies, people, information, skills etc.);
monitor progress of core ministry teams and flexible ministry teams towards meeting annual goals and strategic priorities;
and operational oversight.
Christian Development
This committee has a commitment to lifelong learning for all ages, by
fostering and nurturing spiritual growth through programs and
activities. Their job is to facilitate spiritual well-being and growth within the Harcourt Christian community and beyond.
Sub-Committees: Library Committee, Spiritual Companionship Committee and Sunday School Committee
Fellowship & Communications
Through activities and publications, this committee provides information,
acceptance and support to new and existing members to promote
fellowship, involvement and growth.
Sub-Committee: Newsletter Committee
Finance Committee
This committee is charged with the responsibility
for the stewardship of funds for the continuing financial stability of the congregation.
Justice & Outreach Committee
This committee responds and calls others to action about
community and global issues which influence the well-being of humans
and their environments.
Living the Welcome Committee
This is a new standing committee of the Council. Please click HERE
to see the chart. The Mission Statement of this committe is: "To extend and practice hospitality to the LGBT community,
residents of South Guelph, and University Sutdents so Harcourt is a relevant and vibrant Christian commuity who celebrates diversity."
If you are interested in participating on any of the committees listed in the chart, please call the church office.
Sub-Committees: Univerity Team; Branding Committee; South Guelph Team; LGBTQA Committee, Electroninc Commuication Committee
Pastoral Care Committee
Responsibilities of this committee are to identify the needs for pastoral care on an ongoing basis, recruit volunteers and comunicate needs to the congregation, facilitate appropriate training and monitoring for caregivers in accordance with the "Tender Trust" practices, ensure visitation to members and adherents, offer support to pastoral visitors.
Property Committee
The members, including one Trustee, ensure that the physical
environment of the church, buildings and grounds, are maintained. In addition, they
annually review rental rates and cooperate with the Trustees in
renovations and building projects.
Sub-Committee: Landscape and Garden Committee
Spiritual Life Committee
The Spiritual Life Committee's mandate is to provide members of Harcourt Memorial United Church opportunities to nurture their spiritual growth, and to oversee the ministry of the trained Spiritual Companions. The meetings of the Committee are run as a spirituality small group.
Stewardship Committee
Worship Committee
This committee acknowledges all aspects of worship as its
primary responsibility and, in conjunction with the ministers,
will respect the traditions of the church while searching for
new and meaningful means of expression that will meet the inclusive
needs of a heterogenous community.
Sub-committees: Chancel Committee; Communion Committee
