Our History
Brief History of Harcourt
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
