Collier Street United - Doors Open

My Church is participating in Doors Open Barrie 2008, so here is a little plug. Take some time to visit this site on Sunday 28th September, 2008 from 11:30pm to 4:00pm. For additional information, click HERE.

Services began in 1819, but the present church was erected in 1864. Renovations and remodeling have been fairly constant over the years to make room for a growing congregation. The latest major changes were completed in 1986. The bell tower and steeple have been a big part of the city’s skyline for about 150 years. Lunch available at noon ($).

Collier Street United Church, located in Barrie, Ontario had a humble start in a stable in 1819. Mr. Peter White, a Methodist preacher rowed across Lake Simcoe and conducted the first formal religious service for Barrie's early settlers in a barn owned by Mr. William Mann of Kempenfelt.

The first service in a building set apart for worship in Barrie was held on April 18th, 1836. In 1841, the first Methodist Church was erected but rapidly became inadequate for the growing congregation. The present structure located on 112 Collier Street was constructed in the fall of 1864 and provided seating for 600 persons.

In 1896 a brick parsonage was constructed by George Ball adjacent to the present structure. A parlour and sunday school room with seating for 500 more was accomplished with an addition to the rear of the church in 1905. A further addition was constructed in 1907 to boost total seating in the sanctuary to 1,200. It is beleived that the the large rose windows were installed at this time as well.


Collier Street Methodist Church, along with over 100 families from the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches joined the United Church of Canada on June 10th, 1925 to form the Collier Street United Church.

In 1954, the Church purchased the lot at the north-east corner of Collier and Poyntz and began construction of a new church scholl and gymnasium. The Gryphon Theatre held performances here for 3 years starting in 1970 before moving to their current home on the Georgian College campus.











Contact information . . .

Collier Street United Church
112 Collier Street,
Barrie, Ontario, L4M 1H3
email: collierunited@bellnet.ca
Phone : 726-1511 Fax: 726-0774
www.collierunited.ca