St Andrew's Presbyterian Church and cemetery are located on the west side of Dufferin Street, north of King Side Road in the Twp of King.
The property was purchased originally from Joseph Wells in 1843 for the sum of 5 pounds, but had been used since 1834, a log school house was built and also served as a church. The stone church was built in 1848 and is considered the oldest stone church in the Twp of King.
The cemetery was established in 1834 and was closed to burials in 1958 after the amalgamation of congregations. Today the cemetery is maintained by the York Pioneer & Historical Society, both the cemetery and church building are designated heritage sites.
In 1960 Lady Flora Eaton, who's summer estate was just up the road, purchased the church and cemetery. In 1967 she deeded the cemetery to the York Pioneer & Historical Society. The church was designated an historical site in 1983.
The cemetery is the last resting place for the church's first preacher, Rev. John Tawse, who served the congregation from 1834 until his death in 1860. He's buried next to his three wives.
The property is at this time for sale lets hope who ever purchases it appreciates the history its walls have witnessed. It will probably be converted to a private home. But right now if you look through the windows you will still see the wooden pews and pulpit, along with the wood burning stove that has that long chimney pipe that runs down the center of the ceiling.
If you place your hand on the stone walls and close your eyes you can almost hear the congregation still singing their praises.
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