Our Past and Present
Looking back to 1977 and the beginnings of the history of Trinity Presbyterian Church it seems a little like reliving history as so many of the events in our past are now being mirrored in our present history, as once again, Trinity embarks on the exciting process of building a new church. In 1977 the first members of Trinity under the leadership of Rev. Ralph Kendall met in local schools in the sparsely populated and totally undeveloped lands of Kanata. By Feb. 1979, 29 members made the commitment to build a church. The result of that commitment was the completion and dedication of the “White Church on the Hill” in May of 1981. This first “passive solar” church in Canada was designed and built by architect Barry J. Hobin and Associates who was ably assisted by Mr. Bruce Gough, a passive solar heat expert.
In June of 1983 Rev. Kendall was called to work with the Board of World Mission of the National Church in Toronto. Less then two months later Trinity welcomed Rev. John Bannerman as its minister and began a new phase in its ministry with enthusiasm and an awareness of the call to announce the Christian Gospel. In July of 1992 Rev. Bannerman was also called to work with the National Church in Toronto, as part of a group of three people under the title of “Education for Discipleship.”
Rev. Shaun Seaman was called to minister to our congregation in 1993, and we still continue under his inspirational guidance. Available for talks, discussions, laughs and reassurance, Shaun remains our bulwark. Assisting him from time to time, various assistants and student ministers have ministered at Trinity – Blair Bertrand served as part-time Youth and Family Minister until he began his seminary studies, Mike Munnik, who now works for CBC, Joel Sherbino, who now pastors in Paris, Ontario, Mathew Hearne, and Lindsay Gillett, a recent theology graduate who now works for a charitable association.
Trinity’s present full time Youth and Young Family Minister, Adam Janes came on board in August, 2006 and with contagious enthusiasm he has introduced many new exciting programs and greatly expanded Trinity’s youth programs, not only within Trinity but outreaching into the community as well. With his relaxed manner and knowing how to appeal to this age group Adam inspires youth to hear the Gospel message, showing the youth how God’s message is relevant to them. And thus this brief overview of Trinity’s history comes to present day when once again, having outgrown our present surroundings, the member of Trinity are embarking on the exciting prospect of building a new church.
In February, 2000, faced by the realization that Trinity had outgrown its present location, Session, the governing body of Trinity established a Building Planning Committee to analyze all options. It was decided that as hard as it would be to leave our present site, it would be more feasible financially to build on a new site than expand on the current property. Proceeding, however, depended on locating an affordable property. In 2001, we were blessed with a most generous donation by the Powell family of four acres of land on Richardson Side Rd. Our new address will be 1817 Richardson Side Road, which is about 6 minutes from our present location..
The firm of, Ralph Vandenberg Architect Inc., and the construction management firm, Hawkey Church Management Ltd, have been hired to help us complete this undertaking. The plans have been approved by the local Presbytery and the national Committee on Church Architecture, Several steps in construction have already been completed. Visit this site, the Future Home of Trinity to see drawings of our new location.
Many congregational members have already donated their time and talents to help complete a number of initial stages in the construction and it is gratifying to see the outline and plan taking shape. The next important step to be completed in the progress is the successful sale of our present location. The goal is set and we hope to soon be in our new surroundings and to be able to offer even more programs and opportunities to grow together in faith and continue to reflect God’s light into the community. It’s been a great history and one we have shared as a faith community, ever growing, ever changing as communities do.