St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church of Parry Sound is an intergenerational reformed evangelical church.
We are intergenerational because of the wide variety of generations worshiping and serving. The family of St. Andrew’s spans from the Silent Generation through to Generation Alpha, however we all worship, serve and learn together and from each other.
We are reformed theologically because of our emphasis on Scripture, the Sovereignty of God and Covenant theology. We hold to the “five solas” that emerged from the Protestant Reformation:
Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone
The Bible is the only inspired and authoritative word of God. It alone is the source for Christian doctrine. It is not just for the clergy, but must be accessible to all.
Sola Fide – Faith Alone
Justification is received by faith alone. God declares people righteous, not by good works, but only by faith. Good works are then evidence of that faith.
Sola Gratia – Grace Alone
Salvation come by God’s grace (unmerited favour). Salvation cannot be earned, but it is a gift from God alone.
Sola Christus – Christ Alone
Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. There is salvation through no other.
Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God Alone
Glory and worship is to God alone, since salvation is solely through God’s will and action. God not only offered Jesus as our all-sufficient atonement on the cross, God offers the gift of faith through the work of the Holy spirit in our hearts that allows us the ability accept that atonement.
(“the 5 Solas” Presbyterian Foundation, Presbyterian Historical Society)
We are evangelical because of our commitment and adherence to biblical orthodoxy in our praise, worship. teaching and doctrine. We are committed to fulfilling the Great Commission given to us by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew 28:19-20.
Our mission field is our community, our country and our world.
Meet Our Pastors & Church Leadership
Our Directional Leadership Team works together to shape the vision and direction of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Pastor: Melissa Horkins: MDiv, SD, CHRL
Minister of Music: Len Ballantine
Interim Moderator: Doctor Reverend Neal Mathers
Clerk of Session: Ed Koke
Our Elders:
- John Crocker
- Marg Gilchrist
- Steve Gilchrist
- Suzanne Gingrich
- Susan McEachern
- Joanna John
- Sandra Thomson
Administrative Assistant: Annette Pastoor
Our History
Thomas McGown, an early Parry Sound settler, was one of those who first gathered the Presbyterians of the area for worship. Before 1877, he donated a parcel of land on the south side of Seguin Street and west of lots one and two on Gibson Street to the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Alex Logan built a frame building on this property at a cost of $500. It was known as the Zion Presbyterian Church and was located on the south side of Seguin Street at the end of Church Street. The new church opened on August 5, 1877.
After the opening of the new church, seats were allotted to subscribers. Unoccupied seats were then to be let to applicants at two dollars per annum. For some time the church building had been considered inadequate for the congregation that worshipped in it. It seemed an opportune time to build a new church and on August 4, 1901 it was dedicated.
In 1961, the new Fellowship Centre was built by George Ryder Construction.
In 1971 the Parry Sound Presbyterians celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of this congregation.
Join us this Sunday
Our doors are open and we warmly invite you in to listen, learn, grow and fellowship along with us.
Services commence at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by fellowship and refreshments.
Children’s Church and Nursery are open and freely available during all Sunday services. Rest easy while your little ones enjoy our child-friendly safe space for fun activities and learning.
We look forward to seeing you there.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body… Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…” Colossians 3:15–16