History of Knox Presbyterian Church

It was in May of 1841 that today’s Knox Presbyterian Church was established in St. Catharines. In the beginning the congregation held services in the Grantham Academy on Church Street, the site of today’s Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. Soon after, a Church was erected on Centre Street just east of Academy Street. Our present building was opened in May of 1860 and the Christian Education wing was added in 1957.

Throughout its 164-year history, Knox has united the Presbyterian community with worship and teaching. It has taken the leadership in assisting other congregations to become established. The lessons learned from the Good Samaritan and Matthew have been put into practice as the congregation reaches out to feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked and show hospitality to the strangers and refugees of our community, making it a better place in which to live. Knox is home to people of many races and languages and the gospel is extended through us to them and to the world.

Mission Statement

To proclaim Jesus Christ in word and deed, to make disciples and teach them to proclaim Jesus Christ.

Purpose of this Endowment

Knox Church has recognized the need for and is moving forward with our planned giving program. This activity will help to secure the future of our Church ensuring that the legacy will be maintained for future generations.

This planned giving program wishes to attract charitable gifts and retain them in perpetuity in a prudently invested expanding endowment fund. The earnings from this endowment shall be available for use in continuing the success of Knox Presbyterian Church.

Strong financial viability will allow Knox to add new programs to do more for our congregation, our Church and our community. Knox will also be better suited to respond to emerging needs through new programs.

Current gifts and donors who choose to become part of the Knox Endowment Fund will receive recognition for their support now or in the future as they wish. They will have their names published in our quarterly newsletters and in a special Knox Endowment Fund Annual Report. All members of the Knox Family are potential supporters of our Endowment Fund.

While tax motivations cannot be ignored, they are not the overriding factor in planned giving. The critical factor of any organization in relation to inviting individuals to become part of planned giving is the credibility of that organization.
We feel that God is leading Knox Church to establish this endowment, calling us to serve Him today and in times to come, through the gifts and generosity of His people.