Local churches all more than 100 years old

Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River’s history would not be complete without looking at some of the historic churches in the community.
Knox United Church
The word “united” really says a great deal about the roots of the church. As Rainy River began to boom at the turn of the last century the demand for things like schools and churches also grew. Two churches sprouted up almost immediately. The Methodist held its first service in 1901 with a travelling missionary presiding over the congregation in the first public school which was located near the river where the water treatment plant is today.
Also under the guidance of a travelling missionary the Presbyterian Church began around 1901. Both congregations grew quickly and plans to build church buildings were drawn up in 1901 and 1902 respectively. Ground was broken for the Methodist Church at what is now the corner of Third and Broadway Avenue.
The first frame, which was dedicated by Rev. F.A. August of Port Arthur, went up in May of 1902. The interior decor of the church was done by local tradesman Alfred Brown.
Around that time the plans were being inked for the Presbyterian Church. A year later F. Crackel plastered the edifice and it was later dedicated for worship by Rev. G. Rochester, Supt. of Missions stationed at Rat Portage (Kenora). The church, which still stands today, was built at the corner of Third St. and Mill Avenue.
But the use of both churches as such would last only two decades. As the Methodist and Presbyterian movements grew across the country it became clear that they were in many ways of the same cloth. In 1922 the two local churches chose to “unite” some three years in advance of the national unification. Four years later the United Church Board of Managers and Board of Trustees decided with the congregation’s consent to sell the former Presbyterian Church to the I.O.O.F. Lodge for $2,000. Today it is an apartment building.
Using the proceeds from the sale the United Church was lifted and a full basement was built under it. That served as the foundation for a church that has continued to serve the community for 100 years with a few renovations over the years.
The United Church celebrated its centennial two years ago.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church
In 1897 a rough building was erected at Beaver Mills and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church was founded. It was located on the river bank just west of the Hughes and Long Mill. In 1901 a larger church was constructed. In 1904 that church was moved via the ice to just north of the church’s present day location on the top block of First St. In 1904 a separate school was started in the church. In 1905 the church was moved to where the hydro sub-station is on Government Rd. It served as both a church and school until a new church on First St. could be built.
The new church was completed in 1906 and in 1911 a rectory was built next door. On Jan. 7, 1951 it burned to the ground. A new church was built and is still at the corner of Broadway and First today.
The Catholic church is formally celebrating its centennial this year as well.
St. James Anglican Church
In 1904 services were held at the Orange Hall in an effort to start an Anglican Church in Rainy River. Mr. A. Williscraft was appointed People’s Warden to raise $1,500 and in Sept. of 1904 they completed the current church. The church was consecrated in 1907 when the debt was paid off.
In 1963 a new electric organ was purchased and a new chimney was installed when the wind blew the old one down.
The Anglican Church is celebrating its centennial this year.
Rainy River Evangelical Covenant Church
Officially organized in 1946 it actually began several years earlier with services and bible studies being held in various locations around the community.
A church was constructed at the corner of Fifth and Mill Ave. where Kelly and Barb Legiehn live today. However, fire destroyed the interior of that building in 1949. Eventually the congregation purchased the property on First St. and moved in next to the Catholic Church. It has been added onto several times and in recent years the congregation has been looking at building a new larger church in Rainy River.
Ukrainian Catholic Church
It was founded in 1946 and built at the corner of Eighth St. and Broadway Ave. It has sat relatively unused in recent years but has been kept up by locals.

Good News Fellowship Church
This church is relatively new in Rainy River having started around 1997. They do not have a church building yet but are working on it. They presently meet at the high school every Sunday.