The original name for Welcome is Guideboard. The story goes that there was a sign board at what is now Welcome Corners with arrows pointing to various destinations. On top of the Guide Board was the greeting “Welcome” so travellers associate this with the village – or else all the arrows fell off leaving only Welcome.
Regardless, on Jan. 1st, 1834, John Eynon, a missionary and Circuit Rider wrote in his diary, “Last night I preached at Guideboard”. For our 150th anniversary, we had plates to commemorate the Circuit Rider. The message on the back of the plate says – “Neither cold nor wilderness kept him from carrying the gospel to every home”.
In 1844, a frame church was erected down the hill west of Welcome Corner. Then in 1866, the present lot was bought and a church either built or moved here – no record of which. There were 10 Bible Christian Churches in Hope Township, Guideboard being one.
Then it was decided to build a new church. An article from the local newspaper for Oct. 1, 1880 tells of a beautiful gothic structure. “The windows have an embossed centre and frames with stained glass sides. Seats are modern style, not box pews. They have cast iron ends and an extra seat that can be pulled out from the end of the pew. Two chandeliers will add light and there is a winding staircase to the lower vestibule.” The church opened on Sunday, Oct. 3rd and the women prepared tea for 1000 people for the open meeting on the Monday. There were 3 services. The cost of the church was $4000 with $32 left over.
Unfortunately, nine years later, it burned leaving only the wall. There was $2000 insurance and the church was rebuilt within a year – once more debt free.
In 1884, we became a Methodist church and in 1925, when the United Church of Canada was formed, Welcome Methodist Church became Welcome United Church. The manse next door was built in 1927.
The quilt on the south wall, made by the Welcome United Church Women (UCW), tells of our story. In 1969, realignment was done by presbytery and Morrish, Zion and Wesleyville United Church congregations joined with Welcome United Church.
The increase in young people required a new addition to be built to the west of the church. This included indoor plumbing. No cold winter trips to the driving shed.
In 2012 Garden Hill, Canton and Welcome United churches amalgamated, leading to the formation of New Hope United Church.
Though we have a church building, the real church is the people. 2026 will be the 192nd birthday of the congregation and 146th of the church building in this location.
The AOTS Men’s club was the only one in the Cobourg Presbytery. It was always amazing that when the east foundation of the church was sinking, four of the men jacked up the church, excavated half of the hall and put in a cement wall. Did you every wonder why half of the room is carpeted and half tiled? No contractors were needed.
We have many special memories – Easter Sunrise and outdoor summer services, Sunday School, CGIT, Scouts, Quin-mo-lac, yard sales, Bazaars, pancake and strawberry suppers, pot lucks and great music with junior and senior choirs. Our choir was famous. Lorna Sedgwick told that when she and Wendell came for his first service, she thought that a special choir had been brought in for the occasion.
The musical trio Affinity, comprised of Barb Croft, Brenda Ough and Ruth Lamb, led by Steve Sword, was amazing. Then there were the Buskers, playing instruments and leading joyous sing songs.
Concerts and musicals, originated by Christine and Tom Wilson and performed at Canton Hall involved young and old. They were great fun, enjoyed by all.
At one variety night held at the local school gym, a fire call came in while the choir was singing. Almost half of the choir, being volunteer firefighters, rushed out.
We remember those many dedicated members that helped make these events possible.
With the help of ministers, like Calvin, energetic positive members and God’s guidance, we plan to keep our church alive, and vibrant.