Church built in 1910 to get a heritage designation in Mississauga

A church with roots dating back to the 1800s got approval for a heritage designation in Mississauga.

Dixie Presbyterian Church at 3065 Cawthra Rd. got the nod for the designation at the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting on Sept. 10.

Like many early Canadian churches, Dixie Presbyterian began with services in homes.

Congregates with a precursor to the church, Sydenham Presbyterian, met in the 1820s in the home of Thomas Robinet, a report to the Heritage Advisory Committee states. After the Robinet family moved, services rotated between other parishioner’s homes.

In 1878, the congregation joined Union Chapel in Dixie, which served as a meeting place for local Baptists. Dixie Presbyterian joined with two other congregations to form Port Credit-Dixie-Malton pastoral circuit in 1882.

Dixie Union Chapel and St. John the Baptist Church are seen in a postcard from circa 1910.

The congregations bought the property on Cawthra Road in 1910.

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Toronto architect, Herbert G. Paull designed the Edwardian classical-style church and Lieutenant Governor John Morrison Gibson laid the cornerstone on July 23, 1910.

The church was built for $10,000 and was made of red brick stone from Milton, the report states. A 200-pound bell was donated by Rev. George Duncan.

The first service was held on Dec. 11, 1910.

The church has changed over the years. A modern wing with a new kitchen was added in 1963. In 2006, an elevator was added and the washrooms were improved to make the church accessible.

Attendance at the church peaked in the 1980s and has been in decline, the report states. In 2004, there were 100 members.

Dixie Presbyterian Church as it looks today.

In 2023, Dixie Presbyterian celebrated its 145th anniversary.

The church was selected for a heritage designation due to its history, ties to local families and design.

“The church has a long history within the community and is still active today,” the heritage report states. “It is also a rare example of a church built in the Edwardian Classicism style.”

For more information see the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting here.

Lead photo: Dixie Presbyterian Church circa 1930, Richard L Frost Postcard