Take Notice that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of King intends to designate lands and premises described as West half of Lot 27, Concession 6, and municipally known as 313 Main Street, in the Township of King in the Regional Municipality of York, Province of Ontario, as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV, S. 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990.
Description of Property
Located on the west side of Main Street, south of Dr. Kay Drive, the building is known municipally as the Schomberg Presbyterian Church, 313 Main Street, in the Village of Schomberg, Township of King and is approximately 0.07 hectares in size.
Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
The Schomberg Presbyterian Church at 313 Main Street has historical/associative value, design/physical value and contextual value.
Historical/Associative Value
The Schomberg Presbyterian Church at 313 Main Street has historical and associative value for its direct association with the local Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian congregations, which were, and remain, important religious institutions in the local community.
Furthermore, although not visible, the Schomberg Presbyterian Church at 313 Main Street contains the remains of what is believed to be a former Methodist Church that pre-dates the existing structure. While this may not contribute to the aesthetics of the structure, the incorporation of the former church enhances the existing structure’s historical significance and its connection to the community. The presence of the former Methodist Church within the current building serves as a tangible link to the religious and social history of the community. This highlights the continuity of the site’s role as a place of worship and gathering, reflecting the evolving spiritual needs of the area over time.
The Schomberg Presbyterian Church at 313 Main Street also has historical and associative value for its connections to the 19th and early 20th century Village of Schomberg community as well as its connections to small rural village settlement patterns, which has the potential to yield information that contributes to an understanding of early settlement practices in King Township.
Design/Physical Value
Dating to circa 1895, the Schomberg Presbyterian Church at 313 Main Street has design and physical value because it is a good and well-maintained representative example of a one-storey, rectangular, front-gabled red-brick vernacular building with Gothic Revival influence. The structure features Gothic motifs including its steeply pitched gable ends, gothic arched stained windows and window openings, and a gothic arched entranceway transom.
The church also has design and physical value as it displays a high degree of craftsmanship and artistic merit through several of its interior features including the tongue and grove cove ceiling, original wooden floorboards, original curved wooden pews, wainscotting with painted-on wooden grain, and original decorative hardware including the door hinges.
Furthermore, although not visible, the Schomberg Presbyterian Church at 313 Main Street contains the remains of what is believed to be a former Methodist Church that pre-dates the existing structure. Archival records indicate that this structure was designed in the neo-classical architectural style. While this may not contribute to the aesthetics of the structure, the incorporation of the former church enhances the existing structure’s architectural significance. This layering of history reflects a unique aspect of the structure’s architectural evolution through an early example of adaptive re-use.
Contextual Value
The Schomberg Presbyterian Church at 313 Main Street, which has retained its original location, form, orientation, and massing, serving as a fine example of vernacular architecture with Gothic influence has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining, and supporting the fine-grained 19th and early 20th century character of Schomberg’s historic Main Street. The subject building is part of a collection of heritage properties along Main Street that are listed on the King Township Heritage Register, enhancing and complementing the overall aesthetic of the neighbouring structures while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the village’s traditional and distinct architectural style.
The subject property also has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually, and historically linked to its surroundings. Serving as a central hub for community activities and social gatherings since its earlier establishment as a Methodist Church and continuing through its re-establishment as a Baptist Church in 1895, the Church’s role in providing essential services, both spiritual and social, underscores its functional link to the local community. This historical continuity highlights the property's enduring importance and its integral connection to the fabric of the community.
Notice of Objection
Any person wishing to file a notice of objection to the designation must file such notice of objection together with a statement of reasons, with the Township Clerk of the municipality within 30 days (Friday, June 13, 2025 by 4:30 p.m.), after the date of publication of this notice on the Township of King website (www.king.ca). Further information respecting the proposed designation is available by contacting Michael Maugeri, Planner - Heritage & Development at 289-800-2574 or email at mmaugeri@king.ca.
Publication Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Deadline for Objections: Friday, June 13, 2025 by 4:30 p.m.
Objections should be directed to:
Adam Foran
Deputy Clerk, Township of King
2585 King Road
King City, ON L7B 1A1
clerks@king.ca
Dated on this 14th day of May, 2025.