The Percy Circuit
Riders or "Saddlebag
Preachers" was formed in 1852.
Rev. William E. Walker, a Circuit Rider
himself, worked to include the Hastings
Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1858.
The Hasting Wesleyan
Methodist Church was built
eleven years after the Circuit Rider
was organized. It was a two storey building
with a graceful spire. The lot was purchased
from Henry Fowlds, the founder of Hastings.
The Church was erected on the west corner
of Bridge and Albert Street on a hill
over looking the Trent River. The church
was dedicated on Dec. 27, 1863.
In the early days
Hastings Wesleyan Methodist Church was
a mission church, but as the area grew
it became a regular station for resident
ministers. The Church soon became part
of a self-sustaining Pastoral Charge.
Over the years
it has undergone several changes, both
inside and out, but has always remained
on the same site that was donated by
Henry Fowlds in November of 1860.
Hastings United Church
has been fortunate to have been served
by many earnest and dedicated ministers.
In the early days these ministers often
laboured under adverse conditions due
to roads and weather.
In 1895 Hastings,
Bethany and Bethal churches
formed one charge. Bethany closed its
doors in 1921 and Bethel followed in
1929. Following their closure, Hastings
and Westwood churches formed one Charge
within the Peterborough Presbytery.
Reverend Hie,
in 1928, suggested that Hastings Church
be named Trinity United Church. In 1969,
in response to Pastoral realignments
and changes, Hastings and Roseneath
United Churches became a two point charge.
Once again, Hastings was part of the
Cobourg Presbytery.
As we celebrate 130
years of Christian worship
in Trinity, we look back with grateful
hearts to the pioneers who endured hardship
and sacrifice to lay a foundation of
Christian brotherhood within our community.
They have left a rich heritage of which
we can be justly proud today.
