That simple, beautiful invitation to “lend a hand” still sums up the character of our congregation, woven from the daily encounters we have with each other, as our lives’ journeys crisscross North Leaside.

The roots of Northlea United extend back to a meeting in the Halpenny family home on Glenbrae Avenue in December 1948. The collective thought: a new United Church for this emerging neighborhood was a good idea. Officially constituted at a gathering in Northlea Public School on February 6, 1950, Northlea Pastoral Charge marked the beginning of a journey that transcended seven decades, a journey marked by resilience in the face of cultural and demographic shifts.

During the post-war optimism of the late 1940s and ’50s, North Leaside mirrored the broader Canadian expansion. St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church and the United Church of Canada established roots in this burgeoning community. In December 1948, a preliminary meeting set the course for Northlea’s United Church, mirroring St. Augustine’s trajectory. By September 1949, services were underway at Northlea School, drawing an incredible 517 members within a year, including a Sunday school bursting with 350 children and young people.

The momentum continued as the congregation purchased the manse at 647 Broadway in 1950 and embarked on fundraising for the construction of the church in 1951. The sanctuary’s construction began in 1953, concluding in 1954, with a Christian education wing added in 1959—a testament to the community’s dedication.

Fast forward to the present, we have held fast to our commitment to “lend a hand” to our local community, and to the wider world. For many of us in the neighbourhood, Northlea United Church is the constant in our lives and our community. Northlea United continues to align this with its mission to “Love God, connect with others, nurture the spirit, serve the world.” This adaptability extends to the congregation’s impressive outreach programs, reflecting a commitment to giving back to the community.

Despite the shifts, Northlea remains a community hub, accommodating activities beyond traditional church functions. When the pandemic hit, we pivoted, moving online with our worship services, shifting to live-streamed services once we could gather in person once more. In the ever-changing landscape, Northlea United Church stands as a beacon, embracing change while honoring its roots, a living testament to the spirit of “lending a hand” that continues to shape North Leaside’s vibrant community. Our motto, “In the community, for the community” still carries this sentiment forward today.

Northlea United Church – Discerning what church looks like today and beyond.