Strathcona in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Erskine Presbyterian Church
Photographed By Tim Boyd, April 4, 2023
1. Erskine Presbyterian Church Marker
In 1874 the Pearl Street Presbyterian Mission opened on Pearl Street, north of Florence Street. It was renamed Erskine by its first Sunday School superintendent to honour his former church in Scotland. On July 1, 1884 the cornerstone was laid for a new church at the corner of Pearl and Little Market (Morden) Streets. By 1900 a Sunday School was built, a pipe organ installed and membership had more than doubled.
- 1919 Ontario Basketball Champions.
- 1953-1957 Provided facilities for students of Normal School after fire.
- 1963 Church was renovated.
With the formation of the United Church of Canada in 1925, Erskine lost a number of members to Zion United Church. However, the congregation persevered and well into its second century of existence continues to be a strong support to the community through its active and innovative outreach initiatives.
Erected 2019 by City of Hamilton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 43° 15.707′ N, 79° 52.989′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early West End Hotels (within shouting distance of this marker); Crystal Palace and Grounds (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Nine-hour Movement/ Les Mouvement des Neuf Heures (about 90 meters away); Zion United Church (about 90 meters away); Baseball at Victoria Park (about 90 meters away); Strathcona Avenue Fire Hall (about 150 meters away); Hand Fireworks (about 150 meters away); The First Royal Visit to Hamilton (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
Also see . . . Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada - Balfour, James. Article on the church’s architect
BALFOUR, James (1854-1917) was a successful architect in Hamilton, Ontario during the last two decades of the nineteenth century. His father Peter Balfour was a native of Fifeshire, Scotland who settled in Hamilton in 1842, and who commenced practice as a builder, carpenter and joiner; he later served as city alderman and assessment commissioner. His son James was born in Hamilton on 24 December 1854 and was educated there at Central(Submitted on July 26, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)School, but left Canada at the age of 18 to apprentice with the prominent Scottish architectural partnership of Peddie & Kinnear in Edinburgh. He then moved to New York City for a year, and returned to Hamilton to open an office in late 1873.Photographed By Tim Boyd, July 3, 20232. Erskine Presbyterian Church Marker
courtesy of Hamilton Public Library Local History & Archives
3. Erskine Presbyterian Church Marker detail
Photographed By City of Hamilton
4. Erskine Presbyterian Church
Photographed By Tim Boyd, July 25, 2023
5. Erskine Presbyterian Church, 2023
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 26, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
