Knox United Church 1904, Vars

This church served the Presbyterian congregation of Vars until the Presbyterian Church merged with the Methodists to form the United Church of Canada in 1925. Sunday services were well attended as the church was an important meeting place for local people, especially farmers for whom it provided one of the few opportunities to socialize with their neighbours. During the Great Depression, organized religion and churches helped people cope with economical and emotional hardships., The balloon-frame, shiplap-clad building has all the architectural features of a Gothic Revival church, as adapted to a more rural architectural style. It has a steeple, gabled and painted arch opening above the windows and doors. The main entrance is crowned by a bell tower capped by a silver funal and double brackets., The church, complete with interior furnishings and stained glass windows, was deconsecrated and relocated to the Museum in 1977. Although the rear addition, which served as the Sunday school, was not rebuilt, a replica of the original drive shed houses the Tanner collection of hearses and a funeral coach. The church is still used for weddings and other community events.,