St. Thomas in Elgin County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

St. Thomas’ Church 1824

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 23, 2024

1. St. Thomas’ Church 1824 Marker

Inscription. This church was completed in 1824 on land given by Capt. Daniel Rapelje, the founder of the city of St. Thomas. It is one of the province's finest remaining examples of Early English Gothic Revival architecture. In 1825 a tower, steeple and chancel were added with the aid of a donation from Col. Thomas Talbot. The first incumbent, the Rev. Alexander Mackintosh a missionary deacon who served from 1824 to 1829, was also the village schoolmaster. One of the earliest churches in the Talbot Settlement, St. Thomas' was consecrated in 1833 and used continuously until the completion of Trinity Church in 1877. Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.

Location. 42° 46.636′ N, 81° 12.366′ W. Marker is in St. Thomas, Ontario, in Elgin County. It is at

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the intersection of Walnut Street and Church Street, on the right when traveling east on Walnut Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 57 Walnut St, St Thomas ON N5R 2Y9, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McArthur’s Raid, November 11, 1814 (here, next to this marker); Jumbo (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Dr. Charles Duncombe (1791-1867) (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); a different marker also named Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Col. the Hon. Thomas Talbot 1771-1853 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (2014)

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 23, 2024

2. St. Thomas’ Church 1824 Marker

(approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (1898) (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Thomas.

Also see . . . A not-so-silent celebration of Old St. Thomas Church. Bicentennial committee has a full year of event planned to celebrate church's 200-year history. The land for the church and its churchyard – the resting place of many early St. Thomas residents – was donated in 1821 by Daniel Rapelje whose farm was the start of today’s city. He had buried two children on the property. Construction began in 1822. “(Old ST. Thomas) is important because it’s the oldest church between Six Nations and Amerherstberg,” Steve says. “It certainly predates anything in London.” (Submitted on August 31, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

St. Thomas’ Church, 1925 image. Click for full size.

3. St. Thomas’ Church, 1925

Source: Library and Archives Canada (public domain)

St. Thomas’ Church interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, 2019

4. St. Thomas’ Church interior

St. Thomas’ Church, 2024 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 23, 2024

5. St. Thomas’ Church, 2024

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 259 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 31, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.