Sparta Church Museum and Cultural Centre

Sparta Church Museum and Cultural Centre. . This yellow brick building was constructed in 1886, and served as a Methodist Church until 1925 when it became a part of the new United Church of Canada. After substantial fundraising and local participation in its construction, it opened to great acclaim on October 10, 1886. The building committee had chosen Campbell and Harris to construct the chief parts of the building at a price of $3397. The sanctuary has fine cross beams and an attractive herringbone ceiling. The nave easily accommodates several hundred worshippers; the choir has two nice memorial windows dedicated to two early Spartans. There is a full basement. The original structure had a steeple. A matching manse was built next door. A few promissory notes were not honoured, and the debt was not paid off until 1916. This church and its predecessors have served Sparta and its adjacent areas for almost 200 years. The consolidation of agricultural holdings, the changing rural economic scene, and changes in preferences amongst the population were factors leading to decreased church attendance. With great reluctance, the small congregation upon the demand of presbytery agreed to disband. Substantial funds were raised by the congregation and the Sparta and District Historical Society to enable the latter to acquire the church and manse. The transfer of ownership took place on May 28, 2012.