Speedside United Church
The beginnings of the Speedside United Church go back to at least 1843. Mr. William Armstrong gave one acre of cleared land on the south corner of his farm--Lot 26 Concession 2, Eramosa Township, for the expressed purpose of building a manse and a church. The first Congregational Church building was constructed in 1855 and later, in 1880, it was replaced with the present structure.
The church is an oblong octagon stone structure, unique in this part of the country. The octagon was a favourite shape of John Wesley. But it was amongst the Scottish Congregationalists that the shape was most popular. Perhaps one of the main reasons was their policy which put church authority in the hands of the whole congregation (example--the body of believers) and established each congregation as a unit unto themselves. The octagon shape emphasized the community while placing the centrality of that community on the word and sacrament.
The superior accoustic properties were recognized immediately. In 1993, Speedside was chosen to host Music at Speedside because of these properties.
In January 1984 fire destroyed the Sunday School room and damaged parts of the sanctuary. The church building was saved in part by the heavy doors that led into the sanctuary and the fact that they were closed at the time of the fire. Happily in 1984, the official opening of the Christian Education building took place. The addition to the church has become a very popular place for various organizations and families to meet and celebrate.