A Brief History of the Community of Christ in London Ontario
The Beginning
John J. Cornish, a young man, 18 years of age, heard the Church’s message and was so moved, that he shared it with his family, his co- workers and neighbours.
With three friends to support him, he rented a hall and convinced two elders to come and preach.
Ten came to the next meeting, and then thirty-five. Ads were placed in the London Free Press and more came.
Four years later, John J. Cornish was ordained and designated Pastor
John J. Cornish may not have traveled far from his native Canada, but h7is impact was global. Born in Ontario, Canada, John J. Cornish, affectionately known as "J. J. Cornish," began studying scripture at a young age. After his ordination to the office of elder in 1875, Cornish began his lifelong career as a minister. Always striving to live the principles of the gospel, Cornish traveled around Canada and Michigan for more than fifty years. Along the way, he tirelessly shared the love of Jesus Christ, baptized as many as fifteen hundred people, and earned a huge base of friendship and support.
A branch of the church was organized, with 35 baptized members. In 1875, a little frame church was built on a lot on Maitland Street.
The congregation grew with over 300 members and in 1915. R.C. Evans laid the cornerstone for a new building, which was formerly opened with President Frederick M. Smith in attendance.
It was a red brick structure with a pipe organ and stain glass windows.
The Stained Glass Window
The Good Sheppard Stain Glass Window was originally installed at the newly build church of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 344 Maitland Street London ON (1915-1916)
The official opening was November 19 1916.
This window, entitled “The Lord is My Shepherd”, was donated by the Ladies’ Aid Society at the cost of $150.
This window, as well as all others in the church, was made and installed by Hobbs Manufacturing Company, Ltd. London ON
The artist who designed this window was Thomas A. Lofvengren, who came from England in 1914 to work at Hobbs, and returned to England in 1934.
He learned the trade in England and was a member of the British Society of Master Glass Painters, which gave him the privilege of signing his name to the window. His initials are at the bottom left and right corners of the window.
The wording at the bottom of the window is:
T.A.L. Hobbs Mfg. Co Ltd. London, Ontario Donated by Ladies’ Aid “The Lord is My Shephard” A.D 1916
The New Building
In 1996, a neighbouring high school required the property at the Maitland St location.
The church was forced to find a new home. Using money from the sale of the Maitland Street Church, a new facility was begun with ground breaking in April 1997at the Colborne Street location in the Woodfield district.
Under the guidance of a dedicated building committee, the new church was completed in early 1998.
The stain glass windows from the 1916 Maitland street church were brought and installed in the new sanctuary.
The official opening of the church took place May 3, 1998 which included World Church leaders, architects, other dignitaries, and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The call to discipleship based on the foundation of dedicated men and women who have gone before and who worship together in this time and place, continues.
Cornerstone architect incorporated described the design of the Woodfield Church this way.
Located in the historic Woodfield area of central London, the design of the Woodfield Community Church respects the architecture and siting of the existing neighbourhood, while maintaining the existing building set back of its residential neighbours on Colborne street and through the location of required parking areas at the rear of the site, the building has a presence at the street and establishes itself as a community focal point.
The church is organized around a large Gathering Space which is accessed directly from the entrance tower on Colborne street and the south entrance located for convenience at the parking and the vehicular drop off. This space provides a transition between the entrances, the worship space and the classrooms, reinforcing the idea of community within the church. A library/meeting space and large Fellowship hall are also accessible from this main gathering space and provide facilities for church and community events.
The design of the church integrates elements from the previous home of this congregation, the Maitland street reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Stained glass windows have been incorporated intro the new church in key locations, including the “Good Shepherd” window, which faces Colborne street, symbolizing their respect for their past, as well as their desire to look forward. The pews have been relocated and refinished to suit the new worship space and a new cassavant organ provides the musical environment for the church, becoming the focus of numerous recitals and other musical events.
The church is constructed of buff brick, extending the tradition of buff brick churches on Colborne street, and stucco, and features a heavy timber structure in the worship space.
The Beginning
John J. Cornish, a young man, 18 years of age, heard the Church’s message and was so moved, that he shared it with his family, his co- workers and neighbours.
With three friends to support him, he rented a hall and convinced two elders to come and preach.
Ten came to the next meeting, and then thirty-five. Ads were placed in the London Free Press and more came.
Four years later, John J. Cornish was ordained and designated Pastor
John J. Cornish may not have traveled far from his native Canada, but h7is impact was global. Born in Ontario, Canada, John J. Cornish, affectionately known as "J. J. Cornish," began studying scripture at a young age. After his ordination to the office of elder in 1875, Cornish began his lifelong career as a minister. Always striving to live the principles of the gospel, Cornish traveled around Canada and Michigan for more than fifty years. Along the way, he tirelessly shared the love of Jesus Christ, baptized as many as fifteen hundred people, and earned a huge base of friendship and support.
A branch of the church was organized, with 35 baptized members. In 1875, a little frame church was built on a lot on Maitland Street.
The congregation grew with over 300 members and in 1915. R.C. Evans laid the cornerstone for a new building, which was formerly opened with President Frederick M. Smith in attendance.
It was a red brick structure with a pipe organ and stain glass windows.
The Stained Glass Window
The Good Sheppard Stain Glass Window was originally installed at the newly build church of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 344 Maitland Street London ON (1915-1916)
The official opening was November 19 1916.
This window, entitled “The Lord is My Shepherd”, was donated by the Ladies’ Aid Society at the cost of $150.
This window, as well as all others in the church, was made and installed by Hobbs Manufacturing Company, Ltd. London ON
The artist who designed this window was Thomas A. Lofvengren, who came from England in 1914 to work at Hobbs, and returned to England in 1934.
He learned the trade in England and was a member of the British Society of Master Glass Painters, which gave him the privilege of signing his name to the window. His initials are at the bottom left and right corners of the window.
The wording at the bottom of the window is:
T.A.L. Hobbs Mfg. Co Ltd. London, Ontario Donated by Ladies’ Aid “The Lord is My Shephard” A.D 1916
The New Building
In 1996, a neighbouring high school required the property at the Maitland St location.
The church was forced to find a new home. Using money from the sale of the Maitland Street Church, a new facility was begun with ground breaking in April 1997at the Colborne Street location in the Woodfield district.
Under the guidance of a dedicated building committee, the new church was completed in early 1998.
The stain glass windows from the 1916 Maitland street church were brought and installed in the new sanctuary.
The official opening of the church took place May 3, 1998 which included World Church leaders, architects, other dignitaries, and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The call to discipleship based on the foundation of dedicated men and women who have gone before and who worship together in this time and place, continues.
Cornerstone architect incorporated described the design of the Woodfield Church this way.
Located in the historic Woodfield area of central London, the design of the Woodfield Community Church respects the architecture and siting of the existing neighbourhood, while maintaining the existing building set back of its residential neighbours on Colborne street and through the location of required parking areas at the rear of the site, the building has a presence at the street and establishes itself as a community focal point.
The church is organized around a large Gathering Space which is accessed directly from the entrance tower on Colborne street and the south entrance located for convenience at the parking and the vehicular drop off. This space provides a transition between the entrances, the worship space and the classrooms, reinforcing the idea of community within the church. A library/meeting space and large Fellowship hall are also accessible from this main gathering space and provide facilities for church and community events.
The design of the church integrates elements from the previous home of this congregation, the Maitland street reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Stained glass windows have been incorporated intro the new church in key locations, including the “Good Shepherd” window, which faces Colborne street, symbolizing their respect for their past, as well as their desire to look forward. The pews have been relocated and refinished to suit the new worship space and a new cassavant organ provides the musical environment for the church, becoming the focus of numerous recitals and other musical events.
The church is constructed of buff brick, extending the tradition of buff brick churches on Colborne street, and stucco, and features a heavy timber structure in the worship space.
