The roots of Presbyterianism date back to the Protestant Reformation of 16th century Europe.  Largely under the leadership of John Calvin (of France) and John Knox (of Scotland), the Reformed (Presbyterian) Church grew across Europe and into the British Isles.  This is why today so many Presbyterian Churches bear the name Calvin or Knox.  St. Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland, is also the Patron Saint of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, reflecting our Scottish roots.

Presbyterianism was established in Canada by Scottish, Irish and European pioneers.  In 1875, The Presbyterian Church in Canada was formed.  Today we have over 1,000 congregations across the country, with our membership exhibiting the social, cultural and regional diversity we find in Canada today.
 

The Session In the Presbyterian Church, the ruling court of the congregation is the Session. It is composed of men and women who are elected by the congregation and Session together. These persons called Elders usually have districts of people from the congregation with whom they regularly visit and maintain contact.

While the Session has oversight in all matters of congregational life, its focus primarily is on spiritual and procedural matters. Sub-committees of Session, which are also composed of congregational members help in the Session’s effectiveness when considering the different aspects of our church. The standing committees of Session are: Worship and Music, Missions, Christian Education and Pastoral Care.

 

The Board of Managers At other Presbyterian churches this committee is sometimes known as the Finance and Maintenance Committee. They are primarily responsible for the church building upkeep and for financial matters of the congregation. This committee is responsible to the congregation through the decisions determined at the Annual Congregational Meeting. The Board has committees of: Finance, Property & Maintenance, Personnel and Stewardship.