History of the Church of Christ in Newmarket

The birth of the Newmarket congregation grew out of positive circumstances, and was envisioned by two families from different congregations: Dennis & Sheila Bromley (from Ajax) and Clare and Elsie Preston (from Pine Orchard).

The Bromleys moved to Newmarket in 1959 and attended for a time at the Pine Orchard congregation. Together with the Prestons, and a financial gift from Pine Orchard, they began a work in Newmarket in March, 1962. The work began primarily as a youth outreach/Sunday school program. Maple Leaf Public School served as the meeting place for the afternoon program (and was free of charge). A door-knocking campaign successfully attracted the kids. There were initially approximately 100 children and 4 teachers. Other families attracted to the work joined in this year and in 1963 include: Nelsons, Stevens, Slaters, McLeods, and Mashinters.

Every available adult taught and participated in everything in the early years. With the influx of families by 1963, worship services were also begun. Various visiting preachers helped out until the arrival of Magnar Knutson, Newmarket’s first full time preacher. Until this time, children were taxied to and from Sunday school by the various members. A bus program coincided with Magnar and Joan’s arrival. Mid-week Bible study, held on Tuesday’s originally, was rotated from house to house. The year 1964 also brought our first campaign led by Howard Wakefield from Valdosta, Georgia. The greatest growth periods were during such campaigns.

Everything was a group effort, including the purchase of the property and the construction of the building. The property was acquired at $17,000 ($7,000 put forward from the church, and $10,000 loaned by the Mashinters). The building was built in 1967 with the contributing work of many men and women in the congregation. Avard Lee did the block-work, while the women participated in the laying of the floor. The early years saw no shortage of excuses to get together outside of worship services. Many a New Years party went on until the wee hours of the morning. There were various annual get-togethers as well, including: the corn roast, winter picnic, and a Sunday school picnic.

Other Notes of Interest

In a span of 40 years we had the position of full-time paid minister filled by three men: Magnar Knutson, Keith Thompson, and Brian Cox. Following Brian an interim minister was hired: Stephen Johnson. Stephen stayed with us for one year until our current minister was hired: Nathan Pickard.

The bus program peaked in the 1980s but declined due to various factors (mothers began working outside the home, organized sports for children were held on Sundays, the average family size shrunk, and Sunday shopping was permitted).

Various members throughout the years led the teens (or ‘young peoples’).

An eldership was first appointed in 1976, consisting of Art Jackson, Harvey Mashinter, Clare Preston, and Wes Mcleod.