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2 The Pickering Methodists had in 1879 built a large brick church opposite the Presbyterian Church and on the site where the present I.G.A, store. This building was in use until 1937, first as the Pickering Methodist Church, then as the St. Pauls United Church. At this time the United Church decided, to use the former St. Andrews Church. When in 1879 the two branches of Presbyterianism in the Village united, they continued to worship in the old Canton United Presbyterain Church until 1891 when St. Andrews Presbyterian Church was built on the site of the earlier "Stone Church". In 1892 the former United Presbyterian Church building was sold to the Pickering Volunteer Fire Company for $300., who then converted it into a Fire and Public Hall by adding a stage and gallery and a hose and bell tower. The building continued to be used in this capacity until taken down in the late fifties to make room for a new and larger Fire Hall. Luring a violent summer thunderstorm in the mid fifties the original beautiful slate-clad tower of the Pickering United Church was struck by lightning and so badly damaged that it had to be torn down and replaced by the present plain metal one. The Pickering United Church increased in membership, particularly since the 1950's when the Morley Park Sub-division was built, so that the facilities of the church building were quite inadequate, especially in regards to Sunday School accommodation and kitchen space. In 1957 a Christian Education Centre was built to the rear of the church building. It was constructed in two stages. The west wing was built in 1957 and the east wing in 1961. The west wing contains a large auditorium and kitchen, radiant heating plant and wash-rooms, while the east wing contains the chapel, class rooms, library, minister's study and church office. The Christain Education Centre was dedicated to the Glory of God on Sunday, November 22nd, 1964. In 1971 the Sanctuary was completely remodelled and renovated at a cost of approximately $15,000, the whole of which was fully underwritten by memorial gifts, volunteer labour and the profit from the sale of property. The choir loft was removed, a chancel, was formed with tall back-lighted Cross and Communion Table. Beautiful new lighting fixtures were installed as well as a public address system. The Sanctuary was redecorated and wall carpeting was laid. Later new gas-fired furnaces were installed. The minister is the Rev. John F. Gertridge, B.A., B.D. Leslie M. Morley Pickering, 1974. Note:-- During the 1850's there was an agitation to change the place name "Duffins Creek" to "Canton" but the change never caught on, so it was still called "Duffins Creek" locally until almost the end of the century although Pickering was its official name.