Prior to 1846 saddlebag preachers led services in Barker’s Schoolhouse located at the N.E. corner of Guelph Line and Britannia Road. Colling’s Church was built in 1846 on land donated by Joseph Colling. In 1855 the church was renamed Lowville Wesleyan Methodist Church. The present church was built in 1872 on the same site. In 1889 the Lowville-Zimmerman Charge was constituted. A new Methodist Church was built at Zimmerman in 1891. With Church Union in 1925, the Lowville-Zimmerman Pastoral Charge was created. The final regular service was held at Zimmerman in 1969. It was closed in 1975 and sold. Proceeds from the sale were used in 1984 to fund the addition to Lowville United Church. 

History
     In Upper Canada, reserves of land were set aside for the use by the Church of England (Anglican), but no provision was made for schools, churches or cemeteries for other religious denominations, especially the Wesleyan Methodists. So, until 1846, Barker’s Schoolhouse, a wooden clapboard building on the north-east corner of Guelph Line and Britannia Road was used for church services. 

     In 1846 Joseph Colling donated land on which Colling’s Church (renamed Lowville Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1855) was built. It became one of 25 churches in the Nelson circuit – which extended north to Erin, west to Ancaster and east to the border of York (Toronto). The Circuit was serviced by saddlebag preachers who were expected to preach 15 sermons every 8 days. 

     The present church was built in 1872. The Lowville Circuit which included Lowville, Davidson’s, Kilbride, Salem, Bethesda and Mountain Churches was established in 1875. The union of Wesleyan and New Connexion Churches in 1874 caused Bethel Church on Britannia Road, west of Cedar Springs Road, to close. It is the only New Connexion Church in existence today. In 1889 the Lowville-Zimmerman Charge was constituted and in 1891 a new Methodist Church was built in Zimmerman. With Church Union in 1925 the Lowville Pastoral Charge was created. In 1975 Zimmerman Church was closed and money generated from the sale helping to fund the extension built onto Lowville United Church in 1984. 

     Women have always made a major contribution to this church, with fowl suppers, strawberry socials, teas, quilting bees, craft sales and bake sales generating funds for community and overseas needs. From 1848 until the 1950’s women actively supported the the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). The Ladies Aid Society of Lowville was formed in 1899: in 1925 it became known as the Women’s Association and in 1962 changed to United Church Women (UCW). 

    Lowville Church has always been known for it’s music, especially during Rev.Kelly’s term (1930-36) when quartets, soloists, an orchestra and actors know as The Kelly Entertainers toured Ontario. The tradition of excellence in music continues today.

Today
     We are a warm, friendly country church with a family atmosphere. We reach out to newcomers moving into or just visiting our escarpment area and we are very proud of our natural surroundings and historical content. Our church has been at this location for over 130 years and many descendants of the original families are still in the area and attending our church. We publish a church newsletter four times per year called, ‘The Communipac’, for the members of our church.

     Many of the church members have worked very hard at our fundraising events and have built a worthy reputation for their baked goods and dinners. They include the Burlington Winter Carnival, the ‘All You Can Eat’ Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday in February, a Strawberry Social in season, Soup & Bun Lunches, Garage, Craft & Bake Sales, ‘Cheaper By the Dozen’ Apple & Pie Sales, a Cookie Stroll, ‘World’s Biggest Home Party’, and ‘Pork’ and ‘Beef Dinners’. New ideas and events are being sought and encouraged on an ongoing basis.