Cooksville United Church

A Church That Cares

We are called to reach out with love to a multicultural and diverse community with unique celebrations and programs in inter-church and inter-faith service to the community by: extending Christian Education for all age groups; Youth programs; including our ethnic and multicultural community; initiating inter-faith cooperation; seeking to reach out to people in our community; updating our programs and assessing community needs e.g. singles, women; and involving all groups in the life and witness of the church.

We shall endeavour to update our mindset and focus.

Our Roots -
The members of Cooksville United Church can be justly proud of their rich heritage in the early religious and social development of this area of Mississauga.

The first church was the Cooksville Methodist Church. Our first meeting place was a log cabin erected in 1821 that served approximately forty worshippers. This arrangement continued until 1844 when a plaster and lathe building was built on Agnes Street near Cook Street. The first Sunday School was started on April 13, 1845. For many years, it was the only Sunday school in the village.

In addition to ordained clergy, laymen, especially lay preachers, played an important part in church life. In 1877, it was apparent that a larger place of worship was necessary. It became a reality in 1877 with the new brick building being dedicated on Christmas Day of that year. In 1925, the Cooksville Methodist Church became part of the United Church of Canada (a merger of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists.)

The planning for our present building started in 1955 with the purchase of land on Mimosa Row. It was completed and dedicated on May 28, 1961. The foundation stone from the old church is located in the inner chancel wall, within which is sealed the original relics and then current documents, papers and coins of the realm. It is also of historical significance that Mr. & Mrs. Henry and Margaret Madsen brought a stone back from the First Methodist Church in Canada. This church was located in Point de Bute, New Brunswick and was called the Stone Chapel (1788-1820). This stone was incorporated into the stone work of Cooksville United Church on the wall behind the Choir.

A huge stone upon which a plaque was mounted with information about Cooksville United Church was placed on church grounds in 2005.

One of the main features of the church is a beautiful stained glass window which states "He was known to them by the sharing of the bread."

The deep faith and pioneering spirit that is our heritage from the past years will sustain us in carrying forward the work of God in our community. Our church now welcomes many from different parts of the world.

About the Service

Sundays at 10:30am. All Welcome !

About the Neighbourhood

The former community of Cooksville, in Ontario, Canada, was centered around the intersection of the former Highway 5 (Dundas Street) and Highway 10, the old town of Cooksville now makes up the centre of the City of Mississauga.

Jacob Cook, for whom the area is believed to be named, bought 100 acres (0.40 km²) at Dundas and Hurontario streets for $30 in 1819.

Cooksville grew in size and influence until the Great Fire of 1852 razed much of it. A tornado hit the area on June 24, 1923 destroying mostly rural farmhouses around the town.

Today there are approx 126,000 residents of Cooksville.

Cooksville has all the modern conveniences and a mixture of private houses and condominiums.

Quick Facts

Who do I contact with questions?

Contact Cathy or Rose in the Church Office or Rev. Smith.

What music is played during services?

Various instruments, organ, piano, guitar, drum and trumpet during Sunday service. We have 3 excellent choirs, and a dedicated Music Director, Joy Tappenden.

What's heavenly about your church?

The people.

How do people dress for service?

Some a little dressy, most casual.

What happens after the service?

Coffee in the Auditorium or lemonade on the lawn in summer.

Church Minister

Rev Dr Neville L. Smith

Rev Smith is of Dutch background. He has been an ordained minister for 38 years, and has been in Canada for 20 years. His wife Joan is a diaconal minister and they have 2 adult daughters. Rev Smith has worked in many diverse types of communities and congregations. He has been at Cooksville United for 5 years and the congregation has grown remarkably. He has an enthusiastic and dynamic personality and is deeply committed to the well-being and spiritual development of his 'flock'. He loves to sing and play the steel drum. He is the author of several books including 'Memories of Gold' which gives the history of Sint Maarten, where he grew up, and covers the period 1945-1960. He is currently Chair of Halton Presbytory and a Commissioner of the General Council United Church of Canada..

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